# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=368 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 369 --- ## [Aircraft carriers: floating coffins?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aircraft-carriers-floating-coffins/565721)
**Author:** [@The\_Amazing\_Hanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Amazing_Hanna)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2011, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aircraft-carriers-floating-coffins/565721 "2011-09-08T14:47:00Z")
Here’s a question for all you naval warfare buffs. The Chinese have deployed a long-range land-to-ship missile system against which there is apparently no good defense. Financial Times article: Chinese missile shifts p… --- ## [Videotaping an arrest is a 1st Amend. Right](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/videotaping-an-arrest-is-a-1st-amend-right/594633)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2011, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/videotaping-an-arrest-is-a-1st-amend-right/594633 "2011-09-08T14:30:53Z")
In Glik v. Cunniffe, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit holds that a bystander videotaping an arrest by police is exercising rights protected under the First Amendment. The court also rules that the police o… --- ## [Assuming that one racial group is on average smarter than another, so what?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assuming-that-one-racial-group-is-on-average-smarter-than-another-so-what/595266)
**Author:** [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2011, 6:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assuming-that-one-racial-group-is-on-average-smarter-than-another-so-what/595266 "2011-09-08T06:03:37Z")
Let’s assume that it has been demonstrated that Group A has a lower average IQ than Group B, even accounting for cultural factors. So what? What use is this information? You can’t transfer the assumptions from the gen… --- ## [What to do about underfunded pensions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-about-underfunded-pensions/595404)
**Author:** [@smiling\_bandit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smiling_bandit)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2011, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-about-underfunded-pensions/595404 "2011-09-07T21:22:16Z")
Her ein the states, we definitely have a problem with pensions. Despite ecomic troubles, it’s not the private sector, but the public. This link is a mere sampling: I’ve heard of similar crises in a number of states, par… --- ## [Jesus Christ as your fantasy dinner guest](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-christ-as-your-fantasy-dinner-guest/593476)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 199\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2011, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-christ-as-your-fantasy-dinner-guest/593476 "2011-09-07T13:08:14Z")
I just read someone’s blog (on prosecuting Roger Clemens–here’s the link, it’s pretty good)– and the author, a Reformed Jew, apparently, happened to mention that he would include Jesus Christ among his ideal dinner gues… --- ## [Why does the world need another browser? (Chrome)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-world-need-another-browser-chrome/461731)
**Author:** [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2011, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-world-need-another-browser-chrome/461731 "2011-09-07T04:00:45Z")
Google to release Chrome browser :rolleyes: Seriously, why? How many different use cases can there be for browsing? --- ## [Shuttle crew helpless to inspect orbiter?!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shuttle-crew-helpless-to-inspect-orbiter/152188)
**Author:** [@robby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robby)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2011, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shuttle-crew-helpless-to-inspect-orbiter/152188 "2011-09-06T20:34:56Z")
I watched NASA’s technical briefing at 3:30 PM EST, and was somewhat disturbed by the comments of shuttle flight director Ron Dittemore. He said that ten days ago they analyzed possible damage to the left wing of the shu… --- ## [SEAL or Gurkha vs normal people](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seal-or-gurkha-vs-normal-people/594639)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2011, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seal-or-gurkha-vs-normal-people/594639 "2011-09-06T20:11:30Z")
Inspired by the other threa of a SEAL against a Gurhka. I have read that numbers are a huge advantage in an unarmed fight. I can’t remember where, but I recall reading somewhere that 4 or 5 average, untrained, but physic… --- ## [Jones Act Waivers - SPR Release](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jones-act-waivers-spr-release/595416)
**Author:** [@LonghornDave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LonghornDave)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2011, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jones-act-waivers-spr-release/595416 "2011-09-06T18:40:46Z")
As I’m sure everyone is well aware of, President Obama authorized a 30 million barrel release from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve back in June. While the release itself is somewhat controversial, I would rather not… --- ## [Gurkha VS Navy Seal - hand to hand](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gurkha-vs-navy-seal-hand-to-hand/594528)
**Author:** [@Sizzlefry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sizzlefry)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2011, 4:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gurkha-vs-navy-seal-hand-to-hand/594528 "2011-09-06T04:50:29Z")
Who would win a hand to hand fight between a Gurkha and a Navy Seal? Is this even fair? --- ## ["Biblical" Marrages? are people really okay with this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biblical-marrages-are-people-really-okay-with-this/593926)
**Author:** [@Incubus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Incubus)\ **Replies:** 226\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2011, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biblical-marrages-are-people-really-okay-with-this/593926 "2011-09-06T02:09:04Z")
I have a particular friend who is married with two young children. Hes been married for nine years. He describes his marraige as a “biblical” one. He converted to christianity a few years back, seems pretty happy with it… --- ## [By fundie logic, shouldn't abortion be a GOOD thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/by-fundie-logic-shouldnt-abortion-be-a-good-thing/593355)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2011, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/by-fundie-logic-shouldnt-abortion-be-a-good-thing/593355 "2011-09-06T02:00:08Z")
Most fundies believe a couple of things about salvation and damnation: Most people are going to hell. Children who die before reaching a (vague) age of responsibility will go to heaven. This is made pretty explicit in… --- ## [Operation Overlord fails - now what ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/operation-overlord-fails-now-what/594684)
**Author:** [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2011, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/operation-overlord-fails-now-what/594684 "2011-09-06T01:45:30Z")
Pretty much as the title says. Let us arbitrarily assume that D-Day was a disaster, for whatever reason you might come up with - the beach defenses end up all being like Omaha’s, the Führer didn’t sleep so reserve tank … --- ## [Why hasn't DSK's accuser been deported?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-dsks-accuser-been-deported/593623)
**Author:** [@OscarGold](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OscarGold)\ **Replies:** 163\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2011, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-dsks-accuser-been-deported/593623 "2011-09-05T22:16:09Z")
Or at least why haven’t the proceedings to begin the process of deporting her, why hasn’t that begun? We are talking about an admitted immigration fraudster here. I particularly do not like her because she has the audaci… --- ## [Tibetan Buddhism Question (Appropriateness Of Exalted Title)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tibetan-buddhism-question-appropriateness-of-exalted-title/595013)
**Author:** [@Huerta88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Huerta88)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2011, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tibetan-buddhism-question-appropriateness-of-exalted-title/595013 "2011-09-05T16:58:48Z")
I don’t know anything about Tibetan Buddhism and my goal is not to learn comprehensively about it, even less to (in)-validate anyone’s religious notiions (but I’m putting this in GD just because it’s subjective AND invol… --- ## [Radical conservationists: Are individual human lives expendable? Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/radical-conservationists-are-individual-human-lives-expendable-why/595088)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2011, 10:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/radical-conservationists-are-individual-human-lives-expendable-why/595088 "2011-09-05T10:19:58Z")
In another thread, this post appears: I would like to ask foolsguinea – or any other radical conservationists on the board, if such there be --to expand on this position, if y’all are willing. --- ## [Mormon proselytizing: does the LDS church really benefit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mormon-proselytizing-does-the-lds-church-really-benefit/307497)
**Author:** [@Sal\_Ammoniac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sal_Ammoniac)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2011, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mormon-proselytizing-does-the-lds-church-really-benefit/307497 "2011-09-04T22:20:42Z")
For all the effort Mormons put into their proselytizing, I have to wonder just how well it works. Around here, the missionaries are regarded by many as just another urban nuisance, to the point where I’ve actually seen … --- ## [Standard and Poor to Give AAA Ratings to Subprime Mortgages](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/standard-and-poor-to-give-aaa-ratings-to-subprime-mortgages/595117)
**Author:** [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2011, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/standard-and-poor-to-give-aaa-ratings-to-subprime-mortgages/595117 "2011-09-04T21:21:07Z")
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/09/investors-knock-sp-for-giving-subprime-bonds-higher-rating-than-us-debt-4.php?ref=fpa (\*Talking Points Memo \*is center lefty site, but has the link to the originial story on \*B… --- ## [Wikileaks' leaks leaked.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wikileaks-leaks-leaked/595070)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2011, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wikileaks-leaks-leaked/595070 "2011-09-04T04:35:17Z")
Many months ago, Wikileaks gave a trove of a quarter of a million U.S. diplomatic cables to the The New York Times, The Guardian, and other media with the understanding that they would only be released with any informa… --- ## [School Vouchers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/school-vouchers/594702)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2011, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/school-vouchers/594702 "2011-09-03T22:16:31Z")
Should the government grant money or tax credits to parents who wish to send their children to private school or homeschool them? Much as with food stamps, I support such vouchers for private schools or homeschooling wh… --- ## [Still support nuke power plants?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/still-support-nuke-power-plants/574647)
**Author:** [@Mosier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mosier)\ **Replies:** 1589\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2011, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/still-support-nuke-power-plants/574647 "2011-09-03T18:48:42Z")
The Japanese are having some trouble keeping a few of theirs from failing catastrophically, which indicates we aren’t able to build disaster-proof plants. Is the danger of meltdown still worth the benefit of clean(ish) e… --- ## [What about Algeria?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-about-algeria/594763)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2011, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-about-algeria/594763 "2011-09-03T13:40:44Z")
The Arab Spring protests there have achieved the lifting of Algeria’s 19-year-old state of emergency and seemed to have died down since May. So. It doesn’t seem like a situation for an uprising or a revolution or anyt… --- ## [1940 election if FDR hadn't run](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1940-election-if-fdr-hadnt-run/594865)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2011, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1940-election-if-fdr-hadnt-run/594865 "2011-09-03T02:27:06Z")
Let’s say that Roosevelt had not run for a third term in 1940. Assume that tradition was too strong or there was an earlier version of the 22nd Amendment in effect. So he’s stepping down but otherwise everything is the s… --- ## [Is it just/desirable to replace destroyed body parts with those of the attacker?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-just-desirable-to-replace-destroyed-body-parts-with-those-of-the-attacker/594593)
**Author:** [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2011, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-just-desirable-to-replace-destroyed-body-parts-with-those-of-the-attacker/594593 "2011-09-02T21:37:52Z")
Inspired by part of this post in this thread: That inspired my question; how about if they chop off the foot to use as a replacement for your lost foot? Assuming we had the technology to do so safely and reliably, woul… --- ## [Would a world with a known, confirmed god necessarily stagnate? And its corollary . . .](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-a-world-with-a-known-confirmed-god-necessarily-stagnate-and-its-corollary/592536)
**Author:** [@Koxinga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Koxinga)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2011, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-a-world-with-a-known-confirmed-god-necessarily-stagnate-and-its-corollary/592536 "2011-09-02T11:47:03Z")
. . . would a world entirely bereft of any sort of faith in God fall into despair and also stagnate? I’m thinking if there really is a God, he can’t do too much, or people would get dependent on him. And if he did nothi… --- ## [Is this racial profiling?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-racial-profiling/594423)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 142\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2011, 10:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-racial-profiling/594423 "2011-09-02T10:55:12Z")
Vance Gilbert profiled? To summarize, a middle aged black musician was flying from Boston to DC. He was reading a book about WWII era airplanes. The plane was stopped before takeoff, and police came onboard, and after… --- ## [Why should I care about Somalians, since their own countrymen don't?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-should-i-care-about-somalians-since-their-own-countrymen-dont/594441)
**Author:** [@Snow\_Pea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snow_Pea)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2011, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-should-i-care-about-somalians-since-their-own-countrymen-dont/594441 "2011-09-01T17:20:13Z")
We try to send aid, their own countrymen block/hijack it. Oh well we tried. Is there any reason to keep trying? Are we just helping a whole new future generation of murderous pirates survive, by stepping in and feeding… --- ## [America or Western Europe?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/america-or-western-europe/593120)
**Author:** [@insight\_chaser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/insight_chaser)\ **Replies:** 177\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2011, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/america-or-western-europe/593120 "2011-09-01T14:28:55Z")
Where is there more personal freedom: in America or Western Europe? Discuss. --- ## [Communism, flaws and repression.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/communism-flaws-and-repression/552471)
**Author:** [@Captain\_Midnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Midnight)\ **Replies:** 162\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2011, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/communism-flaws-and-repression/552471 "2011-09-01T02:25:17Z")
I love reading and watching documentaries about authoritarian political regimes. Or anything where there is an absolute ruler. Religious cults with strong leaders also fascinate me. About Communism. Last night I saw tw… --- ## [Let's rethink "cruel and unusual" punishment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-rethink-cruel-and-unusual-punishment/594561)
**Author:** [@Omg\_a\_Black\_Conservative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omg_a_Black_Conservative)\ **Replies:** 150\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2011, 12:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-rethink-cruel-and-unusual-punishment/594561 "2011-08-31T12:01:06Z")
Take this story involving the death of a 10-year old who was denied water for five days, left in a room without air-conditioning in the sun and had his mouth stuffed with peanut butter as punishment for wetting his bed. … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=367) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=369)