# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=354 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 355 --- ## [Are atheists on the rise, or just more vocal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-atheists-on-the-rise-or-just-more-vocal/604566)
**Author:** [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2011, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-atheists-on-the-rise-or-just-more-vocal/604566 "2011-12-01T22:55:30Z")
Is it me or are atheists on the rise? Or is it just easier to find them due to the Internet? It certainty easier to express you non-beliefs than it was when I was a kid. Where are we going from here? Are we going to … --- ## [What Are Your Challenges In Being An Atheist? (Spin-off for other ??)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-challenges-in-being-an-atheist-spin-off-for-other/427871)
**Author:** [@CJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CJJ)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2011, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-challenges-in-being-an-atheist-spin-off-for-other/427871 "2011-12-01T22:34:53Z")
From http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=9211744#post9211744 \[QUOTE=Auntbeast\] I’ve been calling for this thread to be brought back somewhere to its original intent. I don’t recall the OP stating tha… --- ## [Extraordinary Claims, Extraordinary Evidence, And Why We'll Never Agree](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/extraordinary-claims-extraordinary-evidence-and-why-well-never-agree/604147)
**Author:** [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Half_Man_Half_Wit)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2011, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/extraordinary-claims-extraordinary-evidence-and-why-well-never-agree/604147 "2011-12-01T20:54:05Z")
Carl Sagan’s claim that ‘extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence’ is often repeated in the face of phenomena that seem to defy prior understanding. A good example is the recent (apparent) discovery of faster-… --- ## [Is is possible that we're all too biased to figure out what the truth actually is?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-is-possible-that-were-all-too-biased-to-figure-out-what-the-truth-actually-is/604405)
**Author:** [@Indygrrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Indygrrl)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2011, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-is-possible-that-were-all-too-biased-to-figure-out-what-the-truth-actually-is/604405 "2011-12-01T17:47:50Z")
I like to think I examine all sides of issues and keep an open mind for the real truth, but this article makes me wonder how objective I actually am. It’s really quite fascinating, and makes me think twice about some … --- ## [Should police SWAT protocol be revised?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-police-swat-protocol-be-revised/604293)
**Author:** [@Mosier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mosier)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2011, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-police-swat-protocol-be-revised/604293 "2011-12-01T16:34:40Z")
Relevant article here. In summary, Pima County SWAT arrived early in the morning to execute a search warrant, and were met by a man with an assault rifle. SWAT shot him a bunch of times, killing him. In retrospect, it lo… --- ## [Preemptive strikes/actions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preemptive-strikes-actions/604447)
**Author:** [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2011, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preemptive-strikes-actions/604447 "2011-11-30T16:41:58Z")
What constitutes a threat significant enough to allow someone who believes they are threatened to take action that would otherwise be illegal? In international law? In criminal law? Is it possible for words alone to r… --- ## [What are Christian Principles? Do they exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-christian-principles-do-they-exist/603649)
**Author:** [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2011, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-christian-principles-do-they-exist/603649 "2011-11-30T12:31:34Z")
I listened to a web cast of Politichicks with Victoria Jackson and three other conservative ladies. It was painful. One lady mentioned the old meme I’ve heard for years “This country was founded on Christian principles” … --- ## [Which philosophy assumes we want to help others?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-philosophy-assumes-we-want-to-help-others/604187)
**Author:** [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2011, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-philosophy-assumes-we-want-to-help-others/604187 "2011-11-30T11:48:51Z")
Which philosophy(ies) would you say is/are most firmly rooted in the belief that man is inherently good, and assumes that man has a default setting that he/she wants to help others? --- ## [Can the Western form of government really be called representative democracy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-western-form-of-government-really-be-called-representative-democracy/604373)
**Author:** [@Toffe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Toffe)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2011, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-western-form-of-government-really-be-called-representative-democracy/604373 "2011-11-30T04:27:24Z")
So, I’m thinking: political movements, theory, systems, and engagement have always been adapting, evolving, and changing throughout history. Can Western democracy nowadays reasonably be called representative democracy? … --- ## [Is gratitude for the military overemphasized?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-gratitude-for-the-military-overemphasized/603981)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2011, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-gratitude-for-the-military-overemphasized/603981 "2011-11-30T01:13:32Z")
In the US, everyone seems to be tripping over themselves in an effort to thank veterans and those currently serving their country. Make no mistake, I have nothing but respect for those that serve. They are risking their … --- ## [Obama and Reverend Wright?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-and-reverend-wright/603641)
**Author:** [@FixMyIgnorance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FixMyIgnorance)\ **Replies:** 179\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2011, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-and-reverend-wright/603641 "2011-11-30T00:38:01Z")
Can someone clear this up for me? What was the controversy here and what’s the truth? --- ## [28 Pakistani Soldiers Killed in NATO Attack: Time to Withdraw?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/28-pakistani-soldiers-killed-in-nato-attack-time-to-withdraw/604235)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2011, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/28-pakistani-soldiers-killed-in-nato-attack-time-to-withdraw/604235 "2011-11-29T22:59:21Z")
The Pakistani government has responded by closing an airbase and two border crossings. It looks like this incident has major implications-was this a mistake or evidence of (active) Pakistani collusion with the Taliban? … --- ## [What's behind the backlash against health/nutrition issues in the schools?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-behind-the-backlash-against-health-nutrition-issues-in-the-schools/603432)
**Author:** [@Indygrrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Indygrrl)\ **Replies:** 175\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2011, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-behind-the-backlash-against-health-nutrition-issues-in-the-schools/603432 "2011-11-29T22:53:50Z")
I didn’t want to derail the “Pizza as Vegetable” thread, but I wanted to bring this up. For the life of me, I can’t figure out why programs like Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campain, and other campaigns for healthier mea… --- ## [God is not a "crutch"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/god-is-not-a-crutch/604217)
**Author:** [@Cyningablod](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cyningablod)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2011, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/god-is-not-a-crutch/604217 "2011-11-29T20:51:02Z")
This is going in GD (unless a mod moves it), since it deals with religion and I’m sure it will generate controversy. Here’s my idea: Since the Judeo-Christian god does not exist, it’s impossible for anyone to use him a… --- ## [When does the congressional obstructionism stop?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-the-congressional-obstructionism-stop/603826)
**Author:** [@diggerwam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/diggerwam)\ **Replies:** 215\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2011, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-the-congressional-obstructionism-stop/603826 "2011-11-29T17:38:50Z")
Pretty straight forward question, if Obama wins a second term and the houses of congress continue to be of opposite parties, will we get another 2 or maybe 4 years of this inability to address the issues? If you had a c… --- ## [Another JFK Conspiracy thread - Gary Mack](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-jfk-conspiracy-thread-gary-mack/603504)
**Author:** [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2011, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-jfk-conspiracy-thread-gary-mack/603504 "2011-11-29T14:45:30Z")
I think it’s been a week. :stuck\_out\_tongue: Sorry if all you conspiracy people have covered this before. Something jiggled in my grey matter today, and I had a WTF? moment. Gary Mack is the curator of the 6th Floor … --- ## [What do you think of this plea deal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-think-of-this-plea-deal/603751)
**Author:** [@Chessic\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chessic_Sense)\ **Replies:** 182\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2011, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-think-of-this-plea-deal/603751 "2011-11-29T00:58:02Z")
Teens admits to manslaughter, sentenced to 25 years. The relevant facts are that when the boy was in eighth grade, he shot and killed a gay classmate that publicly had a crush on him. The gay teen certainly didn’t try … --- ## [CA Supremes Give Standing to Prop Proponents to Defend Laws](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ca-supremes-give-standing-to-prop-proponents-to-defend-laws/603765)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2011, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ca-supremes-give-standing-to-prop-proponents-to-defend-laws/603765 "2011-11-28T23:32:18Z")
You may recall that the California officials charged with defending their laws declined to do so in the case of Prop 8, leading to intense speculation that the law might die on that ground alone. To pick one comnmentary… --- ## [Is there a hard problem without a simple solution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-hard-problem-without-a-simple-solution/604265)
**Author:** [@The\_Controvert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Controvert)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2011, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-hard-problem-without-a-simple-solution/604265 "2011-11-28T17:16:21Z")
I postulate that every problem has a head-slappingly obvious and blindingly simple answer that either hasn’t been thought of or for various reasons just hasn’t been implemented. But are there any real problems of signif… --- ## [Racial food stereotypes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-food-stereotypes/601661)
**Author:** [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2011, 7:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-food-stereotypes/601661 "2011-11-28T07:41:49Z")
This article on Slate.com tried to explain how and why racial food stereotypes are offensive, using the common example of black people and fried chicken. It made me think about a question I’ve always wondered, which is … --- ## [Darwinian Evolution for the Chicken and Egg](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/darwinian-evolution-for-the-chicken-and-egg/603622)
**Author:** [@mac\_bolan00](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mac_bolan00)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2011, 6:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/darwinian-evolution-for-the-chicken-and-egg/603622 "2011-11-28T06:23:11Z")
dopers, please assess my assessment: the most observable results of evolution from species A to species B are the physical differences between adults of species A and B. this is due mainly to one driver of evolution whi… --- ## [Is the GI bill responsible for the problems inner-city blacks face today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-gi-bill-responsible-for-the-problems-inner-city-blacks-face-today/604269)
**Author:** [@Swords\_to\_Plowshares](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Swords_to_Plowshares)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2011, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-gi-bill-responsible-for-the-problems-inner-city-blacks-face-today/604269 "2011-11-28T04:39:24Z")
World War II changed the American economic climate permanently in many ways, from helping raise us out of the depression to opening the door to allowing women in to the broader workforce. But did it also widen the gap be… --- ## [Taxes as Public Record](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taxes-as-public-record/603973)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2011, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taxes-as-public-record/603973 "2011-11-28T01:24:05Z")
I wonder if the 1%, or even 5%, should disclose their gross incomes and taxes paid just to see what the story really is. I mean, they’re so eager to tell the rest of us to go eat cake, maybe they should put their money … --- ## [Right to Assemble](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/right-to-assemble/602882)
**Author:** [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2011, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/right-to-assemble/602882 "2011-11-28T01:00:13Z")
What reasonable limitations can be placed on that right? Have they been reasonable with the Occupiers? --- ## [Study says: the more you lean left, the less you know about economics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/study-says-the-more-you-lean-left-the-less-you-know-about-economics/538643)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 231\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2011, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/study-says-the-more-you-lean-left-the-less-you-know-about-economics/538643 "2011-11-27T22:48:27Z")
So says this PDF study published in Econ Journal Watch, which is a peer-reviewed journal of academic economics. There are some caveats to the basic claim, chief among them: That is, they have a number of questions tha… --- ## [Was Getting to the Moon in 1969 an Overachievment for the Human Race?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-getting-to-the-moon-in-1969-an-overachievment-for-the-human-race/604012)
**Author:** [@northdakotatroy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/northdakotatroy)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2011, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-getting-to-the-moon-in-1969-an-overachievment-for-the-human-race/604012 "2011-11-27T22:20:07Z")
I read something once some years ago by an author I don’t remember… the speculation went like this: As a species, the human race took wild chances in getting to the moon by 1969 due to the space race. Our success was a… --- ## [The elevated social status of soldiers, police officers, and firemen, is it well deserved?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-elevated-social-status-of-soldiers-police-officers-and-firemen-is-it-well-deserved/602719)
**Author:** [@RogerDalien](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RogerDalien)\ **Replies:** 277\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2011, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-elevated-social-status-of-soldiers-police-officers-and-firemen-is-it-well-deserved/602719 "2011-11-27T17:42:01Z")
Do you agree with the elevated status of soldiers and police officers and firemen and some other public employees? We praise them for their “self-sacrifice” but I’ve always wondered if it’s really sacrifice. It seems li… --- ## [Liberal Programs Deserve Blame for Income Inequality](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liberal-programs-deserve-blame-for-income-inequality/602304)
**Author:** [@Omg\_a\_Black\_Conservative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omg_a_Black_Conservative)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2011, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liberal-programs-deserve-blame-for-income-inequality/602304 "2011-11-27T17:32:30Z")
Cue the angry persons. You can read the full thing here, it’s not that long. So this begs two questions. The first, asked in the article (I’m sure I’ve asked the same thing elsewhere), is whether not those who bemoan … --- ## [Article in The Guardian (UK) regarding the OWS protests taking place across the United States](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/article-in-the-guardian-uk-regarding-the-ows-protests-taking-place-across-the-united-states/604131)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2011, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/article-in-the-guardian-uk-regarding-the-ows-protests-taking-place-across-the-united-states/604131 "2011-11-27T16:14:00Z")
The Guardian has an article hereabout the Occupy movement that is taking place in the United States. It has some rather inflammatory comments regarding the genesis of the response municipalities have had regarding the O… --- ## [Future of World Geopolitics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/future-of-world-geopolitics/603212)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2011, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/future-of-world-geopolitics/603212 "2011-11-27T02:11:46Z")
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/17/world/asia/obama-and-gillard-expand-us-australia-military-ties.html?hp With Iraq and Afghan wars ending, the US has begun to turn its eyes to the Pacific where China has begun its new m… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=353) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=355)