# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=370 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 371 --- ## [What's Causing the Hyperpartisanship?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-causing-the-hyperpartisanship/593581)
**Author:** [@taffygirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/taffygirl)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2011, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-causing-the-hyperpartisanship/593581 "2011-08-26T00:13:06Z")
I’m talking about the take-no-prisoners, compromise-be-damned current political phenomenon. I know politics is a contentious business, and there have been some knock-down-drag-out political fights in the past, but the cu… --- ## [Has ANY President's summer reading list been as scrutinized as Obama's?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-any-presidents-summer-reading-list-been-as-scrutinized-as-obamas/593911)
**Author:** [@CJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CJJ)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2011, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-any-presidents-summer-reading-list-been-as-scrutinized-as-obamas/593911 "2011-08-25T21:03:54Z")
I know it’s August–the “silly season” for political news stories when most of Washington is on vacation–but it seems to me that this year’s dive for political trivia is much more minute than in past years. Just to take … --- ## [What is this "uncertainty" and why is it so bad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-uncertainty-and-why-is-it-so-bad/592966)
**Author:** [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2011, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-uncertainty-and-why-is-it-so-bad/592966 "2011-08-25T15:34:27Z")
What exactly is this “uncertainty” in everything business-related that Republicans keeping bemoaning? I honestly just don’t know. :confused: --- ## [Things we know that but really don't](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-we-know-that-but-really-dont/594034)
**Author:** [@tim-n-va](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tim-n-va)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2011, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-we-know-that-but-really-dont/594034 "2011-08-25T15:26:45Z")
In this thread about next year’s election, the “angry Howard Dean” comment was used. When I saw the clip initially, without any explanation, I thought it was just a “rally the troops” cheer poorly done. Sort of a “hip,… --- ## [Which dictators to interfere with?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-dictators-to-interfere-with/593921)
**Author:** [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2011, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-dictators-to-interfere-with/593921 "2011-08-25T13:02:09Z")
A couple of questions prompted by the Libya news. A CNN article mentions Libya’s mustard gas and “weapons of mass destruction.” Now, as I recall, that was one of the biggest justifications for invading Iraq, and it turn… --- ## [Another God question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-god-question/592655)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2011, 11:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-god-question/592655 "2011-08-24T11:20:26Z")
Hello Again, Thanks to everyone for the food for though on my previous God question. I have a few and I think a new thread would be appropriate for each, so the discussion stays focused. Okay, while pondering the God q… --- ## [Annihiliationism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/annihiliationism/593591)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2011, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/annihiliationism/593591 "2011-08-24T05:26:22Z")
Annihilationism is the belief that in the afterlife non-Christians’ souls are simply destroyed rather than punished in Hell forever. Do you think the idea is more tolerable-after all for atheists its no worse than what y… --- ## [Where do "cut the spending" GOPs envision the cutting?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-cut-the-spending-gops-envision-the-cutting/593333)
**Author:** [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2011, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-cut-the-spending-gops-envision-the-cutting/593333 "2011-08-23T16:54:49Z")
The common meme of GOP is government is spending too much, we don’t need to tax more, we need to cut more. Knowing the federal budget looks something like this, exactly where to they envision these cuts to come from whe… --- ## [Election Reform: Is it time for supermajority or coalition style government?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/election-reform-is-it-time-for-supermajority-or-coalition-style-government/593768)
**Author:** [@Acid\_Lamp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acid_Lamp)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2011, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/election-reform-is-it-time-for-supermajority-or-coalition-style-government/593768 "2011-08-23T16:08:20Z")
“the will of the people”. “The people have spoken”, etc… We hear this a lot these days from politicians and talking heads, but I’m not certain we are truly reflecting anything remotely akin to a real representation. Now … --- ## [Little Round Top: How did Chamberlain Succeed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/little-round-top-how-did-chamberlain-succeed/592993)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2011, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/little-round-top-how-did-chamberlain-succeed/592993 "2011-08-23T13:26:35Z")
Not a GQ. A GD for a long time. Great generalship or pure luck? Or somewhere in between? --- ## [Believing in God](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/believing-in-god/592534)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2011, 11:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/believing-in-god/592534 "2011-08-23T11:53:22Z")
Hello All, I guess I much have too much time on my hands because it leads me to think critically on things such as God. I was raised a Catholic and I do believe that there is a God. What disturbs me is that when I try t… --- ## [Straus-Kahn case falling apart. Duke lacrosse, etc.?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straus-kahn-case-falling-apart-duke-lacrosse-etc/587476)
**Author:** [@R.P.McMurphy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/R.P.McMurphy)\ **Replies:** 168\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2011, 11:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straus-kahn-case-falling-apart-duke-lacrosse-etc/587476 "2011-08-23T11:26:35Z")
From the NY Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/01/nyregion/strauss-kahn-case-seen-as-in-jeopardy.html?exprod=myyahoo I want this guy to be guilty just to send a message to the pigs out there. Yet, it’s starting to l… --- ## [Would the nation you live in make you more optimistic or pessimistic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-the-nation-you-live-in-make-you-more-optimistic-or-pessimistic/593354)
**Author:** [@shakabroh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shakabroh)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2011, 10:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-the-nation-you-live-in-make-you-more-optimistic-or-pessimistic/593354 "2011-08-23T10:06:46Z")
I had finished reading this article from Time magazine asking if we were biased towards optimism: http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,2074067,00.html Then I came across this article in favor of pessimism: h… --- ## [Is The Chinese Model (Of Dealing With 3rd World Developemnt) The Best?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-chinese-model-of-dealing-with-3rd-world-developemnt-the-best/592622)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2011, 6:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-chinese-model-of-dealing-with-3rd-world-developemnt-the-best/592622 "2011-08-23T06:20:49Z")
I think so. The Chinese are pragmatists-they go to a sub-saharan African country, and say (in effect): “we will build a road/railroad, fix the electric grid, and build schools and hospitals. In return, we will export the… --- ## [American Dopers: Is "Supercop" Bill Bratton really as good as they say?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-dopers-is-supercop-bill-bratton-really-as-good-as-they-say/593000)
**Author:** [@Namkcalb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Namkcalb)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2011, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-dopers-is-supercop-bill-bratton-really-as-good-as-they-say/593000 "2011-08-22T17:28:38Z")
The London police are considering recruiting American “supercop” Bill Bratton, what do you personally think about him and his effectiveness. --- ## [Is terrorism over?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-terrorism-over/593564)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2011, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-terrorism-over/593564 "2011-08-22T15:17:59Z")
Let me start with a basic premise. Trends in political rhetoric often have a well-defined and clear beginning point, but no such distinct ending point. The trend to emphasize a national response to terrorism obviously … --- ## [Wait, if we can force SS (insurance) payments, why is Obamacare unconstitutional?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wait-if-we-can-force-ss-insurance-payments-why-is-obamacare-unconstitutional/592513)
**Author:** [@FixMyIgnorance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FixMyIgnorance)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2011, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wait-if-we-can-force-ss-insurance-payments-why-is-obamacare-unconstitutional/592513 "2011-08-22T15:08:40Z")
I understand that the auto insurance analogy sucks. You have to buy liability insurance if you use a car, but you don’t have to use a car in the first place. Same goes for homeowner’s insurance. Those things are privi… --- ## [Comcast/Verizon/Time Warner Internet Monopolies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comcast-verizon-time-warner-internet-monopolies/593553)
**Author:** [@FixMyIgnorance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FixMyIgnorance)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2011, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comcast-verizon-time-warner-internet-monopolies/593553 "2011-08-22T04:01:32Z")
How are these allowed to stand? Companies like Comcast have monopolies over internet service in Philly while Time Warner dominates New York. How come we don’t see more competition? --- ## [Butch Cassidy: did he Survive into the 1930's?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/butch-cassidy-did-he-survive-into-the-1930s/266550)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2011, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/butch-cassidy-did-he-survive-into-the-1930s/266550 "2011-08-22T00:17:17Z")
I just caught the show on the HISTORY CHANNEL, where the sister of Butch Cassidy claimed that he returned to the USA in 1925, and died sometime in the 1930’s. Is there any evidence (beyond her word) to confirm this? I… --- ## [Is Marijuana Medicine?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-marijuana-medicine/593087)
**Author:** [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2011, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-marijuana-medicine/593087 "2011-08-21T21:11:02Z")
There is currently a thread Pitting Romney for telling a MD patient in 2007 that he was not in favor of medical marijuana. Pursuant to that discussion, it has been my impression that most of the hype about medical marij… --- ## [Taxes: a scale of moral views](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taxes-a-scale-of-moral-views/588078)
**Author:** [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2011, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taxes-a-scale-of-moral-views/588078 "2011-08-21T20:27:59Z")
ALL TAXES ARE ROBBERY. They are collected at the point of a sword. To a certain frame of mind, this is unconscionable coercion. Paying taxes to a progressive government is a necessary evil. Levying them oneself is a betr… --- ## [Should the U.S. normalize diplomatic relations with Cuba?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-u-s-normalize-diplomatic-relations-with-cuba/593080)
**Author:** [@NDP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NDP)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2011, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-u-s-normalize-diplomatic-relations-with-cuba/593080 "2011-08-20T00:54:51Z")
Yes or no–explain why. Also, this thread is mainly about diplomatic relations but it you want to discuss why the U.S. should or shouldn’t lift the restrictions on travel and trade, go ahead. --- ## [Should our legal system hold drivers MORE RESPONSIBLE for accidents?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-our-legal-system-hold-drivers-more-responsible-for-accidents/592423)
**Author:** [@OscarGold](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OscarGold)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2011, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-our-legal-system-hold-drivers-more-responsible-for-accidents/592423 "2011-08-19T23:50:44Z")
I live in NYC and it’s become a bit routine to hear about car accidents that claim the lives of pedestrians, and I’m always a bit shocked to hear that the burden of proof lies with the authorities to PROVE that the drive… --- ## [Possible cancer cure, but decades out for trials?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-cancer-cure-but-decades-out-for-trials/593357)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2011, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-cancer-cure-but-decades-out-for-trials/593357 "2011-08-19T23:49:08Z")
Hello Again, Just read this interesting articel from the BBC, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-14572284 Basically it says that scientist have found away to use ecstasy to essentially cure cancer in people. The article … --- ## [Why aren't things working better in Europe?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-things-working-better-in-europe/592967)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2011, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-things-working-better-in-europe/592967 "2011-08-19T13:27:39Z")
I’ve been reading a lot lately about the European economy hitting the wall and my question is, why? What’s going on in Europe that’s causing such problems? My ‘agenda’ here is to ask this WRT the board liberals, and WR… --- ## [Having children is immoral (antinatalism)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/having-children-is-immoral-antinatalism/450834)
**Author:** [@marshmallow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/marshmallow)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2011, 11:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/having-children-is-immoral-antinatalism/450834 "2011-08-19T11:38:03Z")
To quote the antinatalism blog: Antinatalism follows a chain of logic like this: It is morally wrong to inflict suffering on others. Every human life is filled with suffering. Creating a new life is a decision. Those… --- ## [Pharmacist prescribing debate \[continued\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pharmacist-prescribing-debate-continued/591173)
**Author:** [@zereadam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zereadam)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2011, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pharmacist-prescribing-debate-continued/591173 "2011-08-19T04:39:12Z")
To tell you the truth,no medical doctors will be authorized to prescribe a single drug except the pharmacist.MD’s will be solely responsible for diagnosis and no more uppermost in the health system of the world.Time come… --- ## [Rioting - is the U.S. next?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rioting-is-the-u-s-next/592159)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2011, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rioting-is-the-u-s-next/592159 "2011-08-19T02:15:17Z")
I’ve been watching news coverage of the riots in London. Horrible and frightening images. You have to wonder are we next? There’s a lot of people hurting in this economy. A tremendous amount of anger at government impot… --- ## [China's got a carrier!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinas-got-a-carrier/584856)
**Author:** [@Sablicious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sablicious)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2011, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinas-got-a-carrier/584856 "2011-08-18T23:21:17Z")
…And a 4701.00 Tflops supercomputer to hack government Gmail accounts with! Should the US be wetting its panties yet or does that come when China develop stealth fighters / bombers? (…presuming they haven’t already). N… --- ## [What's a graven image?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-graven-image/592295)
**Author:** [@G35S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/G35S)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2011, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-graven-image/592295 "2011-08-18T20:27:21Z")
Regarding the second commandment. Is a graven image any statue/image as I would gather from a reading the “King James Bible” or an idol as per the “The New Oxford Annotated Bible?” [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=369) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=371)