# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=366 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 367 --- ## [EPA Delays Climate Change Rules (but "Still Committed" to them)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epa-delays-climate-change-rules-but-still-committed-to-them/596821)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2011, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epa-delays-climate-change-rules-but-still-committed-to-them/596821 "2011-09-19T18:15:17Z")
Which prompted one blogger to quip, “The White House is still “very much committed” to greenhouse gas reductions the way NBC was ‘Committed to Keeping Conan O’Brien’ on the network in January 2010. Too harsh? Just wait… --- ## [Was Joan of Arc really a witch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-joan-of-arc-really-a-witch/596385)
**Author:** [@blindboyard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blindboyard)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2011, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-joan-of-arc-really-a-witch/596385 "2011-09-19T16:47:18Z")
Let’s blur for a moment the distinction of what exactly is a witch, let’s say that any heterodoxy which the natives of the fifteenth century may have found sinister is enough to be a witch. Let’s also ignore any unrelate… --- ## [Ancient Sources and Christian Evidence](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ancient-sources-and-christian-evidence/595376)
**Author:** [@Meatros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meatros)\ **Replies:** 169\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2011, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ancient-sources-and-christian-evidence/595376 "2011-09-19T13:42:53Z")
Okay, this is a thread about a point I’ve brought up in many threads. I haven’t really gotten much of a response on it, IIRC, I think that at one point ITR Champ did address it, but it was in a much larger thread and sub… --- ## [Why is Pakistan such a basket case? \[ Part 2 \]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-pakistan-such-a-basket-case-part-2/596237)
**Author:** [@bldysabba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bldysabba)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2011, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-pakistan-such-a-basket-case-part-2/596237 "2011-09-19T02:22:45Z")
Isn’t there also an identity crisis and a culture of denial in Pakistan which manifests itself in things as varied as historical revisionism, conspiracy theories and the spread of radical islam? The impression I have is … --- ## [SCOTUS halts execution of Duane Buck in Texas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotus-halts-execution-of-duane-buck-in-texas/596462)
**Author:** [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2011, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotus-halts-execution-of-duane-buck-in-texas/596462 "2011-09-19T02:10:58Z")
Supreme Court halts Texas execution Will this anger the Tea Party? How will Rick Perry react to federal interference in Texas justice? --- ## [Why if you disagree with Obama and his policies some label you as a racist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-if-you-disagree-with-obama-and-his-policies-some-label-you-as-a-racist/595918)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 269\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2011, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-if-you-disagree-with-obama-and-his-policies-some-label-you-as-a-racist/595918 "2011-09-19T01:56:31Z")
Hello All, Full Disclosure: I am a Republican, was a liberal when I was in my early 20’s, but came to my senses. I have no problem with people being Democrats, although I have to admit I don’t understand their way of … --- ## [What would happen if we reduced the minimum wage in the US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-we-reduced-the-minimum-wage-in-the-us/594244)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2011, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-we-reduced-the-minimum-wage-in-the-us/594244 "2011-09-18T23:32:25Z")
Michelle Bachmann was in Jacksonville Beach, FL today talking about how she thinks we need to reduce corporate taxes in order to seem more attractive to corporations. Then she was asked a question about minimum wage. \[ … --- ## [Lost Decade for US Workers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-decade-for-us-workers/596639)
**Author:** [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2011, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-decade-for-us-workers/596639 "2011-09-18T22:25:57Z")
Here’s an article about the recession and it’s effect on the people who work: Lost Decade for US Workers Some of the more interesting quotes: So… Does this article hit the mark, or is it off base? It seems to b… --- ## [Ron Paul: Honest or Nuts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ron-paul-honest-or-nuts/596249)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2011, 6:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ron-paul-honest-or-nuts/596249 "2011-09-18T06:54:16Z")
http://rt.com/usa/news/ron-paul-debate-gop-483/ I ask this because obviously of Represenative Paul’s comments in yesterday’s debate. First of all, I’ve got to say this is the bravest thing someone could have said at a … --- ## [Mubarak is out - now what? || After Mubarak, who is next?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mubarak-is-out-now-what-after-mubarak-who-is-next/571035)
**Author:** [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2011, 6:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mubarak-is-out-now-what-after-mubarak-who-is-next/571035 "2011-09-18T06:36:46Z")
Shall we start a betting pool on a) what will happen to him, and b) what will replace him? Is there likely to be any real reform? --- ## [Why can't 'we' secede from the Union \[continued\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-secede-from-the-union-continued/593195)
**Author:** [@Gridlost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gridlost)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2011, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-secede-from-the-union-continued/593195 "2011-09-17T15:42:42Z")
The constitution or the Supreme Court will not prevent a state from seceding if that is their intent any more than the former Soviet Union could prevent it’s satellite states from becoming their own republics. To say or … --- ## [The Really Big Questions Don't Matter](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-really-big-questions-dont-matter/596463)
**Author:** [@Scylla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scylla)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2011, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-really-big-questions-dont-matter/596463 "2011-09-17T15:20:13Z")
I heard an interesting viewpoint. The viewpoint contends that the really big questions that we fight about and debate don’t matter at all. Abortion, pro-life or pro-choice? Should we have invaded Iraq? Things like t… --- ## [Supreme Court ends Class Action lawsuits \[AT&T Mobility LLC v. Concepcion\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supreme-court-ends-class-action-lawsuits-at-t-mobility-llc-v-concepcion/579953)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2011, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supreme-court-ends-class-action-lawsuits-at-t-mobility-llc-v-concepcion/579953 "2011-09-17T13:00:56Z")
Scalia & Company kick America in the balls once again. Does anyone here think this is a “good” thing? Sounds perfectly awful to me. --- ## [Will intelligence be selected against?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-intelligence-be-selected-against/596177)
**Author:** [@bldysabba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bldysabba)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2011, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-intelligence-be-selected-against/596177 "2011-09-17T05:28:48Z")
Research shows a reasonably high correlation(not causation mind you) between intelligence(IQ), education and wealth on average. Studies also show that there is an inverse correlation between education & wealth and the nu… --- ## [Lemon socialism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lemon-socialism/596343)
**Author:** [@Mosier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mosier)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2011, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lemon-socialism/596343 "2011-09-17T00:54:44Z")
When banks and large corporations make wildly disastrous investments, the losses are socialized as the government bails them out. When those same corporations show wild profits, the benefits go exclusively to private sha… --- ## [National Security Exemption to 5th Amendment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/national-security-exemption-to-5th-amendment/596479)
**Author:** [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2011, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/national-security-exemption-to-5th-amendment/596479 "2011-09-16T20:40:56Z")
Did I hear this correctly? A judge (what judge? what court?) has ruled that there is a “National Security Exemption” to the Fifth Amendment, and that statements made by the “underwear bomber” can be admissible, even tho… --- ## [The Effects of the Arab Spring?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-effects-of-the-arab-spring/595913)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2011, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-effects-of-the-arab-spring/595913 "2011-09-16T15:49:26Z")
Some of the perhaps more negative effects of the Arab Spring has already sprung up today in Egypt where the Israeli embassy was stormed by an angry mob and burnt. Is it possible that formerly Western-friendly and Israeli… --- ## [What Texas Got Right](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-texas-got-right/593527)
**Author:** [@emacknight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emacknight)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2011, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-texas-got-right/593527 "2011-09-16T14:14:50Z")
Over the next 14 months there is going to be a lot of talk about how Rick Parry created jobs in Texas. To get a head of the game Slate.com put out a pre-emptive strike against him with this piece: Why the Lone Star Sta… --- ## [Uninsured, injured, treatment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uninsured-injured-treatment/596160)
**Author:** [@gumpy3885](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gumpy3885)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2011, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uninsured-injured-treatment/596160 "2011-09-16T14:04:17Z")
At last night’s debate, Ron Paul said (paraphrased) that if you are healthy and choose not to purchase health insurance, you should not expect the government to step in with free treatment, even if it’s to save your life… --- ## [Powerful article! - "Goodbye to All That: Reflections of a GOP Operative Who Left the Cult"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/powerful-article-goodbye-to-all-that-reflections-of-a-gop-operative-who-left-the-cult/595179)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 185\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2011, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/powerful-article-goodbye-to-all-that-reflections-of-a-gop-operative-who-left-the-cult/595179 "2011-09-15T23:41:49Z")
I think this important article belongs here more than other forums as an object of discussion and debate about the claims it makes. It (IMO) is the most accurate and incisive discussion I have seen to date about what is … --- ## [Seed reuse and GM pollen pollution](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seed-reuse-and-gm-pollen-pollution/595347)
**Author:** [@The\_Tao\_s\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Tao_s_Revenge)\ **Replies:** 162\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2011, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seed-reuse-and-gm-pollen-pollution/595347 "2011-09-15T22:49:34Z")
It’s illegal to save seeds from GM plants and reuse them, at least according to patent law. However living things don’t have a concept of patents and breed shamelessly. Say two farmers living near each other grow corn.… --- ## [Let's play a game of logical consistency](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-play-a-game-of-logical-consistency/596215)
**Author:** [@Omg\_a\_Black\_Conservative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omg_a_Black_Conservative)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2011, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-play-a-game-of-logical-consistency/596215 "2011-09-15T22:42:09Z")
In abortion threads gone, I’ve on more than one occasion pointed out if one argument (among many bad ones) for the legalization of abortion is that a woman has the right to decide what’s best for her own life, that infan… --- ## [Atheist vs Believers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-vs-believers/593512)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 301\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2011, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-vs-believers/593512 "2011-09-15T20:17:34Z")
Hello Again Everyone, So glad I found the boards here. So many questions and a small pool of opinions in my circle of friends so great to see so many subjects debated by so many. Okay on to the “it’s been bothering me”… --- ## [Progressive Income Tax](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/progressive-income-tax/596012)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2011, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/progressive-income-tax/596012 "2011-09-15T19:34:45Z")
OK, I am feeling stupid. I came across an article about an American gambling magnate (I forget his name, a behind-the-scenes GOP guy). He was quoted asking; Why should I pay a higher percentage of my income in tax than … --- ## [Cash for Clunkers (Home version)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cash-for-clunkers-home-version/596360)
**Author:** [@diggerwam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/diggerwam)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2011, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cash-for-clunkers-home-version/596360 "2011-09-15T15:31:38Z")
Wife and I were debating tonite and I had an idea that admittedly has quite a few bugs to work out. We live in a Midwestern city, middle class neighborhood that has quite a few foreclosed homes, maybe 3 per block. I’ve… --- ## [The Fluff](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fluff/595638)
**Author:** [@Vahid\_Tarzan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vahid_Tarzan)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2011, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fluff/595638 "2011-09-15T14:18:50Z")
This forum “Debates” was relevant in searching the term “The Fluff” --assuming there had been any discussion… My search found discussion on grounded astronants HERE so in the same sense the Fluff comes into play. The… --- ## [Define religion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/define-religion/595728)
**Author:** [@Polerius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polerius)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2011, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/define-religion/595728 "2011-09-15T13:54:53Z")
It has been brought up in other threads that you can be an atheist and still be religious. It seems to me that this is an oxymoron, since I assosiate religion with belief in at least something supernatural. Without such … --- ## [Am I a conspiracy theorist (Osama Bin Laden still alive)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-a-conspiracy-theorist-osama-bin-laden-still-alive/595812)
**Author:** [@clairobscur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clairobscur)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2011, 11:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-a-conspiracy-theorist-osama-bin-laden-still-alive/595812 "2011-09-15T11:00:06Z")
As mentioned in the title, I have doubts about the death of Osama Bin Laden. Here’s why : Even though I understand that detaining/sending him to trial would have created significant issues (hostage taking, for instance)… --- ## [Matt Drudge, You're Kind Of A Dope (Random Obama Hate)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matt-drudge-youre-kind-of-a-dope-random-obama-hate/595548)
**Author:** [@Huerta88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Huerta88)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2011, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matt-drudge-youre-kind-of-a-dope-random-obama-hate/595548 "2011-09-15T03:50:26Z")
I read Drudge. To the extent that he makes some conservative content broadly available, okay, fine. To the extent that he’s kind of a jackass, he’s a bit of an embarrassment. The fedora and the Walter Winchell pose an… --- ## [Obama's Jobs Speech](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-jobs-speech/595442)
**Author:** [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Replies:** 161\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2011, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-jobs-speech/595442 "2011-09-15T01:22:13Z")
This is so much in the news, I figured an omnibus thread on the subject would be worthwhile. I’m going to talk about what I think Obama will say, but have no problem with broadening the subject in any area related to th… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=365) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=367)