# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=353 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 354 --- ## [National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/national-defense-authorization-act-for-fiscal-year-2012/605396)
**Author:** [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2011, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/national-defense-authorization-act-for-fiscal-year-2012/605396 "2011-12-07T19:55:29Z")
Seems to me this says the military can arrest me and hold me indefinitely on the governments say-so? Bye-bye habeus corpus and all that. Wiki link Forbes link What say the Dope? Are we losing what little rights we sti… --- ## [RB-47 UFO - "first scientific proof of the existence of UFOs"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rb-47-ufo-first-scientific-proof-of-the-existence-of-ufos/605104)
**Author:** [@Mister\_Roboto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Roboto)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2011, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rb-47-ufo-first-scientific-proof-of-the-existence-of-ufos/605104 "2011-12-07T18:51:47Z")
This 31-page report lays out the case for what the author claims is the “first scientific proof of the existence of UFOs”. Note however that the author doesn’t make the claim that this alleged UFO was an alien spacecraft… --- ## [What, no thread on the unemployment rate drop?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-no-thread-on-the-unemployment-rate-drop/604896)
**Author:** [@Onomatopoeia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Onomatopoeia)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2011, 6:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-no-thread-on-the-unemployment-rate-drop/604896 "2011-12-07T06:45:35Z")
I was going to do a poll, but no polling in GD, and I suspect this topic will morph into a debate anyway, so I just cut out the middleman. So, the unemployment rate has dropped to 8.6 percent For discussion: How much… --- ## [Is this film an accurate portrayal of Mormon/LDS teachings?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-film-an-accurate-portrayal-of-mormon-lds-teachings/604837)
**Author:** [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2011, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-film-an-accurate-portrayal-of-mormon-lds-teachings/604837 "2011-12-07T06:06:46Z")
I found this film online: - YouTube (short cartoon dramatizing supposed events in Mormon history, SFW, no nudity, mild violence) Is this an accurate portrayal of LDS/Mormon teachings? If not, is it entirely fabricate… --- ## [Why are the dominant world religions monotheistic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-the-dominant-world-religions-monotheistic/604546)
**Author:** [@IMfez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IMfez)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2011, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-the-dominant-world-religions-monotheistic/604546 "2011-12-07T05:42:15Z")
To the theologians out there (both professional and otherwise) are there any theories why monotheistic religions have risen to prominence? Is there a practical reason for this “refinement” from many gods to just one? Or … --- ## [Obama's ground breaking speech on the destruction of the American middle class -](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-ground-breaking-speech-on-the-destruction-of-the-american-middle-class/605331)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2011, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-ground-breaking-speech-on-the-destruction-of-the-american-middle-class/605331 "2011-12-07T05:02:43Z")
Barack Obama Economic Speech: President Declares American Middle Class In Jeopardy, Outlines Populist Economic Vision Finally! About time he woke up! --- ## [Alternate WWII History: What if the Axis Controlled the Oil?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alternate-wwii-history-what-if-the-axis-controlled-the-oil/581065)
**Author:** [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2011, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alternate-wwii-history-what-if-the-axis-controlled-the-oil/581065 "2011-12-07T01:46:48Z")
The specific scenario I have in mind is if Mussolini had not invaded Greece like some modern Darius of the West but instead had been an asset to the Axis, not delaying Barbarossa such that either Moscow fell, Hitler didn… --- ## [Greece vs the world - Greek public refuses to support austerity measures - What's next?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/greece-vs-the-world-greek-public-refuses-to-support-austerity-measures-whats-next/585674)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2011, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/greece-vs-the-world-greek-public-refuses-to-support-austerity-measures-whats-next/585674 "2011-12-06T20:26:10Z")
So what happens now? Both the Greek public and good chunk of the Greek political establishment seem to be very unwilling to take on the austerity measures and budget cuts that are necessary to get more money. If they co… --- ## [The Coming Jobs War by Jim Clifton: Your Take?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-coming-jobs-war-by-jim-clifton-your-take/605259)
**Author:** [@Xavier\_Breath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xavier_Breath)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2011, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-coming-jobs-war-by-jim-clifton-your-take/605259 "2011-12-06T14:26:41Z")
Anyone care to share a point-of-view on Jim Clifton’s book “The Coming Jobs War”? Clifton is the big cheese over at the Gallup organization, and he maintains that the world needs 1.8 billion new jobs an then everything w… --- ## [Go ahead, raise my taxes! How much?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/go-ahead-raise-my-taxes-how-much/604595)
**Author:** [@Furious\_Marmot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Furious_Marmot)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2011, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/go-ahead-raise-my-taxes-how-much/604595 "2011-12-06T04:43:47Z")
I’m trying to get some idea of just how much money people are arguing about when it comes to raising taxes. Thanks to bad mushrooms served at a state dinner and a bizarre case of mistaken identity, you have been tasked … --- ## [Who wins an Obama vs Gingrich debate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-wins-an-obama-vs-gingrich-debate/604755)
**Author:** [@Linden\_Arden](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Linden_Arden)\ **Replies:** 150\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2011, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-wins-an-obama-vs-gingrich-debate/604755 "2011-12-06T02:42:18Z")
Conservatives seem to be banking on an overwhelming debate performance by Gingrich. Many conservatives are abandoning their values and party ideology in support of someone they perceive as an attack dog. Are they corre… --- ## [Believers deem atheists as untrustworthy as rapists](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/believers-deem-atheists-as-untrustworthy-as-rapists/604739)
**Author:** [@mnemosyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mnemosyne)\ **Replies:** 140\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2011, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/believers-deem-atheists-as-untrustworthy-as-rapists/604739 "2011-12-06T01:29:44Z")
::wades cautiously into Great Debates..I have a feeling this thread would end up here anyways:: I’ve just come across this news article, and while I haven’t read the study itself, the results being claimed just absolute… --- ## [Poor children don't know how to work.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-children-dont-know-how-to-work/604850)
**Author:** [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2011, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-children-dont-know-how-to-work/604850 "2011-12-05T23:29:44Z")
Unless it’s illegal. Here is Newt saying exactly this. My experience, growing up really poor in The Bronx, was that all of our parents worked. They just worked shitty jobs for little pay. I, myself, got working papers t… --- ## [What would be the consequences of an immortality drug?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-consequences-of-an-immortality-drug/604425)
**Author:** [@Namkcalb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Namkcalb)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2011, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-consequences-of-an-immortality-drug/604425 "2011-12-05T21:16:14Z")
If an immortality drug was discovered tomorrow, what would happen? The drug has the following properties. \[ul\] \[li\]Cures and immunises the patient against all physical diseases\[/li\]\[li\]Makes the patient immune to pois… --- ## [The bomb buried in Obamacare goes off today](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bomb-buried-in-obamacare-goes-off-today/604971)
**Author:** [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2011, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bomb-buried-in-obamacare-goes-off-today/604971 "2011-12-05T20:30:10Z")
Well, yesterday: What does everybody think? I haven’t heard too much about this. I hazily recall the provision from when the bill was being debated, but it certainly isn’t what’s drawn the most attention. If this guy … --- ## [Will Republican obstructionism succeed or backfire?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-republican-obstructionism-succeed-or-backfire/603914)
**Author:** [@Agent\_Foxtrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agent_Foxtrot)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2011, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-republican-obstructionism-succeed-or-backfire/603914 "2011-12-05T19:10:52Z")
Sorry if this question has been asked before. Just as the subject line says. Are the Republicans likely to reap big rewards for their obstructionist policies, or will people get so fed up with it and throw many of them… --- ## [Problem is, it ain't the 1%, it's the 5+%](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problem-is-it-aint-the-1-its-the-5/603686)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 161\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2011, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problem-is-it-aint-the-1-its-the-5/603686 "2011-12-05T15:09:04Z")
It’s not just Wall Street and the financial sector that is America’s economy-killing problem. It’s not just the 1% richest Americans. It is the power of the much larger American white overclass, a social class which is… --- ## [What Would Be The Worst Case Scenario For The Euro](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-worst-case-scenario-for-the-euro/604226)
**Author:** [@BeaMyra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeaMyra)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2011, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-worst-case-scenario-for-the-euro/604226 "2011-12-05T14:14:55Z")
I know there have been a few threads about the Euro and I will also admit, understanding the finance is not my strong point. But I was reading how if Italy has any more problems it will be fatal to the Euro and cause a … --- ## [Motion: TTHB that it is in the interests of women's equality to campaign against maternity leave](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motion-tthb-that-it-is-in-the-interests-of-womens-equality-to-campaign-against-maternity-leave/604142)
**Author:** [@Laudenum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Laudenum)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2011, 12:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motion-tthb-that-it-is-in-the-interests-of-womens-equality-to-campaign-against-maternity-leave/604142 "2011-12-05T12:06:22Z")
I have to debate this issue tomorrow: Motion: TTHB that it is in the interests of women’s equality to campaign against maternity leave And I have most of my arguments prepared (I don’t know which side I’m on until just … --- ## [Would the Philippines have started US's entry into World War II?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-the-philippines-have-started-uss-entry-into-world-war-ii/604505)
**Author:** [@HubZilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HubZilla)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2011, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-the-philippines-have-started-uss-entry-into-world-war-ii/604505 "2011-12-05T05:45:36Z")
I’ve read that the US forces in Philippines needed to be neutralized in order for Japan to go after SE Asia’s oil and rubber. Shortly after Pearl (like a few hours), they attacked US bases in the Philippines. But suppos… --- ## [Why do you not believe in ADHD?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-you-not-believe-in-adhd/604049)
**Author:** [@Elret](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elret)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2011, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-you-not-believe-in-adhd/604049 "2011-12-05T03:05:54Z")
I’ve mentioned before that my 5-year-old daughter has some behavioural issues, and while she is too young for an official diagnosis, her developmental pediatrician feels strongly that she has ADHD. I’ll admit that my fi… --- ## [US Senate declares the entire USA to be a "battleground"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-senate-declares-the-entire-usa-to-be-a-battleground/604993)
**Author:** [@AClockworkMelon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AClockworkMelon)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2011, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-senate-declares-the-entire-usa-to-be-a-battleground/604993 "2011-12-04T00:41:44Z")
Saw this link on Facebook. I’m surprised there wasn’t a thread on this already. I admit I’m not too sure I understand what the hell’s going on but these guys are making it sound scary as fuck. From Addicting Info: … --- ## [Proposed senate bill aims to outlaw overtime for IT professionals](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-senate-bill-aims-to-outlaw-overtime-for-it-professionals/604831)
**Author:** [@Capt.Ridley\_s\_Shooting\_Party](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt.Ridley_s_Shooting_Party)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2011, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-senate-bill-aims-to-outlaw-overtime-for-it-professionals/604831 "2011-12-03T23:03:32Z")
See here: Can somebody explain what the rationale for this is? Where is support coming from for this bill? Why is the US government stepping into the employer-employee relationship in such a manner? --- ## [Would immortal humans be ultimately benevolent, or not much different than mortal humans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-immortal-humans-be-ultimately-benevolent-or-not-much-different-than-mortal-humans/604690)
**Author:** [@Rigamarole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rigamarole)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2011, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-immortal-humans-be-ultimately-benevolent-or-not-much-different-than-mortal-humans/604690 "2011-12-03T05:27:08Z")
They say that renters tend to trash things in ways that owners usually don’t, because they know that thing is not their own, so why bother? Well our very minds/bodies/lives are all leased, borrowed - nobody gets permanen… --- ## [End the US de facto ban on horse slaughterhouses](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/end-the-us-de-facto-ban-on-horse-slaughterhouses/600719)
**Author:** [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2011, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/end-the-us-de-facto-ban-on-horse-slaughterhouses/600719 "2011-12-03T03:31:26Z")
Since 2006, Congress has prohibited the use of federal funds to inspect horses destined for food: this has amounted to a de facto ban on horse slaughterhouses. Horse prices have since dropped and business has shifted to… --- ## [If murder was legal, would there be more murders?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-murder-was-legal-would-there-be-more-murders/603754)
**Author:** [@DrCube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrCube)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2011, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-murder-was-legal-would-there-be-more-murders/603754 "2011-12-03T00:24:32Z")
I heard recently that the abortion rate is essentially the same regardless of its legality. When abortion is prohibited, women still get them at the same rate, it’s just less safe. Also, I’ve been thinking recently that… --- ## ["Scientists say dolphins should be treated as 'non-human persons'"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scientists-say-dolphins-should-be-treated-as-non-human-persons/523936)
**Author:** [@Palo\_Verde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palo_Verde)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2011, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scientists-say-dolphins-should-be-treated-as-non-human-persons/523936 "2011-12-03T00:06:43Z")
"Dolphins have been declared the world’s second most intelligent creatures after humans, with scientists suggesting they are so bright that they should be treated as “non-human persons”. Studies into dolphin behaviour… --- ## [What's the benefit to society of stock speculation? \[edited title\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-benefit-to-society-of-stock-speculation-edited-title/601864)
**Author:** [@yelimS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yelimS)\ **Replies:** 199\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2011, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-benefit-to-society-of-stock-speculation-edited-title/601864 "2011-12-02T23:15:11Z")
It seems to me trading in stock is just making money on other people’s work, and I can’t see the value it adds to society. I do see the value when it comes to investing in small businesses, or giving workers a share in … --- ## [What would it take....X-Prize space missions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-it-take-x-prize-space-missions/603845)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2011, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-it-take-x-prize-space-missions/603845 "2011-12-02T05:41:28Z")
Was having a discussion at work earlier and we were talking about how our manned space program has really stalled since the missions to the moon. There doesn’t seem to be much that can be done about that, especially in t… --- ## [Iranian protesters storm UK embassy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iranian-protesters-storm-uk-embassy/604491)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2011, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iranian-protesters-storm-uk-embassy/604491 "2011-12-01T23:09:17Z")
No mention of hostages taken. Meanwhile, Iran is about to expel the British ambassador. It’s all about the sanctions, of course. Looks like the UK now will enjoy the same sort of relationship with Iran that the U.S. h… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=352) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=354)