# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=387 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 388 --- ## [President of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns comes out of the closet](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/president-of-the-nba-s-phoenix-suns-comes-out-of-the-closet/582044)
**Author:** [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2011, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/president-of-the-nba-s-phoenix-suns-comes-out-of-the-closet/582044 "2011-05-17T02:54:42Z")
Yep, that’s right. Rick Welts is gay. So he becomes the only out gay man actively involved in any professional sport in the USA. I guess it doesn’t surprise me he is the first gay man to take this step given the mach… --- ## [Reality](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reality/582101)
**Author:** [@Rex\_Lex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rex_Lex)\ **Replies:** 173\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2011, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reality/582101 "2011-05-16T22:11:02Z")
I believe in wicthes, giants, unicorns, vampires, and werewolves, and curses. I believe reality is much different than the atheist/agnostic rationalist, Neo-Darwinian mindset tells us that it is. I believe in different… --- ## [Should the U.S. have mandated vacation time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-u-s-have-mandated-vacation-time/581987)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2011, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-u-s-have-mandated-vacation-time/581987 "2011-05-16T20:15:20Z")
50-hour work week? I’m fine with the way it is: Work more than 40 hours a week (or more than eight hours a day) and you’re compensated for it. Exempt employees generally are compensated at an hourly rate (not time-and-… --- ## [Bait bikes and cars: a great idea or entrapment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bait-bikes-and-cars-a-great-idea-or-entrapment/581502)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2011, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bait-bikes-and-cars-a-great-idea-or-entrapment/581502 "2011-05-16T20:13:39Z")
I love the idea of police departments leaving cars and bikes on the streets, unlocked or locked poorly, with hidden GPS systems to lead the police to the thieves’ lairs (where other stolen property may well be located), … --- ## [Is the whole Steampunk phenomenon a reaction to ubiquitous digital technology?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-whole-steampunk-phenomenon-a-reaction-to-ubiquitous-digital-technology/581140)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2011, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-whole-steampunk-phenomenon-a-reaction-to-ubiquitous-digital-technology/581140 "2011-05-16T14:01:41Z")
I have viewed the whole Steampunk phenomenon as an outsider looking in, rather than a devoted fan or even someone with a basic knowledge of what steampunk is. I know virtually nothing about the genre, other than that it … --- ## [An Alternate History of the War of 1812](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-alternate-history-of-the-war-of-1812/392227)
**Author:** [@Captain\_Carrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Carrot)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2011, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-alternate-history-of-the-war-of-1812/392227 "2011-05-16T04:54:00Z")
I’ve been working on this for most of the morning, but some of it isn’t nailed down too well, so please bear with me. I made a few factual changes in American and Canadian history; small enough to be plausible, but suffi… --- ## [Genre Theory and Great Debates](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genre-theory-and-great-debates/582002)
**Author:** [@tnetennba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tnetennba)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2011, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genre-theory-and-great-debates/582002 "2011-05-16T03:59:21Z")
I’ve seen a few “what fallacy is this?” threads springing up, and while you might assert that every fallacy is the same one (a red herring, any discussion beside the point), I wonder if it’s accurate to even call half of… --- ## [Can electric cars replace gasoline cars?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-electric-cars-replace-gasoline-cars/578190)
**Author:** [@pinguin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pinguin)\ **Replies:** 252\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2011, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-electric-cars-replace-gasoline-cars/578190 "2011-05-16T03:19:06Z")
A new generation of electric cars on the road. Can they replace gasoline cars? If so? Why doesn’t the U.S. finance that idea, to get rid of oil for good? --- ## [Social Security is a Ponzi Scheme](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-is-a-ponzi-scheme/581719)
**Author:** [@deb2world](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deb2world)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2011, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-is-a-ponzi-scheme/581719 "2011-05-16T01:16:40Z")
The government has created a Ponzi Scheme named Social Security. Defintion of Ponzi Scheme (from CNN) Definition of where surplus monies from Social Security Taxes goes (from NASI) from Social Security online: Fro… --- ## [Dopers Who Support Reparatritions For Slaves](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-who-support-reparatritions-for-slaves/581990)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2011, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-who-support-reparatritions-for-slaves/581990 "2011-05-15T19:25:08Z")
For those of you who wish to repatriate slaves, would you be willing to demand that the governments of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya repay Spain, Italy, France, and Portugal for the Barbary Coast slave raids in th… --- ## [What is the west "missing" perception-wise in the battle against Islamic radicalism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-west-missing-perception-wise-in-the-battle-against-islamic-radicalism/581562)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2011, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-west-missing-perception-wise-in-the-battle-against-islamic-radicalism/581562 "2011-05-15T19:20:23Z")
The Taliban and related Islamic radicalist groups are seen by the west as uniquely evil and oppressive, and their actions over time have done noting to dispel that perception. In our view they are the “bad guys”, and we … --- ## [Open source and Marxism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-source-and-marxism/581589)
**Author:** [@Hambil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hambil)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2011, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-source-and-marxism/581589 "2011-05-15T16:05:42Z")
Can open source be viewed as the beginning of a true Marxis revolution? “From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs.” - Karl Marx I create software because I can, and I share it with no expect… --- ## [dianetics and facts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dianetics-and-facts/581641)
**Author:** [@scamartistry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scamartistry)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2011, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dianetics-and-facts/581641 "2011-05-15T05:52:17Z")
Have only read parts of the infamous dianetics book, Are any of LRH’s theories proposed in the book accepted by the scientific community? --- ## [Hipster Racism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hipster-racism/581784)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2011, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hipster-racism/581784 "2011-05-14T15:25:56Z")
A black friend - a painter and intellectual of some success, who I have always respected greatly - just posted this article on his Facebook profile and has been praising it as though it contains some great truth. But I … --- ## [Against feminism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/against-feminism/579383)
**Author:** [@blindboyard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blindboyard)\ **Replies:** 171\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2011, 11:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/against-feminism/579383 "2011-05-14T11:09:04Z")
Disclaimer: Now I’m sure I’ll be accused of being a regressive social influence for going against, but I’m not. I’m in favour of equality before the law for all, I’m against racism, I’m a socialist and former member of t… --- ## [So now we're assassinating our own citizens?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-now-were-assassinating-our-own-citizens/581120)
**Author:** [@Diceman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diceman)\ **Replies:** 223\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2011, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-now-were-assassinating-our-own-citizens/581120 "2011-05-14T01:21:31Z")
I saw a news report this morning about the unsuccessful attempt to kill Anwar al-Awlaki in Yemen a few days ago. It was mentioned in passing that al-Awlaki was “an American-born radical.” That means that Awlaki is a US… --- ## [Major Differences Between Modern-Day Judiasm and Modern-Day Islam?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-differences-between-modern-day-judiasm-and-modern-day-islam/581330)
**Author:** [@Gestalt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gestalt)\ **Replies:** 167\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2011, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-differences-between-modern-day-judiasm-and-modern-day-islam/581330 "2011-05-14T00:55:57Z")
It seems to me like these religions are very similar, and I’m looking to get some information on what differentiates the the two religions in terms of beliefs and practices. I understand that there is no monolithic “Isl… --- ## [Can Anyone Justify Banning Marijuana?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-justify-banning-marijuana/581601)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2011, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-justify-banning-marijuana/581601 "2011-05-13T23:50:55Z")
Seriously is there any logical or sane reason why marijuana should be banned while tobacco and alcohol are legal? After all marijuana poses less of a threat to others than tobacco. --- ## [Pregnant woman demands seat on train (London)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnant-woman-demands-seat-on-train-london/581263)
**Author:** [@DragonAsh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DragonAsh)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2011, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnant-woman-demands-seat-on-train-london/581263 "2011-05-13T17:37:46Z")
I live just far enough out from central London that I get a seat every morning. It’s a great commute. Not too long (about 30mn), but long enough to get some serious reading done or listen to a good chunk of a podcast. I… --- ## [The "It Gets Better" Campaign](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-it-gets-better-campaign/581792)
**Author:** [@horhay\_achoa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/horhay_achoa)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2011, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-it-gets-better-campaign/581792 "2011-05-13T17:17:38Z")
I have recently seen a few commercials for this campaign: I understand the sentiment behind the message, but it is also somewhat troubling to me. It seems to me to be acquiescing to the status quo and sending the mes… --- ## [If being addicted to alcohol is considered a disability, what about other addictions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-being-addicted-to-alcohol-is-considered-a-disability-what-about-other-addictions/581675)
**Author:** [@Gedd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gedd)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2011, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-being-addicted-to-alcohol-is-considered-a-disability-what-about-other-addictions/581675 "2011-05-13T15:04:58Z")
Alcoholics are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act. From the ADA’s website a disability means How do alcoholics fit that? Being addicted to alcohol costs money, can isolate you socially, is hard both ph… --- ## [Peace Corps: Spreading Peace or 'Study-Abroad' program?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peace-corps-spreading-peace-or-study-abroad-program/581524)
**Author:** [@Farmer\_Jane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Farmer_Jane)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2011, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peace-corps-spreading-peace-or-study-abroad-program/581524 "2011-05-13T12:05:08Z")
I always felt like Peace Corps was sort of like a study abroad/trendy thing to do when I was in high school and college. So in light of this article about PC and assault, my ‘skeptic’ meter shot through the roof this mor… --- ## [Obama proposes extension of FBI Director's term](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-proposes-extension-of-fbi-directors-term/581713)
**Author:** [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2011, 5:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-proposes-extension-of-fbi-directors-term/581713 "2011-05-13T05:35:24Z")
Congress passed a term limit of 10 years on the FBI director following J. Edgar Hoover’s death. I should think that reason for that is clear to all. Obama has proposed that Congress pass a law that would apply solely to… --- ## [Make the case that ObL's death increases Obama's re-election chances](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/make-the-case-that-obls-death-increases-obamas-re-election-chances/580512)
**Author:** [@Rand\_Rover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rand_Rover)\ **Replies:** 252\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2011, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/make-the-case-that-obls-death-increases-obamas-re-election-chances/580512 "2011-05-13T03:15:49Z")
Sorry for starting yet another ObL is dead thread, but I’ve seen this sentiment expressed by several people so far and haven’t seen a full discussion of it (which is understandable given the timing . . .). So, if you be… --- ## [Did intolerance of Catholics in the 1800's & early 1900's make American Catholicism better?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-intolerance-of-catholics-in-the-1800s-early-1900s-make-american-catholicism-better/581621)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2011, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-intolerance-of-catholics-in-the-1800s-early-1900s-make-american-catholicism-better/581621 "2011-05-13T01:37:22Z")
A person i was talking to the other day asserted that the degree to which Catholics have successfully woven themselves into the fabric of US society and prospered over time is, in a substantive way, due to American intol… --- ## [Do some Christians worship due to a need to be subservient and ingratiating?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-some-christians-worship-due-to-a-need-to-be-subservient-and-ingratiating/581525)
**Author:** [@Submerged](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Submerged)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 12, 2011, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-some-christians-worship-due-to-a-need-to-be-subservient-and-ingratiating/581525 "2011-05-12T17:50:47Z")
There is a case of a missing young woman in TN, and I’ve been following a few discussions about the search. And before anyone thinks I"m heartless, yes this is tragic, I do hope she’s found and if I were closer I would… --- ## [Consensual relationship between a slaveowner and a slave](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/consensual-relationship-between-a-slaveowner-and-a-slave/581553)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [May 12, 2011, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/consensual-relationship-between-a-slaveowner-and-a-slave/581553 "2011-05-12T17:01:35Z")
The other day I was thinking about the number of folks whose ancestors include a slaveowner and a slave, part of America’s weird cultural heritage. In passing I thought about how those offspring were all the products of… --- ## [Another OBL thread! Re: Pakistan's role](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-obl-thread-re-pakistans-role/580690)
**Author:** [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [May 12, 2011, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-obl-thread-re-pakistans-role/580690 "2011-05-12T16:08:07Z")
I’m not up to snuff on my international politics. I know there’s been a lot of controversy over the years about US operations in Pakistan, and Pakistan’s two-faced approach to fighting terrorism within its borders. I’m… --- ## [Christians, how do you justify that God is not a total prick?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-how-do-you-justify-that-god-is-not-a-total-prick/575976)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 164\ **Last updated:** [May 12, 2011, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-how-do-you-justify-that-god-is-not-a-total-prick/575976 "2011-05-12T12:47:11Z")
Having a conversation with a friend last night. He was telling me about his daughter and how he had to explain to her the he personally doesn’t believe in God; but if she wants to believe in God like her mother; there’s … --- ## [Does immigration tend to lower wages (in rich countries)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-immigration-tend-to-lower-wages-in-rich-countries/580911)
**Author:** [@Lazy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lazy)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [May 12, 2011, 6:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-immigration-tend-to-lower-wages-in-rich-countries/580911 "2011-05-12T06:30:04Z")
I would prefer to ask this in General Questions, since what I really want is a non-ideological, evidence-based answer, but in my experience these are hard to come by in economics. In this particular issue, I can sense ho… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=386) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=388)