# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=342 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 343 --- ## [Cynthia Nixon states she's "gay by choice". Does this harm the LGBT community?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cynthia-nixon-states-shes-gay-by-choice-does-this-harm-the-lgbt-community/610554)
**Author:** [@psychobunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychobunny)\ **Replies:** 263\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2012, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cynthia-nixon-states-shes-gay-by-choice-does-this-harm-the-lgbt-community/610554 "2012-02-07T21:59:01Z")
Story here. While I agree with her that only she can define her own orientation, it does provide ammunition for those who want to limit gay rights. Personally I agree with those who say that she should differenciate be… --- ## [Conflct between 1st and 6th Amendments](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conflct-between-1st-and-6th-amendments/611667)
**Author:** [@Clothahump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clothahump)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2012, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conflct-between-1st-and-6th-amendments/611667 "2012-02-07T20:59:40Z")
I don’t think this has been specifically discussed, so I would like to toss it out on the table. The 1st Amendment says: “\*\*Congress shall make no law \*\*respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free … --- ## [Free Trade](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-trade/611914)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2012, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-trade/611914 "2012-02-07T20:32:54Z")
What is your opinion of free trade both as to whether you support it or not and why so. It is interesting in my opinion that many of the same socialists/leftists who would like some sort of world government or at least … --- ## [Could Disney copyright the Brothers Grimm?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-disney-copyright-the-brothers-grimm/610068)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2012, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-disney-copyright-the-brothers-grimm/610068 "2012-02-07T19:41:34Z")
In an article on Slashdot discussing this Supreme Court ruling, one commenter theorizes that: So, with all the other wailing and gnashing of teeth on that thread, I’d like to ask just how much effect this ruling actual… --- ## [Assessing Obama's first three years in office](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assessing-obamas-first-three-years-in-office/611927)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2012, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assessing-obamas-first-three-years-in-office/611927 "2012-02-07T19:06:01Z")
(I’m not posting this in Elections because the topic is broader than whether Obama can or should be re-elected.) I see a lot of positive accomplishments, even with a hostile House since 2008: Domestically, at least the… --- ## [Should socio-economic status be taken into account during sentencing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-socio-economic-status-be-taken-into-account-during-sentencing/611576)
**Author:** [@Laudenum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Laudenum)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2012, 6:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-socio-economic-status-be-taken-into-account-during-sentencing/611576 "2012-02-07T06:23:57Z")
Question as above. In Ireland, we have a phenomenon that whenever a criminal is poor, and are being sentenced, their barrister was wax lyrical about their disadvantaged background and their hard upbringing. If they are… --- ## [R. Lee Ermey dissing Obama](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/r-lee-ermey-dissing-obama/611706)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2012, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/r-lee-ermey-dissing-obama/611706 "2012-02-07T02:15:32Z")
Isn’t it a bit out of place for him to do that more or less in uniform and with two Marines in dress blues standing behind him? --- ## [An Anecdote that is Supposed to Prove God](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-anecdote-that-is-supposed-to-prove-god/611942)
**Author:** [@GeddyClaypoolBurton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GeddyClaypoolBurton)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2012, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-anecdote-that-is-supposed-to-prove-god/611942 "2012-02-07T00:53:15Z")
I found this little story the other day and was wondering how you would respond to it. A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conver… --- ## [Universalized health care and drug company profits](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universalized-health-care-and-drug-company-profits/611750)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2012, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universalized-health-care-and-drug-company-profits/611750 "2012-02-06T21:24:33Z")
Under a single-payer or required-insurance scheme, why wouldn’t drug company profits naturally increase? After all, their customer base will have increased–universal health care means more people are buying health servic… --- ## [The emotional life of the higher mammals](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-emotional-life-of-the-higher-mammals/611965)
**Author:** [@Rune](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rune)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2012, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-emotional-life-of-the-higher-mammals/611965 "2012-02-06T21:24:18Z")
What kind of emotions do we share with the higher animals (excluding our closed simian cousins) in such a way that they are roughly comparable? It seems to me obvious that we share some basic feelings closely connected t… --- ## [Why not let prisoners kill themselves?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-let-prisoners-kill-themselves/611584)
**Author:** [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2012, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-let-prisoners-kill-themselves/611584 "2012-02-06T18:55:14Z")
A Canadian politician has made the news for saying, "“Basically I think that every murderer should have a rope in his cell and he can decide on his own life.” He has since apologized for his statements, but he got me thi… --- ## [What US federal anti-porn laws are not being enforced?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-us-federal-anti-porn-laws-are-not-being-enforced/609063)
**Author:** [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2012, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-us-federal-anti-porn-laws-are-not-being-enforced/609063 "2012-02-06T18:35:21Z")
http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/6425818602.html I can find no reference what laws are being referenced here. Is hardcore porn already technically illegal, and just not enforced? Or is this just a matter of theo… --- ## [Could Congress hypothetically change the prosecution's burden of proof for certain crimes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-congress-hypothetically-change-the-prosecutions-burden-of-proof-for-certain-crimes/611938)
**Author:** [@Koxinga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Koxinga)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2012, 5:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-congress-hypothetically-change-the-prosecutions-burden-of-proof-for-certain-crimes/611938 "2012-02-06T05:01:43Z")
Imagine that the “20th hijacker” of 9/11, Zacarias Moussaoui, had been acquitted of all charges rather than convicted, and there was national outrage as he went off scott free. An ineffectual prosecution was widely blame… --- ## [Should Federal govt. civilian employees make more than private sector counterparts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-federal-govt-civilian-employees-make-more-than-private-sector-counterparts/611312)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2012, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-federal-govt-civilian-employees-make-more-than-private-sector-counterparts/611312 "2012-02-06T03:33:15Z")
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released a study that on average total compensation for civilian federal government employees is approx. 16% higher than their private sector counterparts: http://www.cbo.gov/doc.cfm… --- ## [Earth Cancer or Progress](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earth-cancer-or-progress/611845)
**Author:** [@florez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/florez)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2012, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earth-cancer-or-progress/611845 "2012-02-06T03:06:02Z")
I have more respect for a Warrior that protects life—for us, for our children and grandchildren and future generations –than for a false civilization and their interests! While newspapers and television talk about the l… --- ## [How I Became a Secular Humanist/Atheist - Improved Formatting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-i-became-a-secular-humanist-atheist-improved-formatting/611921)
**Author:** [@GeddyClaypoolBurton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GeddyClaypoolBurton)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2012, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-i-became-a-secular-humanist-atheist-improved-formatting/611921 "2012-02-06T02:09:29Z")
Recently I was thinking about how I became a secular humanist and an atheist. When I was growing up, I never went to church, but my mom always told me to say my prayers before I went to sleep (“Now I lay me down to sleep… --- ## [Yet another thread on gay marriage (spinoff from abortion thread)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-thread-on-gay-marriage-spinoff-from-abortion-thread/609411)
**Author:** [@biddee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/biddee)\ **Replies:** 301\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2012, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-thread-on-gay-marriage-spinoff-from-abortion-thread/609411 "2012-02-05T17:04:20Z")
I know this subject has been done to death but to avoid hijacking the abortion thread I am asking specifically OMG a Black Conservative what his stance is on gay marriage. Since his anti-abortion stance stems from the f… --- ## [How much money does Buffet's secretary make?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-money-does-buffets-secretary-make/611578)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2012, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-money-does-buffets-secretary-make/611578 "2012-02-05T12:13:20Z")
According to the press in recent months, Warren Buffet’s secretary pays 35.6% of her income in taxes. Presumably this includes both federal and state taxes, since the highest marginal federal income tax rate is 35%. S… --- ## [Two interesting columns each with a different point](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-interesting-columns-each-with-a-different-point/611699)
**Author:** [@Fool\_in\_the\_Rain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fool_in_the_Rain)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2012, 11:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-interesting-columns-each-with-a-different-point/611699 "2012-02-05T11:35:40Z")
First I saw this headline: Jobless rate at 3-year low as payrolls surge http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/03/us-usa-economy-idUSTRE7BM0AB20120203 And then I see this headline Record 1.2 Million People Fall Out … --- ## [What Really happened to Martin Bormann?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-really-happened-to-martin-bormann/294178)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2012, 7:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-really-happened-to-martin-bormann/294178 "2012-02-05T07:46:55Z")
Hitler’s buddy and Nazi bigwig martin Bormann disappeared at the end of WWII. He was last seen attempting to escape from the Fuhrerbunker in Berlin, after Hitler shot himself, and the Russian Army was closing in. His bod… --- ## [What parts of the Bible actually have some historical validity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-parts-of-the-bible-actually-have-some-historical-validity/611513)
**Author:** [@SDMBKL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SDMBKL)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2012, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-parts-of-the-bible-actually-have-some-historical-validity/611513 "2012-02-05T03:14:33Z")
What parts of the Bible actually have some historical validity? I am told by a former teacher that the Bible holds a record of the accomplishments of notable individuals – monarchs, I believe. How much of the Bible is tr… --- ## [one of the technique to make an object invisible..what do you think? will it work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-of-the-technique-to-make-an-object-invisible-what-do-you-think-will-it-work/611653)
**Author:** [@Rutika\_Kulkarni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rutika_Kulkarni)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2012, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-of-the-technique-to-make-an-object-invisible-what-do-you-think-will-it-work/611653 "2012-02-04T21:28:24Z")
The formula for speed is speed = distance/time. Speed is equal to the change in distance over the change in time. This is the measurement for speed. According to this equation if we take a speed of light as 310^8 m/s^… --- ## [10 Commandments](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/10-commandments/611736)
**Author:** [@Granny\_Rainbow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Granny_Rainbow)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2012, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/10-commandments/611736 "2012-02-04T12:33:56Z")
(I might still get deleted) Butt…All of you people that think you are so modern, intelligent, informed…don’t you think if the 10 commandments had been obeyed thru out humanity’s existence, there would be hardly any of th… --- ## [Syrian uprising massacre in Homs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/syrian-uprising-massacre-in-homs/611710)
**Author:** [@Gagundathar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gagundathar)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2012, 12:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/syrian-uprising-massacre-in-homs/611710 "2012-02-04T12:03:15Z")
Link: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-bc-ml--syria-thewounded,0,523604.story Is this just yet another manifestation of the Arab Spring (now Winter)? Have any of y’all seen the scenes of this. I was … --- ## [Telepathy and Others - True or False?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/telepathy-and-others-true-or-false/609796)
**Author:** [@Lizzyerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lizzyerd)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2012, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/telepathy-and-others-true-or-false/609796 "2012-02-03T20:51:40Z")
((I wasn’t completely sure where to put this one, it seems to belong in IMO but I also want honest truthful answers as well… I’m sure if it’s in a wrong spot it’ll be moved :cool:)) I’ve always had the thought that ever… --- ## [Should we go to Mars? How would we get there? How do we live there?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-go-to-mars-how-would-we-get-there-how-do-we-live-there/611205)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 143\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2012, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-go-to-mars-how-would-we-get-there-how-do-we-live-there/611205 "2012-02-03T15:36:28Z")
I know there are a lot of space exploration threads, but on a cursory look I did not see one just about Mars. I believe that space exploration is as worthwhile and valuable as any other scientific endeavor. I also beli… --- ## [What if Trotsky had beat Stalin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-trotsky-had-beat-stalin/610819)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2012, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-trotsky-had-beat-stalin/610819 "2012-02-03T15:10:36Z")
Inspired by this thread. What if Trotsky instead of Stalin had ended up in charge of the post-Lenin USSR? How would history have been different? --- ## [What is the evidence for the big bang.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-evidence-for-the-big-bang/609551)
**Author:** [@Jon55](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jon55)\ **Replies:** 325\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2012, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-evidence-for-the-big-bang/609551 "2012-02-03T14:10:00Z")
In the year 1025 I fell asleep. I awoke in the year 2011. How and why this happened I do not know much like the orgin of the “cosmic egg” I do not expect to ever know and neither is important for this particular argument… --- ## [Electing members of sexist organizations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electing-members-of-sexist-organizations/611269)
**Author:** [@Jesus\_Christ\_s\_Child\_Bride](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jesus_Christ_s_Child_Bride)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2012, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electing-members-of-sexist-organizations/611269 "2012-02-03T05:49:57Z")
Do good members of society have a duty to denounce members of bigoted, anti-woman organizations–like the Catholic or Mormon Churches–who run for office? Should members of the media ask Newt Gingrich why he joined an orga… --- ## [My take on God, if anybody cares.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-take-on-god-if-anybody-cares/607372)
**Author:** [@nole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nole)\ **Replies:** 253\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2012, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-take-on-god-if-anybody-cares/607372 "2012-02-03T03:34:18Z")
I am no physicist nor do I claim to be. However, I’ve been overcome by an obsession to watch/read anything regarding quantum physics, time, space, the true nature of reality, etc. I am so fascinated by these themes becau… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=341) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=343)