# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=365 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 366 --- ## [Is Gold Really a Good Investment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-gold-really-a-good-investment/589452)
**Author:** [@MattProle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MattProle)\ **Replies:** 144\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2011, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-gold-really-a-good-investment/589452 "2011-09-27T04:54:50Z")
Plenty of commercials on Fox suggesting that Gold is the best investment ever! However, the commercials are often narrated by some silly, sensationalistic bs rhetoric. Still, I haven’t bothered to look into it yet, so p… --- ## [Why is India lagging behind China?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-india-lagging-behind-china/597446)
**Author:** [@Capt.Ridley\_s\_Shooting\_Party](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt.Ridley_s_Shooting_Party)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2011, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-india-lagging-behind-china/597446 "2011-09-26T21:42:13Z")
In 2007, China had a global GDP share of 10.7%, compared to India’s 4.6% \[cite\]. Further, China’s share of global GDP will likely surpass that of Europe within the next five years, and that of the US within a decade \[ci… --- ## [Why can't we all just get along?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-all-just-get-along/597217)
**Author:** [@Consensus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Consensus)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2011, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-all-just-get-along/597217 "2011-09-26T21:06:27Z")
How is it possible for a dominant species to evolve on a planet to a point where it becomes (potentially) dangerous for all lifeforms on that planet? Granted, we’re only here for a relative short amount of time. But sti… --- ## [About Social Security...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-social-security/596612)
**Author:** [@bmasters1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bmasters1)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2011, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-social-security/596612 "2011-09-26T19:42:54Z")
My question is about Social Security: all I’ve heard for the past couple of years is that Social Security is broken, it’s a Ponzi scheme, it needs to be done away with/curtailed severely, etc. I’ve been told (and I’m not… --- ## [Youth and Criminality](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youth-and-criminality/597584)
**Author:** [@barbitu8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/barbitu8)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2011, 9:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youth-and-criminality/597584 "2011-09-26T09:24:26Z")
Recent scientific evidence shows that a human brain continues growing until age 25. Until then axons and dendrites continue to grow and the myelin sheath is not fully developed to allow their growth. (Sorry, I do not h… --- ## [UK government to pay compensation to Bloody Sunday families](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-government-to-pay-compensation-to-bloody-sunday-families/597223)
**Author:** [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2011, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-government-to-pay-compensation-to-bloody-sunday-families/597223 "2011-09-26T03:40:32Z")
The UK government is to pay compensation to the families of those killed on Bloody Sunday, 1972 in Derry City, Northern Ireland. That day, the Parachute Regiment opened fire on a civil rights march and killed 13 people. … --- ## [Genes and money, is it all?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genes-and-money-is-it-all/597572)
**Author:** [@itsharkley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/itsharkley)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2011, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genes-and-money-is-it-all/597572 "2011-09-25T20:35:18Z")
I believe your life is affected by two things: Genes and money. Please correct me if I’m wrong, but your physical and mental health at birth is determined by genes. This is luck all the way. you did not have an affect. … --- ## [Is war dysgenic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-war-dysgenic/597346)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2011, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-war-dysgenic/597346 "2011-09-25T13:06:37Z")
Imagine the setup for the Captain America movie but there’s no super-soldier serum. Strong, healthy guys like Bucky Barnes are off to war, probably to get killed . . . which leaves the chicks on the home front with walk… --- ## [Once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/once-an-alcoholic-always-an-alcoholic/592291)
**Author:** [@panaccione](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panaccione)\ **Replies:** 351\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2011, 10:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/once-an-alcoholic-always-an-alcoholic/592291 "2011-09-25T10:24:34Z")
So I’ve been seeing a psychologist lately who has told me that I am an alcoholic and there’s no way around it. She illustrated to me a line where social use is seperated from alcoholic use and because it’s a “disease”, … --- ## [Homosexuality](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homosexuality/597480)
**Author:** [@Vahid\_Tarzan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vahid_Tarzan)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2011, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homosexuality/597480 "2011-09-25T01:03:16Z")
I look forward to this debate, as it is now one of the most widely accepted practices, and yet the central cause of corruption, death and inevitably war. I think if we look at the money, power and prestige feeding it, w… --- ## [Panetta and the DoD banning God from military funerals](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/panetta-and-the-dod-banning-god-from-military-funerals/588809)
**Author:** [@leftfield6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leftfield6)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2011, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/panetta-and-the-dod-banning-god-from-military-funerals/588809 "2011-09-24T19:44:50Z")
Okay, I know it’s bullshit, but the below is all over social sites. I know it’s BS, but I can’t find a cite to refute it. Anyone got something for me? \*Please stand with our veterans today. Posted by Jack Cunningham … --- ## [Quick question about Palestinian statehood...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-question-about-palestinian-statehood/597167)
**Author:** [@Darth\_Ayebaw](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Ayebaw)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2011, 11:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-question-about-palestinian-statehood/597167 "2011-09-24T11:54:12Z")
I really don’t want this to become an Israel/Palestine topic, although mention either one and it seems inevitable. Anyways my question is this: why is Palestine taking the request to the UN security council? They know t… --- ## [Resolved: Minnesota to secede from the Union!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-minnesota-to-secede-from-the-union/50388)
**Author:** [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2011, 6:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-minnesota-to-secede-from-the-union/50388 "2011-09-24T06:08:43Z")
Minnesota should secede, if it can be accomplished politely, with a minimum of fuss. As Chairman of the Minnesota Secessionist Alliance, I invite debate on this issue. I will put forth just a few of the many reasons we s… --- ## [Is there a constitutional way to outlaw lobbyists?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-constitutional-way-to-outlaw-lobbyists/597356)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2011, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-constitutional-way-to-outlaw-lobbyists/597356 "2011-09-24T00:30:11Z")
I was having a conversation with a facebook friend the other day, and she opined that what with the ridiculous amounts of money required to get elected to Congress these days, lobbyists are arguably more culpable than po… --- ## [Obama making big changes to No Child Left Behind](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-making-big-changes-to-no-child-left-behind/597379)
**Author:** [@Palo\_Verde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palo_Verde)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2011, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-making-big-changes-to-no-child-left-behind/597379 "2011-09-23T23:45:37Z")
As a mother to 4 school aged children, I was so glad to read that some provisions of this flawed bill will be scrapped. It’s about time! --- ## [Should this marine be rewarded for defying orders?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-this-marine-be-rewarded-for-defying-orders/596454)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2011, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-this-marine-be-rewarded-for-defying-orders/596454 "2011-09-23T17:24:04Z")
I ask because he was in fact given the medal of honor for actions he undertook in defiance of orders. I find this interesting, and possibly worth debating? But I know it has aggravated dopers in the past when I started … --- ## [Are jobs obsolete?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-jobs-obsolete/596207)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2011, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-jobs-obsolete/596207 "2011-09-23T15:20:47Z")
Was reading this article on CNN and thought it might be an interesting discussion. The title of the article is the same as the thread…Are jobs obsolete? In the article, the author, one Douglas Rushkoff posits that ‘job… --- ## [Is terrorism a police or a military issue](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-terrorism-a-police-or-a-military-issue/597179)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2011, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-terrorism-a-police-or-a-military-issue/597179 "2011-09-22T15:57:43Z")
My own opinion is that Terrorism is a police issue and should remain. They Army’s role in terrorism should be the same as its role in civilian life generally, to act in aid of civil power if and when needed. I believe on… --- ## [How does the sex aspect make HPV vaccination controversial?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-sex-aspect-make-hpv-vaccination-controversial/596769)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2011, 11:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-sex-aspect-make-hpv-vaccination-controversial/596769 "2011-09-22T11:11:07Z")
Apparently part of the controversy here is that the human papilloma virus is an STD. Why does that make it controversial? I mean, if there were such thing as a safe and effective preventative vaccine for HIV or syphili… --- ## [Was Jesus Christ delusional, full of shit, or what?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-jesus-christ-delusional-full-of-shit-or-what/596031)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2011, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-jesus-christ-delusional-full-of-shit-or-what/596031 "2011-09-22T04:08:49Z")
Assuming that there was a historical figure that we refer to as Jesus Christ, what were his own thoughts about himself? Did he really think he was the savior? Did he really think he was the son of God? Did he really t… --- ## [Who's NOT buying health insurance and why is the right so aggressively defending them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-not-buying-health-insurance-and-why-is-the-right-so-aggressively-defending-them/595616)
**Author:** [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Replies:** 134\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2011, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-not-buying-health-insurance-and-why-is-the-right-so-aggressively-defending-them/595616 "2011-09-21T23:04:39Z")
Correct me if I’m wrong, but the #1 criticism of Obamacare I hear from the right is that it’s unconstitutional, appalling, deplorable, irrehensible, sinful, etc. to require people to purchase health care. Doesn’t most o… --- ## [If the Tea Party became their own party](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-tea-party-became-their-own-party/597034)
**Author:** [@Nobody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nobody)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2011, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-tea-party-became-their-own-party/597034 "2011-09-21T21:42:01Z")
Let’s say that the Tea party split from the Republican party. Would it be Democrats and Republicans as the two main parties with the Tea party as a third party, or would it be Democrats and Tea partiers with Republicans… --- ## [What is "wealth generation"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-wealth-generation/596633)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2011, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-wealth-generation/596633 "2011-09-21T15:32:27Z")
This may be a GQ instead of a GD thread. I’m not sure. Suppose I create a work of art. I spend five dollars on the material. The work ends up getting appraised at $505. Have I just generated $500 of wealth? It would s… --- ## [How much is the average American willing to pare back?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-is-the-average-american-willing-to-pare-back/596720)
**Author:** [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2011, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-is-the-average-american-willing-to-pare-back/596720 "2011-09-21T01:04:59Z")
With all the “economic woe” threads, it seems appropriate to ask this question. I think most intelligent people have figured it out: Over-consumption is not only bad for the environment, but it is bad for the economy. … --- ## [Should people with children have to pay taxes for schools?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-people-with-children-have-to-pay-taxes-for-schools/596884)
**Author:** [@LinusK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LinusK)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2011, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-people-with-children-have-to-pay-taxes-for-schools/596884 "2011-09-20T21:49:49Z")
My opinion is no. Assuming we need children today, in order to have tax-paying adults tomorrow, parents are already doing their share. What are childless people doing? Nothing. Why should parents have to pay double? --- ## [All Information Should be Free](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-information-should-be-free/594969)
**Author:** [@MattProle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MattProle)\ **Replies:** 267\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2011, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-information-should-be-free/594969 "2011-09-20T20:15:23Z")
I wonder, would society suffer or flourish if the current patent / copyright laws were abolished? I imagine that this would be a very appealing idea for those of us on the internet. We live to consume information. Adver… --- ## [American Foreign Policy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-foreign-policy/596696)
**Author:** [@Maryhartslegs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maryhartslegs)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2011, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-foreign-policy/596696 "2011-09-20T15:20:42Z")
Where is the Morality? --- ## [Pat Robertson and Alzheimer's. Is this a GD or a Pit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pat-robertson-and-alzheimers-is-this-a-gd-or-a-pit/596466)
**Author:** [@R.P.McMurphy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/R.P.McMurphy)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2011, 12:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pat-robertson-and-alzheimers-is-this-a-gd-or-a-pit/596466 "2011-09-20T12:27:18Z")
Here’s the LA Times take on it. There is also a YouTube video: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/nationnow/2011/09/pat-robertson-infuriates-faithful-with-alzheimers-comments.html So, Mr. Christian says that it’s OK for D… --- ## [Do "Money Bombs" Accomplish Anything?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-money-bombs-accomplish-anything/596514)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2011, 6:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-money-bombs-accomplish-anything/596514 "2011-09-20T06:15:30Z")
This thread is inspired by the banner advertisement that I just saw above this very forum. It’s an ad for Ron Paul, but rather than the old-fashioned tactics of urging us to vote for him or to donate to his campaign at … --- ## [Should people with no children pay taxes for schools?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-people-with-no-children-pay-taxes-for-schools/419792)
**Author:** [@Fireclown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fireclown)\ **Replies:** 201\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2011, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-people-with-no-children-pay-taxes-for-schools/419792 "2011-09-20T01:32:46Z")
My opinion is no. If I have no children, or grown children not in school, why should I have to pay for them? Why not have a tax deduction for people with no children? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=364) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=366)