# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=424 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 425 --- ## [Are The European Criticisms of The TSA Valid?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-european-criticisms-of-the-tsa-valid/560177)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2010, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-european-criticisms-of-the-tsa-valid/560177 "2010-11-11T21:28:48Z")
Last week, the chairman of British Airways blasted to US Government’s TSA secutity regulations. In summary, what he said was: -the TSA relys upon security inspection procedures that provide little security and great ann… --- ## [Tiburon, Calif. to photograph every car entering town](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiburon-calif-to-photograph-every-car-entering-town/559854)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2010, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiburon-calif-to-photograph-every-car-entering-town/559854 "2010-11-11T19:29:04Z")
As described, and with the civil liberties protections mentioned, I have no problem with this: What do you think? --- ## [Is the Obama Administration effectively over, even if he wins and Dems retake the House in 2012?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-obama-administration-effectively-over-even-if-he-wins-and-dems-retake-the-house-in-2012/559665)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2010, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-obama-administration-effectively-over-even-if-he-wins-and-dems-retake-the-house-in-2012/559665 "2010-11-11T14:14:18Z")
Q. Is the Obama Administration effectively over, even if he wins and Dems retake the House in 2012? A. Pretty much so, unless the Senate Dems have the guts to end the filibuster. And I don’t see that coming to pass. I… --- ## [Will California get its financial act together?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-california-get-its-financial-act-together/559893)
**Author:** [@klsdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/klsdad)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2010, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-california-get-its-financial-act-together/559893 "2010-11-11T12:45:25Z")
… and if not, how can the rest of the country keep the Federal government from bailing it out? --- ## [Is Crimes Against God Worse Than A Crime Against A Human](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-crimes-against-god-worse-than-a-crime-against-a-human/560128)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2010, 10:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-crimes-against-god-worse-than-a-crime-against-a-human/560128 "2010-11-11T10:33:20Z")
Assuming God as an infinite, omniscient being existed would a crime against Him be more immoral than a crime against a fellow human being? --- ## [College Is Not For Everyone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/college-is-not-for-everyone/554801)
**Author:** [@lavenderviolet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lavenderviolet)\ **Replies:** 222\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2010, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/college-is-not-for-everyone/554801 "2010-11-11T03:41:56Z")
(I’m not sure if I would call this a “great” debate but I’m sure people will disagree with my opinion so I figured I’d put it here for now. If Mods want to move it so be it). Inspired by the thread where some of us were… --- ## [Was the U.S. ever in danger of losing the "Cold War"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-u-s-ever-in-danger-of-losing-the-cold-war/559669)
**Author:** [@etv78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/etv78)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2010, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-u-s-ever-in-danger-of-losing-the-cold-war/559669 "2010-11-10T23:03:10Z")
Was there any scenario in which the Soviets could have “won” the Cold War? I was 11 when the Wall came down, so the “hottest” parts were before my living memory/lifetime. --- ## [Why aren't prisons racially segregated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-prisons-racially-segregated/559676)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2010, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-prisons-racially-segregated/559676 "2010-11-10T21:33:59Z")
It seems to me that CERTAIN prisons would benefit from being racially segregated. I frequently read about state and federal prisons where all inmates are divided along racial lines, and where black, Hispanic and white ga… --- ## [Ethics of donating money to cure common diseases](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ethics-of-donating-money-to-cure-common-diseases/559921)
**Author:** [@F.U.Shakespeare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/F.U.Shakespeare)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2010, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ethics-of-donating-money-to-cure-common-diseases/559921 "2010-11-10T18:43:21Z")
Recently, the gym I go to had a promotion asking for donations for a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease), and good on them. ALS is a horrible fate, and any humane person would like to … --- ## [Fed Reserve buys gov't. debt -- Is this the End of the World As We Know It?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fed-reserve-buys-govt-debt-is-this-the-end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it/560030)
**Author:** [@LonesomePolecat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LonesomePolecat)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2010, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fed-reserve-buys-govt-debt-is-this-the-end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it/560030 "2010-11-10T17:44:51Z")
The Federal Reserve just bought eight hundred billion dollars of government debt. Conservative talking heads and bloggers are shouting that hyperinflation is just down the road and warn that we will all soon need a wheel… --- ## [Did Oklahoma just ban the Ten Commandments?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-oklahoma-just-ban-the-ten-commandments/559663)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2010, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-oklahoma-just-ban-the-ten-commandments/559663 "2010-11-10T03:51:10Z")
This is a GQ question but given the subject matter figured better here (mods feel free to move if I guessed wrong). So, was just reading this short bit and cannot decide if there is really anything to it. Opinions? C… --- ## [Political vs Moral Implications of a Dictator/Tyrant](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-vs-moral-implications-of-a-dictator-tyrant/560074)
**Author:** [@Hold\_Fast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hold_Fast)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2010, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-vs-moral-implications-of-a-dictator-tyrant/560074 "2010-11-09T22:06:36Z")
Hey guys. In a class of mine the other day we had begun lightly touching on the subject of dictators and such, and discussing the question of whether its possible(or simply morally permissable) to seperate a leader’s pu… --- ## [What was the nature of the US military before the National Security Act of '47?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-nature-of-the-us-military-before-the-national-security-act-of-47/560041)
**Author:** [@gitfiddle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gitfiddle)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2010, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-nature-of-the-us-military-before-the-national-security-act-of-47/560041 "2010-11-09T16:59:43Z")
Before DOD was established, did we have standing armies in peace time? I know this is a pretty basic question, but I’m trying to wrap my head around how significantly the NSA changed US domestic politics and foreign pol… --- ## ["War" on Terror vs "War" on Drugs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-on-terror-vs-war-on-drugs/560020)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2010, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-on-terror-vs-war-on-drugs/560020 "2010-11-09T14:34:10Z")
Allow me to introduce David Headley: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/08/world/asia/08terror.html?\_r=1&ref=politics He was a drug informer that was released from parole by (maybe) the D.E.A. in order to help with the “wa… --- ## [If you think that strategic defaults on mortgages are OK](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-think-that-strategic-defaults-on-mortgages-are-ok/558911)
**Author:** [@Nobody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nobody)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2010, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-think-that-strategic-defaults-on-mortgages-are-ok/558911 "2010-11-09T14:02:37Z")
I have a question for you. You see the foreclosure and credit score hit as not punishments and deterrents, but as simply a valid option to paying. So what would a contract have to say, or what penalties would it have t… --- ## [Is the United States of America a country or a treaty organization?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-united-states-of-america-a-country-or-a-treaty-organization/557603)
**Author:** [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2010, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-united-states-of-america-a-country-or-a-treaty-organization/557603 "2010-11-09T03:47:43Z")
Is the United States of America a country, like, say, France? Or is it a treaty organization, like the Commonwealth of Nations? It’s one or the other. If it’s a treaty organization, why do I have a Selective Service c… --- ## [A new communication strategy for the DNC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-communication-strategy-for-the-dnc/559761)
**Author:** [@Apollo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Apollo)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2010, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-communication-strategy-for-the-dnc/559761 "2010-11-09T02:34:23Z")
The GOP playbook has become predictable and can best be described as taking your opponents strength and turning it against him. The idea being to attack his strong points where he will be less prepared to defend himself… --- ## [What's the point of Materialism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-point-of-materialism/559898)
**Author:** [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2010, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-point-of-materialism/559898 "2010-11-08T22:57:51Z")
I am a skeptic. I try not to have beliefs, merely confidence in particular theories based on their ability to make accurate predictions. Generally skeptics like me would also describe themselves as materialists, among o… --- ## [Obama's visit to India](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-visit-to-india/559473)
**Author:** [@Skammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skammer)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2010, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-visit-to-india/559473 "2010-11-08T21:25:53Z")
There are reports on Facebook and various conservative blogs that the President’s upcoming trip to India is wildly extravagant and over-the-top expensive, betraying is lack of understanding or concern of the economic str… --- ## [Is awareness required to cheat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-awareness-required-to-cheat/559631)
**Author:** [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2010, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-awareness-required-to-cheat/559631 "2010-11-08T20:25:03Z")
A philosophical conundrum I thought up on my way home from work, I’m sure it’s not unique. Does being aware of cheating have any relevance on being a cheater? For example: a baseball player does quite well in the Minor… --- ## [How do Tea Partiers feel about the War on Terror, immigration, and economic globalization?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-tea-partiers-feel-about-the-war-on-terror-immigration-and-economic-globalization/554652)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2010, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-tea-partiers-feel-about-the-war-on-terror-immigration-and-economic-globalization/554652 "2010-11-08T16:33:40Z")
Several fissures in the American conservative movement have become apparent in the past decade. One is between warhawkish neoconservatives, and isolationist paleoconservatives. The latter has been most clearly represen… --- ## [What role (if any) will the Tea Party play in 2012?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-role-if-any-will-the-tea-party-play-in-2012/559336)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2010, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-role-if-any-will-the-tea-party-play-in-2012/559336 "2010-11-08T15:38:11Z")
The Tea Party candidates who ran this year had a mixed track record of success. Politico says that GOP leaders have a new shared mission now that the midterm elections are over: Stop Sarah Palin from getting the presiden… --- ## [Why don't the Mexican authorities just throw a party?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-the-mexican-authorities-just-throw-a-party/559886)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2010, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-the-mexican-authorities-just-throw-a-party/559886 "2010-11-08T14:19:21Z")
This is at least the 3rd story in the last 2 months about Mexican gangs killing people at a party or gathering. 20 people killed is, at the very least, inching up to terrorist-type numbers. Personally, I’d describe it … --- ## [A rational discussion of the mid-terms](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rational-discussion-of-the-mid-terms/559466)
**Author:** [@Binarydrone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Binarydrone)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2010, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rational-discussion-of-the-mid-terms/559466 "2010-11-08T14:03:22Z")
You know, rather than clutter the “fuck the American voters with a rusty barb-wire dildo” thread with rational questions towards the “other side” I figured I would open my own thread to do so. To begin, a couple of thin… --- ## [is F.R.B. just stimulating FOREIGN economies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-f-r-b-just-stimulating-foreign-economies/559421)
**Author:** [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2010, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-f-r-b-just-stimulating-foreign-economies/559421 "2010-11-08T14:01:10Z")
The Federal Reserve Board just announced that it will inject yet another $600,000,000,000.00 into the world economy (by buying T-bonds or T-bills). I guess such stimulus requires no Presidential or Congressional approva… --- ## [Keith Olbermann suspended for contributing to candidates](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keith-olbermann-suspended-for-contributing-to-candidates/559609)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2010, 11:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keith-olbermann-suspended-for-contributing-to-candidates/559609 "2010-11-08T11:59:40Z")
What is this, a debate? Pointless sharing? Election 2010? Anyway, I have a feeling that this topic is going to be of significant interest to the board. The Associated Press is reporting MSNBC has indefinitely suspended… --- ## [Could/would Rand Paul really singlehandedly bring on a depression?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-would-rand-paul-really-singlehandedly-bring-on-a-depression/559285)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2010, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-would-rand-paul-really-singlehandedly-bring-on-a-depression/559285 "2010-11-08T07:09:28Z")
Lawrence O’Donnell on CNN claimed that Rand Paul could singlehandedly drive the US into a depression by filibustering an increase in the debt ceiling. This, he claims, would destroy the nation’s credit rating and lead t… --- ## ["The most powerful, proven instrument of material and social progress is the free market." Cite?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-powerful-proven-instrument-of-material-and-social-progress-is-the-free-market-cite/559235)
**Author:** [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Replies:** 184\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2010, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-powerful-proven-instrument-of-material-and-social-progress-is-the-free-market-cite/559235 "2010-11-08T04:03:06Z")
The “Contract from America” repeats the old saw that, Well, yes, very Friedrich Hayek, la-de-da. But is there any actual historical evidence for this? And what value of free market are we talking about? Laissez-faire w… --- ## [Should we tolerate intolerance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-tolerate-intolerance/559836)
**Author:** [@Blalron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blalron)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2010, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-tolerate-intolerance/559836 "2010-11-08T04:00:49Z")
I addressed this argument in another thread, but I thought it was worthy of starting a thread of my own over it because I’ve seen this line of argument many times before. It seems superficially convincing at first, but u… --- ## [Will there ever be a woman USA President or Vice President?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-there-ever-be-a-woman-usa-president-or-vice-president/559214)
**Author:** [@Captain\_Midnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Midnight)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2010, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-there-ever-be-a-woman-usa-president-or-vice-president/559214 "2010-11-08T01:28:32Z")
My debate is the possibility that the United States will ever have a woman President or Vice President? Both the Democratic Party and the Republican Party have nominated one woman each for Vice President. Geraldine Ferr… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=423) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=425)