# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=357 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 358 --- ## [Is the US police system fundamentally broken?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-police-system-fundamentally-broken/602460)
**Author:** [@HoboStew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoboStew)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2011, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-police-system-fundamentally-broken/602460 "2011-11-15T20:21:23Z")
I have a friend who is constantly railing against police injustice. I get into it with him from time to time, my stance generally being that A) police have a ridiculously hard job, and B) for the most part they seem to d… --- ## [What a good baseline set of knowledge, below which "Scientific Illiteracy" Lurks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-a-good-baseline-set-of-knowledge-below-which-scientific-illiteracy-lurks/601616)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2011, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-a-good-baseline-set-of-knowledge-below-which-scientific-illiteracy-lurks/601616 "2011-11-15T18:42:36Z")
In this Pit thread, Budget Player Cadet inveighs against scientific illiterates, and the attendant difficulty in engaging in debate with them, pointing out how it’s hard to argue about the reason behind the commonality o… --- ## [College athletics should be banned](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/college-athletics-should-be-banned/602459)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 185\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2011, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/college-athletics-should-be-banned/602459 "2011-11-15T18:09:26Z")
Not just because of the disgusting scandal that is Penn State, but because athletics have nothing to do with education and typically detracts from it. Just personally, I’ve seen the corruption of an athletic program when… --- ## [PETA to sue Sea World for slavery](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peta-to-sue-sea-world-for-slavery/601027)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 152\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2011, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peta-to-sue-sea-world-for-slavery/601027 "2011-11-14T23:49:57Z")
From this article in the LA Times. For debate: is this tactic in any way, shape, manner, or form helpful to PETA’s cause? --- ## [British Dopers, are things in the UK as bad as this Harper's article says they are?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-dopers-are-things-in-the-uk-as-bad-as-this-harpers-article-says-they-are/600610)
**Author:** [@NDP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NDP)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2011, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-dopers-are-things-in-the-uk-as-bad-as-this-harpers-article-says-they-are/600610 "2011-11-14T18:10:56Z")
The “Broken Britain” cover story in the November 2011 of Harper’s states that the overall condition of the UK in terms of socio-economics, infrastructure, personal freedoms, and general quality of life has deteriorated s… --- ## [Do you think the store needed to apologize?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-the-store-needed-to-apologize/601599)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 402\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2011, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-the-store-needed-to-apologize/601599 "2011-11-14T17:38:49Z")
Story here. But here’s a summation for those who don’t want to read the link. A couple went to a Safeway supermarket to buy some groceries with their two-year-old daughter. While they were shopping, the mother (who is … --- ## [Obama complains about Netanyahu; Sarkozy calls N. a 'liar'. Worse than the Green Line speech?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-complains-about-netanyahu-sarkozy-calls-n-a-liar-worse-than-the-green-line-speech/602345)
**Author:** [@Farmer\_Jane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Farmer_Jane)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2011, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-complains-about-netanyahu-sarkozy-calls-n-a-liar-worse-than-the-green-line-speech/602345 "2011-11-14T16:46:38Z")
:smack:I’m surprised this hasn’t come up yet today. Here’s a link from CNN who probably got it from the Telegraph like the rest of us. :smack: Yeah, that’s just not good. How do you think the Democrats will spin this … --- ## [Is the Seine special?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-seine-special/602867)
**Author:** [@Notassmartasithought](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Notassmartasithought)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2011, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-seine-special/602867 "2011-11-14T15:24:38Z")
Of course it is. It’s the only river lucky enough to flow through Paris. But more specifically, I’ve just started reading Seven Ages of Paris, an history of Paris by Alistair Horne, an Oxford professor. I had already no… --- ## [What would happen if the British monarch publicly declared him/herself an atheist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-the-british-monarch-publicly-declared-him-herself-an-atheist/602106)
**Author:** [@lew\_cody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lew_cody)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2011, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-the-british-monarch-publicly-declared-him-herself-an-atheist/602106 "2011-11-14T14:35:17Z")
The new reforms to the rules of succession to the British throne got me wondering about another possible situation: what would happen if a future monarch, or one in immediate line of succession, announced that he/she did… --- ## [A National God?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-national-god/601979)
**Author:** [@sqweels](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sqweels)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2011, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-national-god/601979 "2011-11-14T13:16:42Z")
Congress recently passed a resolution affirming “In God We Trust” as the national motto, not because there was an effort to change it, but apparently to embarrass the President. Never mind that to turn a statement about… --- ## [Does "sin" really exist? I maintain there is no such thing.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-sin-really-exist-i-maintain-there-is-no-such-thing/601982)
**Author:** [@Linden\_Arden](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Linden_Arden)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2011, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-sin-really-exist-i-maintain-there-is-no-such-thing/601982 "2011-11-14T01:24:21Z")
“Sin” is defined as a violation of a religious rule. But there are thousands of religions so there is no standard for this violation. Blasphemy is considered a “sin” by most religions but I consider it a duty. “Sin” i… --- ## [Was Nathan Bedford Forest really da shizznit in the war?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-nathan-bedford-forest-really-da-shizznit-in-the-war/602098)
**Author:** [@No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_Wikipedia_Cites)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2011, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-nathan-bedford-forest-really-da-shizznit-in-the-war/602098 "2011-11-13T01:45:09Z")
A recent article in Military History implied that Nathan Bedford Forrest was ‘da man’ in the war and basically won every battle he was in with the rare exceptions of when being totally outnumbered towards the end (like a… --- ## [Immigration for the best and brightest](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immigration-for-the-best-and-brightest/600472)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2011, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immigration-for-the-best-and-brightest/600472 "2011-11-13T01:40:48Z")
I believe that it should be made extremely easy for highly educated/accomplished people to immigrate to the United States. Are there any good arguments against this? Any reason why it should be difficult for doctors/en… --- ## [How do we know that C02 is a greenhouse gas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-know-that-c02-is-a-greenhouse-gas/530602)
**Author:** [@figure9](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/figure9)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2011, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-know-that-c02-is-a-greenhouse-gas/530602 "2011-11-13T01:18:00Z")
Everyone knows that carbon dioxide absorbs infra red radiation and warms our planet. But how do we know? Has anyone ever done an experiment that shows CO2 absorbing infra red? --- ## [According to Christian theology, will a twice-married person be with BOTH spouses in Heaven?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/according-to-christian-theology-will-a-twice-married-person-be-with-both-spouses-in-heaven/600819)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [November 12, 2011, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/according-to-christian-theology-will-a-twice-married-person-be-with-both-spouses-in-heaven/600819 "2011-11-12T13:47:08Z")
I was just thinking about something a few days ago. Say a man is married to a woman for, say, 20 years, and they both love each other very much, but the woman dies, and then the man remarries another woman, who is his wi… --- ## [Expel all the trash to space!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/expel-all-the-trash-to-space/602245)
**Author:** [@jrriojase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jrriojase)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2011, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/expel-all-the-trash-to-space/602245 "2011-11-11T20:19:30Z")
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6033/6324847390\_60a35ee0c9\_b.jpg So, I was at school today (high school, 1st semester) in environmental systems class, discussing trash and the way it’s handled, when this smartass girl (… --- ## [Jackson's doc guilty: good long term for law and docs, or bad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jacksons-doc-guilty-good-long-term-for-law-and-docs-or-bad/602208)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2011, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jacksons-doc-guilty-good-long-term-for-law-and-docs-or-bad/602208 "2011-11-11T17:27:38Z")
So Conrad Murray was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. Is this a good thing for society at large, or bad? The idea being that doctors now have to fear criminal charges if they fuck up, not just loss of license … --- ## [Anonymous vs Drug Cartel in Mexico ...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-vs-drug-cartel-in-mexico/601383)
**Author:** [@Oliveritaly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oliveritaly)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2011, 10:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-vs-drug-cartel-in-mexico/601383 "2011-11-11T10:37:10Z")
I think this belongs in great debates but if not … please move it. Anyone else following this? Anyone else think this will only end badly … is there even a remote chance this has a happy ending. I can’t help but feel… --- ## [Okay, let's have that "Does AA work?" thread. (Alcoholics Anonymous)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-lets-have-that-does-aa-work-thread-alcoholics-anonymous/557706)
**Author:** [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Replies:** 206\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2011, 7:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-lets-have-that-does-aa-work-thread-alcoholics-anonymous/557706 "2011-11-11T07:50:17Z")
I was all set to post this in the other thread, then I saw twickster’s thread. Look, AA may have its flaws, but I think “cult” is way off the mark. Especially when there are groups like Scientology, which I do believe t… --- ## [To those who believe in cosmic intelligent design, how would a random universe differ from our own?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-those-who-believe-in-cosmic-intelligent-design-how-would-a-random-universe-differ-from-our-own/599862)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2011, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-those-who-believe-in-cosmic-intelligent-design-how-would-a-random-universe-differ-from-our-own/599862 "2011-11-11T01:09:13Z")
In one of the atheist poll threads, this was posted: I’ve heard a similar sentiment expressed by believers in some sort of cosmic power before. What is it that you feel about the universe that’s jaw droppingly complex… --- ## [What weapons development projects do we actually need?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-weapons-development-projects-do-we-actually-need/601078)
**Author:** [@Mr.Excellent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Excellent)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2011, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-weapons-development-projects-do-we-actually-need/601078 "2011-11-10T17:42:40Z")
I’m not a “pacifist” in any meaningful sense - I despise war, but accept that it must occasionally be waged, and the United States must retain the capacity to win it. Nor am I an isolationist - I accept that America’s in… --- ## [The social views of Muslims](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-social-views-of-muslims/602371)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2011, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-social-views-of-muslims/602371 "2011-11-10T14:04:55Z")
The kind of thing I’m looking for might not be available simply because it shouldn’t be a question that interests anyone. But what I am looking for, if it exists, is this: A breakdown of the percentage of Muslims who ha… --- ## [If Greece votes no to EU bailout what will happen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-greece-votes-no-to-eu-bailout-what-will-happen/601473)
**Author:** [@Oliveritaly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oliveritaly)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2011, 9:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-greece-votes-no-to-eu-bailout-what-will-happen/601473 "2011-11-10T09:22:05Z")
Reading here among other people: http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/1101/breaking5.html?via=mr It seems as if the people of Greece might vote no on the EU bailout package. If this happens, a number of … --- ## [US border patrol agent Jesus Diaz case](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-border-patrol-agent-jesus-diaz-case/601959)
**Author:** [@Khan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khan)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2011, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-border-patrol-agent-jesus-diaz-case/601959 "2011-11-09T18:09:55Z")
I recently stayed with relatives who watch Fox News on a regular basis. I overheard several references to an incident involving a border patrol agent named Jesus Diaz and the apprehension of a 15 year-old male who was al… --- ## [Quick, informal, ranking of national economys](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-informal-ranking-of-national-economys/602321)
**Author:** [@Arkcon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arkcon)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2011, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-informal-ranking-of-national-economys/602321 "2011-11-09T14:34:56Z")
I’ve noticed that Silvio Berlusconi may be on his way out, because of the ongoing debt crisis in Italy. That got me thinking on where nations all stand: I’m understanding that Greece is having a serious problem, Italy … --- ## [The influence of one heavy Cruiser on the WWII Pacific theatre](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-influence-of-one-heavy-cruiser-on-the-wwii-pacific-theatre/601991)
**Author:** [@Sri\_Theo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sri_Theo)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2011, 11:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-influence-of-one-heavy-cruiser-on-the-wwii-pacific-theatre/601991 "2011-11-09T11:31:33Z")
I recently watched a Japanese animated series called Zipang. It was created in the 80’s and was about a hi-tech (in the 80’s) heavy cruiser being transported to the start of the battle of Midway. The story mainly focuses… --- ## [Govt. cuts in heating assistance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/govt-cuts-in-heating-assistance/602268)
**Author:** [@silvermist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silvermist)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2011, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/govt-cuts-in-heating-assistance/602268 "2011-11-09T00:40:06Z")
Obama has cut the amount of assistance for heat for the poor by 60% at a time when so many are unemployed. I think it’s time to reorder priorities. The people who live in a country should be the number one concern. Cu… --- ## [Was Heisenberg a Nazi collaborator, saboteur, or something in between?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-heisenberg-a-nazi-collaborator-saboteur-or-something-in-between/601853)
**Author:** [@Mr.Excellent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Excellent)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2011, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-heisenberg-a-nazi-collaborator-saboteur-or-something-in-between/601853 "2011-11-08T19:27:20Z")
Question as in the thread title. Werner Heisenberg led the Nazi effort to develop the atomic bomb. If they’d obtained it, this would have been a Bad Thing. Fortunately, the Nazis had a flawed theoretical approach, and w… --- ## [Iran’s Nuclear Weapons Program](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iran-s-nuclear-weapons-program/602095)
**Author:** [@FinnAgain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinnAgain)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2011, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iran-s-nuclear-weapons-program/602095 "2011-11-08T13:24:15Z")
The IAEA will be releasing a report soon that, according to insiders: \[ \](Will next report on Iran nuclear program 'prove' quest for nuclear weapon? - CSMonitor.com) The IAEA itself has maintained, for years now, that… --- ## [Subprime auto loan securitization. Haven't we seen this movie before?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subprime-auto-loan-securitization-havent-we-seen-this-movie-before/601635)
**Author:** [@brickbacon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brickbacon)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2011, 11:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subprime-auto-loan-securitization-havent-we-seen-this-movie-before/601635 "2011-11-08T11:12:40Z")
Details in this article in the LA Times. To summarize, auto dealerships have created what is called a “buy here, pay here” model where under-qualified customers can take out high interest loans on aging, high-mileage ve… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=356) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=358)