# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=386 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 387 --- ## [Alternate scenarios for the geographical setting of the Jewish State](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alternate-scenarios-for-the-geographical-setting-of-the-jewish-state/582832)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2011, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alternate-scenarios-for-the-geographical-setting-of-the-jewish-state/582832 "2011-05-23T22:24:47Z")
All of the Israel/Palestine related issues in the news and on the board lately makes me think about the fact that originally, some people proposed setting up the Jewish state in places other than Israel. Many people seem… --- ## [SCOTUS ruling regarding "exigent circumstances" and searches.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotus-ruling-regarding-exigent-circumstances-and-searches/582330)
**Author:** [@carlb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carlb)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2011, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotus-ruling-regarding-exigent-circumstances-and-searches/582330 "2011-05-23T16:22:11Z")
I saw in the news on Monday that the Supreme Court issued its ruling in Kentucky v. King, which concerned the issue of a warrantless search due to what the state contended were “exigent circumstances.” As I understand i… --- ## [Do any white collar crimes call for death or life sentences?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-white-collar-crimes-call-for-death-or-life-sentences/385877)
**Author:** [@According\_to\_Pliny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/According_to_Pliny)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2011, 11:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-white-collar-crimes-call-for-death-or-life-sentences/385877 "2011-05-23T11:54:24Z")
We (US) currently have life sentences for “career criminals” or “three strikes” in many states. In other countries, of course, these may result in death sentences. Presuming three burglary convictions rate a life senten… --- ## [The Fair Tax](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fair-tax/306438)
**Author:** [@Dunderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunderman)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2011, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fair-tax/306438 "2011-05-23T04:00:21Z")
I haven’t seen any discussion of the Fair Tax proposal here (granted, it’s kind of difficult to search for), which surprises me. It seems to me that a majority of the prolific political posters here would welcome this re… --- ## [Is Being Opposed to Interracial Relations Necessarilly Racist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-being-opposed-to-interracial-relations-necessarilly-racist/581735)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 201\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2011, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-being-opposed-to-interracial-relations-necessarilly-racist/581735 "2011-05-23T02:17:48Z")
Just as the title says. For various subcases: (1) Simply personally not wanting an Interracial relationship (2) Disapproving of others’ interracial relationships (3) Wanting to ban or otherwise block interracial rela… --- ## [Indiana Supreme Court rules no right to block illegal police entry into home](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indiana-supreme-court-rules-no-right-to-block-illegal-police-entry-into-home/581802)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2011, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indiana-supreme-court-rules-no-right-to-block-illegal-police-entry-into-home/581802 "2011-05-22T23:36:42Z")
Report here. On the face of it this seems rather worrying. I don’t live in Indiana but it would concern me if this is really the way that the constitutional law wind is blowing. So is this a reasonable decision given… --- ## [What's a "New Atheist"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-new-atheist/582242)
**Author:** [@B.Serum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/B.Serum)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2011, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-new-atheist/582242 "2011-05-22T22:17:05Z")
And what’s the difference between “regular” atheists? --- ## [Are Barmen Responsible For What Their Customers Drink?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-barmen-responsible-for-what-their-customers-drink/580828)
**Author:** [@carm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carm)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2011, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-barmen-responsible-for-what-their-customers-drink/580828 "2011-05-22T17:39:21Z")
Story here. The debate: are these barmen responsible for this man’s death? Should they be charged with manslaughter? Should they be charged with something else? Or is the customer responsible for what he ordered? (8-1… --- ## [An eye for an eye \[Punishment in Iran\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-eye-for-an-eye-punishment-in-iran/581884)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2011, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-eye-for-an-eye-punishment-in-iran/581884 "2011-05-22T14:30:40Z")
Link An Iranian man who blinded a woman by throwing acid in her face, has been sentenced to have acid put into his eyes. His victim will administer five drops of sulfuric acid into each of his eyes after he has been re… --- ## [What would happen if we got rid of all corporate taxes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-we-got-rid-of-all-corporate-taxes/582147)
**Author:** [@Deeg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deeg)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2011, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-we-got-rid-of-all-corporate-taxes/582147 "2011-05-21T22:22:11Z")
I’m not necessarily in favor of this, I’m just curious about what people think would happen if we abolished corporate taxes and made up for it by raising income taxes. Make sure you read the next few sentences before yo… --- ## [France to Ban Fracking](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/france-to-ban-fracking/581922)
**Author:** [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2011, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/france-to-ban-fracking/581922 "2011-05-21T20:20:09Z")
From here: Is France doing the right thing? Should other countries follow their lead? Are there reasons why it might make sense to ban fracking in France but not other places? Is fracking acceptable or unacceptable… --- ## [Equalisation of UK pension age](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/equalisation-of-uk-pension-age/582448)
**Author:** [@blindboyard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blindboyard)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2011, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/equalisation-of-uk-pension-age/582448 "2011-05-21T16:35:32Z")
For foreigners, the UK pension, similar to the American Social Security is provided by the state at present on the basis of the number of years of National Insurance contributions made (a form of tax on income), although… --- ## [Problems are easy; solutions are hard.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problems-are-easy-solutions-are-hard/581328)
**Author:** [@DataPacRat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DataPacRat)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2011, 9:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problems-are-easy-solutions-are-hard/581328 "2011-05-21T09:36:16Z")
I’m trying to take a look at politics from a different direction than usual, identifying a particular problem and trying to figure out what political actions would have the best chances of solving it. But I’m not nearly … --- ## [A World Without Religion, Better or Worse](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-world-without-religion-better-or-worse/582488)
**Author:** [@mac9891](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mac9891)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2011, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-world-without-religion-better-or-worse/582488 "2011-05-21T02:19:00Z")
I’ve been wondering has religion brought good things to humanity or has it just brought more reasons separate people from one an other? For this debate lets assume that the 1. atheists have it right and there is no God(… --- ## [Is it possible to be Pro-Choice AND think that fetus=baby?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-be-pro-choice-and-think-that-fetus-baby/581013)
**Author:** [@Lasciel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lasciel)\ **Replies:** 337\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2011, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-be-pro-choice-and-think-that-fetus-baby/581013 "2011-05-20T22:38:38Z")
Ok, this has potential to go south really quick, but I’m having a personal dilemma here. I know that most of everything I enjoy is based on the efforts and sacrifices of a whole cartload of brave women who did their utm… --- ## [Rap throwdown of the century: John Maynard Keynes vs. Friedrich August Hayek](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rap-throwdown-of-the-century-john-maynard-keynes-vs-friedrich-august-hayek/582506)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Fun\_Ball](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Fun_Ball)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2011, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rap-throwdown-of-the-century-john-maynard-keynes-vs-friedrich-august-hayek/582506 "2011-05-20T21:14:20Z")
I’m sure you knew these guys had badass macro skillz, but now we see that their mad rhyming is dope. I’m not sure who got pwn’d here, but these raps be ill! Round I (From ~3 years ago) Round II (From a few weeks ago) … --- ## [Libya - 1973 War Powers Act](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/libya-1973-war-powers-act/582582)
**Author:** [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2011, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/libya-1973-war-powers-act/582582 "2011-05-20T17:36:48Z")
http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/05/20/war.powers/index.html?hpt=T1 Ibid. The deadline is tomorrow. A Saturday. (Also the beginning of Zombie Weekend.) Will the mood of the country overlook this little statutory r… --- ## [Should the UK Justice Secretary resign over his remarks on 'serious rape'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-uk-justice-secretary-resign-over-his-remarks-on-serious-rape/582342)
**Author:** [@qbadger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/qbadger)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2011, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-uk-justice-secretary-resign-over-his-remarks-on-serious-rape/582342 "2011-05-20T16:05:06Z")
Article from BBC News. --- ## [Former Atheists Who Are Now Theists: What Changed You?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/former-atheists-who-are-now-theists-what-changed-you/581206)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 180\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2011, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/former-atheists-who-are-now-theists-what-changed-you/581206 "2011-05-20T13:20:55Z")
I enjoyed the thread about believers who became atheists. So I thought one about the opposite situation might be interesting. I have no dog in this fight-I am merely interested in the issue. --- ## [Debt and legal obligations of the feds](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debt-and-legal-obligations-of-the-feds/582497)
**Author:** [@Zephyurs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zephyurs)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2011, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debt-and-legal-obligations-of-the-feds/582497 "2011-05-20T02:34:48Z")
Earlier this month the USA hit the debt ceiling, and so far the Congress has refused to raise it. The only thing keeping us afloat is a bunch of fancy maneuvering by the Treasury Department, but that will apparently no l… --- ## [Regressive Taxes vs the Common Good](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regressive-taxes-vs-the-common-good/582244)
**Author:** [@emacknight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emacknight)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2011, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regressive-taxes-vs-the-common-good/582244 "2011-05-20T01:46:31Z")
After reading through How did other countries pass their (high) gas taxes? I found I was left wondering how to properly apply tax policy. I really like the thought of high gas taxes to both fund gas related operations (… --- ## [What Would The World With a Marginalized Christianity Look Like](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-the-world-with-a-marginalized-christianity-look-like/582126)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 149\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2011, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-the-world-with-a-marginalized-christianity-look-like/582126 "2011-05-19T19:42:46Z")
Many members of this board see a world without Abrahamic religions especially Christianity as better than our own. So what if Christianity had remained a fairly minor religion, which did not win a large number of convert… --- ## [Turbines are so EASY!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turbines-are-so-easy/580653)
**Author:** [@humanafterall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/humanafterall)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2011, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turbines-are-so-easy/580653 "2011-05-19T19:13:21Z")
In the early 1960’s, Chrysler began experimenting on the possibility of a turbine powered car. This engine had only 60 moving parts compared to a piston engine, it needed no oil change, tune-ups were almost not needed, n… --- ## [Underage models/super models and morality](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/underage-models-super-models-and-morality/581921)
**Author:** [@Hambil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hambil)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2011, 11:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/underage-models-super-models-and-morality/581921 "2011-05-19T11:40:35Z")
My insperation for posting this is the current CNN article about Alina Cho, who is now 17 but was 15 when she started modeling. This goes to the heart of the objectification of woman, as well as the many other issues. W… --- ## [The smallest non-interesting number](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-smallest-non-interesting-number/582148)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2011, 9:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-smallest-non-interesting-number/582148 "2011-05-19T09:03:54Z")
There’s an argument I’ve heard which I think is fallacious. The basic idea is that numbers have various interesting properties. Two is the only even prime; three is the only prime triangular number; four is the smallest… --- ## [Cairo vs. Farmland](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cairo-vs-farmland/580665)
**Author:** [@Garfield226](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Garfield226)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2011, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cairo-vs-farmland/580665 "2011-05-19T04:39:18Z")
You’ve probably heard about the flooding on the lower Mississippi and the Ohio. You may have heard about the fact that the Ohio is at record levels in Illinois, just before it joins the Mississippi, surpassing the previ… --- ## [U.S. hits debt ceiling](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-hits-debt-ceiling/582130)
**Author:** [@Palo\_Verde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palo_Verde)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2011, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-hits-debt-ceiling/582130 "2011-05-18T19:56:21Z")
http://money.cnn.com/2011/05/16/news/economy/debt\_ceiling\_deadline/index.htm?hpt=T1 We can’t just keep borrowing indefinitely. There has to been an end to it. But is this the right time to get cut off? Or should the… --- ## [The power went out in Abbottabad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-power-went-out-in-abbottabad/581482)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2011, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-power-went-out-in-abbottabad/581482 "2011-05-17T21:56:12Z")
How’d we do that? Third paragraph down. How’d we do that? Surely, the Pakistanis must have known. It’s not like we blew up their power station; service was restored right after we were done. How’d we do that? --- ## [How much of religious charity work is really fixing problems caused by religion in the first place?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-religious-charity-work-is-really-fixing-problems-caused-by-religion-in-the-first-place/582013)
**Author:** [@newcrasher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcrasher)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2011, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-religious-charity-work-is-really-fixing-problems-caused-by-religion-in-the-first-place/582013 "2011-05-17T18:44:32Z")
I have been actively involved in my church for years, but recently realized I am atheist. We are disengaging from our church, but it is a long process. Our kids are in a musical tonight, and there was a preview in the … --- ## [Osama bin Laden is Dead](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/osama-bin-laden-is-dead/580437)
**Author:** [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Replies:** 425\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2011, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/osama-bin-laden-is-dead/580437 "2011-05-17T03:26:03Z")
\*\*Breaking news. Let the debates begin as to what this means for terrorism. Typo in the headline. Sorry. \*\* [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=385) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=387)