# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=341 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 342 --- ## [Old man drives through market, kills 10...gets worse than prison?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-man-drives-through-market-kills-10-gets-worse-than-prison/381282)
**Author:** [@Subway\_Prophet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Subway_Prophet)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2012, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-man-drives-through-market-kills-10-gets-worse-than-prison/381282 "2012-02-13T23:11:26Z")
I think I like this judge, but I can’t be sure. In 2003, George Russell Weller sped his car through a crowded farmer’s market, killing ten people and injuring dozens. Yesterday, the judge found him guilty of felony veh… --- ## [Judeo-Christianity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/judeo-christianity/611966)
**Author:** [@Rune](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rune)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2012, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/judeo-christianity/611966 "2012-02-13T15:57:51Z")
What is this “Judeo-Christianity” I’m starting to hear so much about from the USA? The Jewish influence on European history and culture has been negligible, beyond what was contributed through the formation of Christiani… --- ## [Homeland security deports British twenty-somethings based on "joke" tweets](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeland-security-deports-british-twenty-somethings-based-on-joke-tweets/611223)
**Author:** [@Arnold\_Winkelried](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arnold_Winkelried)\ **Replies:** 330\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2012, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeland-security-deports-british-twenty-somethings-based-on-joke-tweets/611223 "2012-02-12T02:22:01Z")
I would imagine that most people at the SDMB would say that Homeland Security agents over-reacted. What I’m wondering is, what legal recourse should the two British people have? They must have lost some money and vacatio… --- ## [Would it be even theoretically possible for a time traveler to prevent WWI?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-be-even-theoretically-possible-for-a-time-traveler-to-prevent-wwi/612334)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2012, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-be-even-theoretically-possible-for-a-time-traveler-to-prevent-wwi/612334 "2012-02-11T03:32:54Z")
That is, assuming the existence of time travel, and handwaving any causal-paradox problems. If you could go to Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, and grab Gavrilo Princip’s gun hand just as he’s about to shoot Archduke Franz Fe… --- ## ["Feeling God's Presence"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/feeling-gods-presence/611505)
**Author:** [@GeddyClaypoolBurton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GeddyClaypoolBurton)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2012, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/feeling-gods-presence/611505 "2012-02-11T01:35:44Z")
I’ve seen many videos of people in many churches in many different religions start shaking around in church as if having a seizure or as if being present at a heavy metal concert (maybe your’ve seen this video - YouTube)… --- ## [Should Christmas still be a federal holiday?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-christmas-still-be-a-federal-holiday/612341)
**Author:** [@Cubsfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cubsfan)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2012, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-christmas-still-be-a-federal-holiday/612341 "2012-02-10T23:38:00Z")
I was thinking about this the other day. Why does the US Gov formally recognize Christmas as a holiday, including shutting down the gov in recognition? I believe it’s the only federal holiday that honors a specific reli… --- ## [The Great Divorce \[Charles Murray’s book “Coming Apart”\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-divorce-charles-murray-s-book-coming-apart/611338)
**Author:** [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2012, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-divorce-charles-murray-s-book-coming-apart/611338 "2012-02-10T23:16:30Z")
Murray’s basic argument is not new, that America is dividing into a two-caste society. What’s impressive is the incredible data he produces to illustrate that trend and deepen our understanding of it. … Since then, A… --- ## [Canadians: Should the CRTC regulate Internet content?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadians-should-the-crtc-regulate-internet-content/486279)
**Author:** [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2012, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadians-should-the-crtc-regulate-internet-content/486279 "2012-02-10T23:01:43Z")
As Canadians know, the Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulates the amount of Canadian content that is included in radio and TV broadcasts. Whether or not this is a good thing is not the … --- ## [Assessing the effects of the stimulus package (ARRA 2009)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assessing-the-effects-of-the-stimulus-package-arra-2009/612001)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2012, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assessing-the-effects-of-the-stimulus-package-arra-2009/612001 "2012-02-10T19:57:31Z")
Spinoff from this thread. The American Recovery and Investment Act of 2009. Estimated cost, $787 billion. Here’s the composition of the Act in graphic form. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee establish… --- ## [Average Total Taxes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/average-total-taxes/608479)
**Author:** [@sbright33](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sbright33)\ **Replies:** 159\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2012, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/average-total-taxes/608479 "2012-02-10T19:31:32Z")
Or should I say “Taxes” in the USA. I’ve spent many 100’s of hours studying this. I’ve asked a few friends their opinion. Now I’d like yours… What is the total amount we pay to the government, on all levels, local, s… --- ## [Paranormal, telepathy, one million price from James Randi, telepathic Vinko and spoon bender Uri Gel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paranormal-telepathy-one-million-price-from-james-randi-telepathic-vinko-and-spoon-bender-uri-gel/612345)
**Author:** [@neurostudop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/neurostudop)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2012, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paranormal-telepathy-one-million-price-from-james-randi-telepathic-vinko-and-spoon-bender-uri-gel/612345 "2012-02-10T16:27:37Z")
James Randi is offering 1 000 000 US$ to any person that can give evidence to paranormal. Things like telepathy , moving and bending objects using brain power. Over 50% of people believe in paranormal , some people lik… --- ## [I Think I Know Why God Doesn't Heal Amputees](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-know-why-god-doesnt-heal-amputees/612193)
**Author:** [@GEEPERS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GEEPERS)\ **Replies:** 405\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2012, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-know-why-god-doesnt-heal-amputees/612193 "2012-02-10T15:16:20Z")
The reality that God doesn’t heal amputees is a bit problamatic for Christians. If you believe in medical miracles, why are the healings always internal, away from the naked eye? It would be a lot more amazing if an ex… --- ## [Think Only Right-Wing Christians Doubt Obama's Professed Religion?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/think-only-right-wing-christians-doubt-obamas-professed-religion/611351)
**Author:** [@astorian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astorian)\ **Replies:** 160\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2012, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/think-only-right-wing-christians-doubt-obamas-professed-religion/611351 "2012-02-10T14:38:47Z")
There are loads of rabid “fundies” who insist that, despite his public proclamations that he’s a Christian, Barack Obama is a fraud who DOESN’T really believe in the faith he professes. SDMB regulars usually mock those … --- ## [Stanley cup winner snubs President for political reasons](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stanley-cup-winner-snubs-president-for-political-reasons/610460)
**Author:** [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)\ **Replies:** 266\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2012, 8:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stanley-cup-winner-snubs-president-for-political-reasons/610460 "2012-02-10T08:04:11Z")
Is this sort of thing common? I don’t recall any sports athletes doing this to Bush but I could be mistaken. http://www.politico.com/politico44/2012/01/boston-bruins-goalie-snubs-president-obama-111928.html In any eve… --- ## [Fall of the Roman Empire](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fall-of-the-roman-empire/595333)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2012, 7:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fall-of-the-roman-empire/595333 "2012-02-10T07:42:42Z")
I’ve been thinking lately about how the Roman Empire could have been conquered by the Visigoths. It just boggles my mind that an empire that could govern such far flung places as what are now England, Morocco, and Syria… --- ## [Minority Schools](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minority-schools/611528)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2012, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minority-schools/611528 "2012-02-10T04:27:21Z")
Ought religious and cultural minorities have their own schools? It seems a sticky question. Public schools have a lot of functions. Some (readin’ ‘rittin’ and 'rithmatic) can be done by local minority groups. Others, li… --- ## [No more Terrorism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-more-terrorism/610746)
**Author:** [@sbright33](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sbright33)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2012, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-more-terrorism/610746 "2012-02-10T00:57:12Z")
Why have there been no big domestic terrorist events in the news since 911? Are we extremely vigilant? Lucky? Or are terrorists just stupid. Certainly they wish for success. What is the most damaging in the USA sinc… --- ## [CBS' "MoneyWatch" adds environmental concerns to money ones](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cbs-moneywatch-adds-environmental-concerns-to-money-ones/612223)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2012, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cbs-moneywatch-adds-environmental-concerns-to-money-ones/612223 "2012-02-09T18:29:58Z")
Maybe this is just a rant. In this story, which CBS MoneyWatch’s Louise Tutelian’s titled “4 things never to buy at Costco,” she starts out reasonably enough. She advises against buying designer clothes at Costco: She… --- ## [Tell me about commodity ETFs and ETNs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-commodity-etfs-and-etns/611779)
**Author:** [@Swords\_to\_Plowshares](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Swords_to_Plowshares)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2012, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-commodity-etfs-and-etns/611779 "2012-02-09T17:50:25Z")
I have been thinking about commodity ETFs and ETNs as part of an investment portfolio, and I have some questions. What is the average rate of return on agricultural commodity ETFs and ETNs? I’m specifically looking at w… --- ## [Question about credit default swaps after Khan Academy video](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-credit-default-swaps-after-khan-academy-video/611278)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2012, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-credit-default-swaps-after-khan-academy-video/611278 "2012-02-09T15:43:04Z")
I was watching Sal Khan’s video on credit default swaps and was thinking about the problems with CDS’s. He points out that a ratings agency like Moody’s would give a high rating to a company like AIG allowing them to in… --- ## [Bush v Gore, the 4 that voted for Gore](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-v-gore-the-4-that-voted-for-gore/612229)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2012, 11:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-v-gore-the-4-that-voted-for-gore/612229 "2012-02-09T11:55:40Z")
Inspired by this thread This gets to the argument that on the 5-4 vote (not exactly but let’s go with it for now), the 5 handed the election to Bush. I want to take the opposite (and rarely discussed) position that \*Bu… --- ## [Dems vs. Bush2 and Pubs vs. Obama](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dems-vs-bush2-and-pubs-vs-obama/612007)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2012, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dems-vs-bush2-and-pubs-vs-obama/612007 "2012-02-09T06:01:14Z")
Because this is the Dope, this may be like throwing a match on gasoline but … I was flipping around the radio and heard Sean Hannity moderating between a Pub and a Dem. The Dem was perfectly vitriolic against a Pub Rep… --- ## [Would Transphobic people still have a problem if 100% effective sex-change surgery was available?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-transphobic-people-still-have-a-problem-if-100-effective-sex-change-surgery-was-available/612064)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2012, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-transphobic-people-still-have-a-problem-if-100-effective-sex-change-surgery-was-available/612064 "2012-02-09T01:45:49Z")
First off, it is very much not my intention to offend anyone by this question or terminology used therein, if I do so I apologise in advance. Its obvious that there is quite a bit of hostility towards transexuals out th… --- ## [Why did Russia and China really veto the resolution on Syria?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-russia-and-china-really-veto-the-resolution-on-syria/611803)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2012, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-russia-and-china-really-veto-the-resolution-on-syria/611803 "2012-02-08T18:29:27Z")
Russia and China recently used their UN Security Council vetoes to stop a resolution on Syria. What is the real reason they did this? I know Russia is currently supplying arms to the Assad regime, but is that a big eno… --- ## [Interest on public debt](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interest-on-public-debt/610732)
**Author:** [@sbright33](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sbright33)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2012, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interest-on-public-debt/610732 "2012-02-08T18:03:42Z")
How long until the interest on our public debt exceeds 50% of the total revenue? Can we estimate and include state debt? Local government debt? Then we must include all government revenue. How about our explicit guar… --- ## [Life and sentience must be biologically based? Or AI rights](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-and-sentience-must-be-biologically-based-or-ai-rights/612006)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2012, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-and-sentience-must-be-biologically-based-or-ai-rights/612006 "2012-02-08T17:23:45Z")
Inspired by this post: In this thread: I’ve come across the idea before that it is inconcievable that machines, AI or artificially constructed entities can ever be considered alive or sentient in the human sense no … --- ## ["Shall Issue" gun carry has not led to a gun holocaust. What does this teach us?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shall-issue-gun-carry-has-not-led-to-a-gun-holocaust-what-does-this-teach-us/611251)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2012, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shall-issue-gun-carry-has-not-led-to-a-gun-holocaust-what-does-this-teach-us/611251 "2012-02-08T14:23:56Z")
To reiterate, Shall Issue is the principle that anyone applying for a gun carry permit must be granted one if they meet objective requirements- they cannot be denied a permit at the local authorities’ discretion. Opponen… --- ## [Prop 8 trial update: Walker's ruling upheld](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prop-8-trial-update-walkers-ruling-upheld/585500)
**Author:** [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Replies:** 205\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2012, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prop-8-trial-update-walkers-ruling-upheld/585500 "2012-02-08T04:51:46Z")
A judge today rejected arguments made by supporters of Prop 8 who challenged that because the original judge in the trial, Judge Vaughn Walker, ruled that Prop 8 was illegal and later came out as gay that he should have … --- ## [Religion and Health Care Insurance.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/religion-and-health-care-insurance/612067)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2012, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/religion-and-health-care-insurance/612067 "2012-02-08T03:22:22Z")
Let’s try to play nice, as I am trying to understand this. The new American health care program requires employers to provide health care insurance for their employees. Do avoid our national bugaboo, the law does not re… --- ## [Does God lie?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-god-lie/611433)
**Author:** [@tazmin98](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tazmin98)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2012, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-god-lie/611433 "2012-02-07T22:50:30Z")
I was wondering if the Christian God ever lied? I’m debating with this guy and he keeps emphasizing that God never lied. But they’re already so many contradictions that I am starting to believe the people who wrote th… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=340) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=342)