# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=372 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 373 --- ## [Keynesian economics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keynesian-economics/590870)
**Author:** [@FixMyIgnorance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FixMyIgnorance)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2011, 7:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keynesian-economics/590870 "2011-08-13T07:57:11Z")
What exactly causes recessions and why does Keynesian economics tend to fix them? How come they were apparently used in our recession but without great effects? --- ## [More on bigamy and polygamy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-on-bigamy-and-polygamy/591976)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2011, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-on-bigamy-and-polygamy/591976 "2011-08-13T02:24:32Z")
This thread: Polygamists are not a “class” for the purposes of Fourteenth Amendment EP analysis contained this basic argument: Rather than revive that thread, I’ll start this one to point out that someone might have b… --- ## [Are politicians less civil now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-politicians-less-civil-now/592013)
**Author:** [@keeganst94](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/keeganst94)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2011, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-politicians-less-civil-now/592013 "2011-08-12T21:45:46Z")
Yesterday, somebody said in a thread that they didn’t believe that the Republicans in 1994 would be willing to gamble with the U.S. economy as (in their opinion) modern Republicans have, and many have expressed the same … --- ## [Will there be gravity in heaven?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-there-be-gravity-in-heaven/592431)
**Author:** [@copperwindow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/copperwindow)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2011, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-there-be-gravity-in-heaven/592431 "2011-08-12T21:38:26Z")
Does the bible give any clues as to weather or not there will be any gravity in heaven? I’m wondering, because that may explain why angels have wings… --- ## [Did D (B) Cooper make it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-d-b-cooper-make-it/442853)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 178\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2011, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-d-b-cooper-make-it/442853 "2011-08-12T04:13:55Z")
Not, perhaps, a great debate, but was reading earlier that (possibly) a fragment of Dan Cooper’s parachute was found earlier this week, sort of rekindling the whole ‘He made it and is living on the money’/‘He died like a… --- ## [Water dowsers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/water-dowsers/592141)
**Author:** [@CheeseDonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CheeseDonkey)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2011, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/water-dowsers/592141 "2011-08-11T14:12:13Z")
Straight forward question: How do they (supposedly) work? --- ## [When we all died.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-we-all-died/591697)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2011, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-we-all-died/591697 "2011-08-10T16:39:31Z")
I try to explain to young’uns that the human race survived past October, 1962 because Nikita Khrushchev was less of a psycho than Castro. We all, theoretically, died 49 years ago. The rest have been gravy. I’m probabl… --- ## [Sungazing...WTF?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sungazing-wtf/591333)
**Author:** [@topaz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/topaz)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2011, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sungazing-wtf/591333 "2011-08-10T14:34:19Z")
Just watched a documentary on “sungazing”. Any body have any first-hand knowledge of this? Do you know anyone who does it and claims to have benefitted from it without damaging their eyes? The founder of one of the inst… --- ## [Instead of raising taxes, why not push for this idea?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instead-of-raising-taxes-why-not-push-for-this-idea/590347)
**Author:** [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2011, 8:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instead-of-raising-taxes-why-not-push-for-this-idea/590347 "2011-08-10T08:41:22Z")
I think we can all agree that this board leans to the left. If it was a ship, it would capsize. And most liberals, progressives or whatever label currently being used to identify this group enjoy government spending (a… --- ## [Do we have enough medical training for UHC?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-enough-medical-training-for-uhc/591778)
**Author:** [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2011, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-enough-medical-training-for-uhc/591778 "2011-08-09T18:06:46Z")
Assume for a moment that we pass single-payer, truly America-wide universal health care in the USA. This means that all of the currently uninsured will suddenly become effectively insured, and thus be able to be treated… --- ## [Economic woes solving plan: Government hires everyone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/economic-woes-solving-plan-government-hires-everyone/589944)
**Author:** [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2011, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/economic-woes-solving-plan-government-hires-everyone/589944 "2011-08-09T05:22:25Z")
I’m liberal, so consider this post from that perspective. A few notes first: I don’t care about making government smaller, I don’t assume that private enterprises are intrinsically better, nor that government is intrins… --- ## [Is Anti-Semitism a serious problem in Norway?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anti-semitism-a-serious-problem-in-norway/589733)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 226\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2011, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anti-semitism-a-serious-problem-in-norway/589733 "2011-08-09T03:40:07Z")
I have never been to Norway, and I have generally held a very positive opinion of that country. I also understand that opposition to the policies of Israel is not necessarily anti-semitic. But I was alarmed after readi… --- ## [Raising the debt ceiling with more balanced budgeting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/raising-the-debt-ceiling-with-more-balanced-budgeting/589156)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2011, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/raising-the-debt-ceiling-with-more-balanced-budgeting/589156 "2011-08-09T03:18:29Z")
According to ththe latest news, the Republicans want to add a balanced budget amendment to the debt ceiling talks. What concessions would Republicans have to make for Democrats to consider this? If the Dems dig in … --- ## [Market drops - Social Security suddenly looks good](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/market-drops-social-security-suddenly-looks-good/591511)
**Author:** [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2011, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/market-drops-social-security-suddenly-looks-good/591511 "2011-08-08T21:05:00Z")
The stock market had a brutal day today, another one of several. Which got me to thinking. A few years ago, George W. Bush floated the idea of diverting a portion of Social Security into private retirement accounts. One… --- ## [The Debt Crisis Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-debt-crisis-thread/589786)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 963\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2011, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-debt-crisis-thread/589786 "2011-08-08T19:01:09Z")
What should be done about raising the debt ceiling and more broadly what should be done to start lowering the US’ massive debts and deficits? My plans in order of preference: The Gang of Six Plan-Provided there are no… --- ## [Appoint the libertarian Scott Sumner to the Federal Reserve Board](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/appoint-the-libertarian-scott-sumner-to-the-federal-reserve-board/591560)
**Author:** [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2011, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/appoint-the-libertarian-scott-sumner-to-the-federal-reserve-board/591560 "2011-08-08T18:52:13Z")
The economy is cratering and there’s currently no sign that conventional fiscal policy will be initiated. So let’s appoint a monetarist to the Federal Reserve: I nominate Scott Sumner, no relation to this guy. This is … --- ## [Standard & Poor downgrades US credit: now AA+ not AAA](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/standard-poor-downgrades-us-credit-now-aa-not-aaa/591676)
**Author:** [@LonesomePolecat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LonesomePolecat)\ **Replies:** 153\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2011, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/standard-poor-downgrades-us-credit-now-aa-not-aaa/591676 "2011-08-08T18:11:16Z")
Standard & Poor just downgraded America’s credit from AAA to AA+. No, this is not the End of the World as We Know It, though obviously there will be some consequences, and I’d like to see some opinions and views as to ho… --- ## [Why do the Israelis build settlements?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-the-israelis-build-settlements/590273)
**Author:** [@Darth\_Ayebaw](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Ayebaw)\ **Replies:** 254\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2011, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-the-israelis-build-settlements/590273 "2011-08-08T17:38:33Z")
Growing population with a need to expand? A political move? Or is the land actually Israeli in some fashion and they’re just getting around to moving in? If that’s the case, why do they have to destroy Palestinian homes … --- ## [Franken pwns Focus on the Family.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/franken-pwns-focus-on-the-family/589772)
**Author:** [@stpauler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stpauler)\ **Replies:** 212\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2011, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/franken-pwns-focus-on-the-family/589772 "2011-08-08T16:24:39Z")
I hate using “pwns”, but it’s so perfect here. Youtube link. --- ## [Armchair Speculation: Will modern cosmetic techniques destroy natural selection?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/armchair-speculation-will-modern-cosmetic-techniques-destroy-natural-selection/591569)
**Author:** [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2011, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/armchair-speculation-will-modern-cosmetic-techniques-destroy-natural-selection/591569 "2011-08-08T14:33:21Z")
…and ultimately… humanity itself?! :eek: Assuming \[deep breath\]:\* There exists some set of hard-wired, genetic sexual attraction instinct that affects your tastes in mates, ones that might exhibit sexual features which… --- ## [We need mandatory National Service in the US](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-need-mandatory-national-service-in-the-us/591202)
**Author:** [@brickbacon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brickbacon)\ **Replies:** 178\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2011, 11:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-need-mandatory-national-service-in-the-us/591202 "2011-08-08T11:39:26Z")
In these uncertain economic times, it would seem that mandatory National Service could go a long way towards solving some of the problems in this country. I propose that all able-bodied 18-year olds, and illegal immigra… --- ## [Did Obama cause the 31 US Seal Team 6 Deaths?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-obama-cause-the-31-us-seal-team-6-deaths/591827)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2011, 7:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-obama-cause-the-31-us-seal-team-6-deaths/591827 "2011-08-08T07:17:38Z")
I would argue yes. the reason? After the successful raid that killed Bin Laden,Obamatold the world the details of it, including identifying the seal team (6) that carried out the raid. Now, we know that our afghan “all… --- ## [What would happen if all the rich people left America?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-all-the-rich-people-left-america/591304)
**Author:** [@gallan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gallan)\ **Replies:** 259\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2011, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-all-the-rich-people-left-america/591304 "2011-08-08T05:05:44Z")
My friends and I were having a healthy debate about taxes, when one of them presented this hypothetical scenario: What would happen to the American economy if anyone earning over $250,000 and living in America decided t… --- ## [Is There Any Doubt We Are Heading for a Double-Dip Recession?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-doubt-we-are-heading-for-a-double-dip-recession/591521)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2011, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-doubt-we-are-heading-for-a-double-dip-recession/591521 "2011-08-08T02:35:04Z")
Unemployment still above 9%. Growth below 1/2%. Stock market losing the last 9 straight days, something that hasn’t happened since 1978, and oil plummeting, DESPITE Obama’s near trillion dollar stimulus, tax cuts on th… --- ## [Why is Social Security unsustainable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-social-security-unsustainable/591451)
**Author:** [@FixMyIgnorance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FixMyIgnorance)\ **Replies:** 135\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2011, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-social-security-unsustainable/591451 "2011-08-08T01:34:29Z")
Can anyone give me an example using actual numbers why this is so? Is it a Ponzi scheme? How come it’s unsustainable if it’s self-financed? Why was the government allowed to borrow from the SS fund to begin with – doesn’… --- ## [How Can the Dems Get The Truth Out About the Debt Ceiling Disaster?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-the-dems-get-the-truth-out-about-the-debt-ceiling-disaster/591848)
**Author:** [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2011, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-the-dems-get-the-truth-out-about-the-debt-ceiling-disaster/591848 "2011-08-08T01:19:32Z")
Obviously, the Republican spin machine is going to be in full-on Blame the Dems mode in the next year with regard to the disastrous attempt to use the debt ceiling as bargaining chip to attain political concessions they … --- ## [Poverty and Intelligence](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poverty-and-intelligence/590008)
**Author:** [@DirkGntly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DirkGntly)\ **Replies:** 242\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2011, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poverty-and-intelligence/590008 "2011-08-07T18:48:46Z")
In the “NCLB, where to next?” thread, it was broadly hinted that poverty perpetuates a lack of intelligence, and hence, lower test scores. I wanted to open a discussion more specifically on that topic, to ask if perhaps… --- ## [Aren't conservatives for euthanasia and health care rationing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arent-conservatives-for-euthanasia-and-health-care-rationing/590927)
**Author:** [@sqweels](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sqweels)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2011, 12:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arent-conservatives-for-euthanasia-and-health-care-rationing/590927 "2011-08-07T12:01:15Z")
During the debate a few years back over Kevorkianesque assisted suicide, I recall a lot of complaints from the right that liberals were pushing euthanasia. And during the health care debate, the prospect of a government… --- ## [Mass Resignation of Turkish Generals](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mass-resignation-of-turkish-generals/590785)
**Author:** [@Malthus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malthus)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2011, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mass-resignation-of-turkish-generals/590785 "2011-08-06T19:20:40Z")
I found this story quite astonishing: The question for debate is - is this a bad sign for the stability of the country, indicating a military revolt is now likely, or a good sign as it indicates that the civilian gov… --- ## [A Nordics Seek Seat at G-20 Table](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-nordics-seek-seat-at-g-20-table/591629)
**Author:** [@Rune](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rune)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2011, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-nordics-seek-seat-at-g-20-table/591629 "2011-08-06T17:53:41Z")
http://defensenews.com/story.php?i=7298425&c=EUR&s=TOP compared to population the Nordic countries are some of the world’s most productive and successful economies. And together the collective economy is about the siz… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=371) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=373)