# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=426 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 427 --- ## [Eight False Things The Public “Knows” Prior To Election Day](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eight-false-things-the-public-knows-prior-to-election-day/558572)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 184\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2010, 9:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eight-false-things-the-public-knows-prior-to-election-day/558572 "2010-11-03T09:44:20Z")
By Dave Johnson of the Institute for America’s Future: Anyone care to dispute these claims? (If you click the link, they’re eached backed up by further links to various newspaper articles, etc.) And if he’s right, wh… --- ## [Is raising a child a "job"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-raising-a-child-a-job/558423)
**Author:** [@amanset](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amanset)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2010, 9:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-raising-a-child-a-job/558423 "2010-11-03T09:34:57Z")
I’ve just had quite the argument with my Mother on the phone regarding the reform to the UK state pension. She claims (and also claims that “all the papers” (\*) agree with her) that equalising the state pension and takin… --- ## [Is Adultery Wrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-adultery-wrong/558470)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2010, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-adultery-wrong/558470 "2010-11-03T00:58:00Z")
Is adultery or to put it more bluntly sexual acts by married person to a person outside the marriage always immoral? --- ## [Follow the election results post](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/follow-the-election-results-post/559271)
**Author:** [@Palo\_Verde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palo_Verde)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2010, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/follow-the-election-results-post/559271 "2010-11-03T00:24:53Z")
So far MSNBC is projecting 3 senate seat taken by Republicans. Rand Paul is projected to win. --- ## [It's election ever. Why even have elections?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-election-ever-why-even-have-elections/559165)
**Author:** [@R.P.McMurphy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/R.P.McMurphy)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2010, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-election-ever-why-even-have-elections/559165 "2010-11-02T23:13:57Z")
For weeks we’ve been dictated to as to what is about to happen tomorrow. Ad nauseum. There is all this crap about the government spending too much. Why not turn it over to the private sector and let the pollsters tell … --- ## [Right-wing reductio ad absurdum: Should the government be trusted to run the government?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/right-wing-reductio-ad-absurdum-should-the-government-be-trusted-to-run-the-government/558693)
**Author:** [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2010, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/right-wing-reductio-ad-absurdum-should-the-government-be-trusted-to-run-the-government/558693 "2010-11-02T19:09:45Z")
An awful lot of right-wing rhetoric is about how horrible the government is. how horrible government is. Supposedly we don’t want government-run health care, government-run schools, government charity. And this is suppos… --- ## [To What Extent Are USA Drug Users Culpable For Violence In Mexico?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-what-extent-are-usa-drug-users-culpable-for-violence-in-mexico/558833)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2010, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-what-extent-are-usa-drug-users-culpable-for-violence-in-mexico/558833 "2010-11-02T16:24:59Z")
I read about the horrible mass murder at a carwash in Mexico-15 people gunned down. I also understnd that there have been thousands of murders in Mexico, mostly committed by drug trafficking gangs and criminals. All of t… --- ## [Roman Army.ca. 100 AD vs Army ca. AD 400: Who Wins?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roman-army-ca-100-ad-vs-army-ca-ad-400-who-wins/557774)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 131\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2010, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roman-army-ca-100-ad-vs-army-ca-ad-400-who-wins/557774 "2010-11-02T15:41:51Z")
There is quite a lot of info on the Web, about ancient Rome and its armies. I was always interested in the decline of the Roman Army-if you compare the two forces separated by some three centuries, you see some major dif… --- ## [Justice or Vengence](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/justice-or-vengence/559136)
**Author:** [@smileybastard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smileybastard)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2010, 11:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/justice-or-vengence/559136 "2010-11-02T11:59:29Z")
What form of Legal system would you prefer? A system that has a focus on vengeance where any particular crime has a proscribed punishment: basically the worse thing you do the more time you get. or A system where the … --- ## [Are green energy companies like Viridian and Glacial really a MLM scam?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-green-energy-companies-like-viridian-and-glacial-really-a-mlm-scam/546664)
**Author:** [@DivineComedienne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DivineComedienne)\ **Replies:** 126\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2010, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-green-energy-companies-like-viridian-and-glacial-really-a-mlm-scam/546664 "2010-11-02T03:38:50Z")
I’m trying to figure out if Viridian Energy is a MLM scam, or a legitimate business model. Sales representatives must pay to join the group, and must sign up 15 other people within the first (I think it’s 30, but it mig… --- ## [Was Stewart's/Colbert's rally racist because there were no nonwhites?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-stewarts-colberts-rally-racist-because-there-were-no-nonwhites/559090)
**Author:** [@Arcite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arcite)\ **Replies:** 149\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2010, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-stewarts-colberts-rally-racist-because-there-were-no-nonwhites/559090 "2010-11-02T03:31:10Z")
Take a look at this photo of Jon Stewart’s and Stephen Colbert’s rally in Washington this past weekend: A scant 2 or 3 black faces visible in a sea of hundreds. During all the Tea Party gatherings and Glenn Beck’s ra… --- ## [Judge rules that 4 years old is old enough to be sued](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/judge-rules-that-4-years-old-is-old-enough-to-be-sued/558786)
**Author:** [@Blalron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blalron)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2010, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/judge-rules-that-4-years-old-is-old-enough-to-be-sued/558786 "2010-11-01T19:10:11Z")
Few things shock me these days. But I was genuinely shock to hear about this ruling in New York that a 4 year old can be held legally liable for negligence. Does anybody agree with this? I didn’t even know how to tie m… --- ## [Kim Jong-il to anoint youngest son Kim Jong-Un as heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kim-jong-il-to-anoint-youngest-son-kim-jong-un-as-heir/552640)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2010, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kim-jong-il-to-anoint-youngest-son-kim-jong-un-as-heir/552640 "2010-11-01T18:18:50Z")
North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il is about to convene the first Workers’ Party national conference in 40 years. There is widespread speculation that he will announce he is designating his third son, Kim Jong-un, to succee… --- ## [Why did the British Empire used ethnic cleansing that much in its Empire building?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-british-empire-used-ethnic-cleansing-that-much-in-its-empire-building/557376)
**Author:** [@Capitaine\_Zombie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capitaine_Zombie)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2010, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-british-empire-used-ethnic-cleansing-that-much-in-its-empire-building/557376 "2010-11-01T16:01:59Z")
Ok, while reading an interesting thread in GDs ( Which is the most evil episode in British history? - Great Debates - Straight Dope Message Board ) a question I have often wondered about resurfaced. And I’d be interested… --- ## [We need both parties](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-need-both-parties/558026)
**Author:** [@Dcypher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dcypher)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2010, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-need-both-parties/558026 "2010-11-01T15:50:50Z")
On this board, the liberal position is probably the dominant when it comes to the political spectrum. However, the most reasonable position for government to actually act on should be the moderate. We need both parties… --- ## [The Problem With Choice in a Free Society](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-problem-with-choice-in-a-free-society/558220)
**Author:** [@emacknight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emacknight)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2010, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-problem-with-choice-in-a-free-society/558220 "2010-11-01T15:06:32Z")
The concept of choice pops up as part of many if not all libertarian debates on this board, consider the following key topics frequently bickered over: Health Care: should individuals get the choice whether or not to h… --- ## [Is the race or gender of a lawyer relevant to how well the lawyer represents the client?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-race-or-gender-of-a-lawyer-relevant-to-how-well-the-lawyer-represents-the-client/558779)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2010, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-race-or-gender-of-a-lawyer-relevant-to-how-well-the-lawyer-represents-the-client/558779 "2010-11-01T02:48:20Z")
Sometimes, of course, there are tactical considerations that make this answer an obvious one: yes. A female attorney can be a good choice at trial defending a rapist, for example. How about in more diffuse cases? In leg… --- ## [Alaska oil reserves 90% smaller than predicted. Does this change "Drill baby drill!"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alaska-oil-reserves-90-smaller-than-predicted-does-this-change-drill-baby-drill/558538)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2010, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alaska-oil-reserves-90-smaller-than-predicted-does-this-change-drill-baby-drill/558538 "2010-11-01T02:11:43Z")
An article at CNN notes that new evidence suggests Alaska’s oil reserves are 90% smaller than previously thought. Does this change anything for US energy policy or is it merely a hiccup that means little in the larger … --- ## [Does the UK need it's armed forces?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-uk-need-its-armed-forces/558587)
**Author:** [@Sri\_Theo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sri_Theo)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2010, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-uk-need-its-armed-forces/558587 "2010-10-31T23:47:42Z")
In light of the current spending review I have been wondering about the goals of the British military. As a thought experiment what do you think the minimum force capability the UK could have but still be able to defend… --- ## [If The Tea Party Was Actually Serious](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-tea-party-was-actually-serious/557250)
**Author:** [@emacknight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emacknight)\ **Replies:** 348\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2010, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-tea-party-was-actually-serious/557250 "2010-10-31T19:13:34Z")
Besides all the racism, bigotry, and otherwise nonsensical ramblings, the way I know the Tea Party isn’t in any way serious is this: taxes need to be raised, and they need to be raised a lot. They should have been rais… --- ## [Stewart/Colbert Deserve The Nobel Peace And Love Peace Prize.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stewart-colbert-deserve-the-nobel-peace-and-love-peace-prize/558893)
**Author:** [@adhay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adhay)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2010, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stewart-colbert-deserve-the-nobel-peace-and-love-peace-prize/558893 "2010-10-31T00:52:56Z")
Reference their Great American Minstrel Show. I’m streaming live. Got my vote. And I don’t generally vote. 1.5 k smiling folks, just like us. Agree? --- ## [Is Christine O'Donnell an Imbecile Who Doesn't Know the First Amendment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-christine-odonnell-an-imbecile-who-doesnt-know-the-first-amendment/558168)
**Author:** [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2010, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-christine-odonnell-an-imbecile-who-doesnt-know-the-first-amendment/558168 "2010-10-30T23:06:25Z")
…or just an imbecile? Here is a a link to a relevant Anderson Cooper clip. Now, it seems to me that some people are arguing that she is technically correct because the words “separation of church and state” do not appe… --- ## [Prison-industry company helped shape Arizona immigration law](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prison-industry-company-helped-shape-arizona-immigration-law/558795)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2010, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prison-industry-company-helped-shape-arizona-immigration-law/558795 "2010-10-30T21:15:51Z")
NPR reports on the activities of the little-known American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC): Now, CCA representatives merely having been “present” at that meeting is a bit more alarming than it sounds, according to a… --- ## [Rape exceptions to abortion bans](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rape-exceptions-to-abortion-bans/554772)
**Author:** [@villa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/villa)\ **Replies:** 155\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2010, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rape-exceptions-to-abortion-bans/554772 "2010-10-30T20:12:33Z")
While reading this abortion thread, I thought of a question I have had for a while for pro-lifers. Not wanting to derail thread, I thought I would start a new one. It’s not the standard accusation of hypocrisy, though.… --- ## [If we ever can travel to habitable planets in other solar systems- will we want to?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-we-ever-can-travel-to-habitable-planets-in-other-solar-systems-will-we-want-to/558730)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2010, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-we-ever-can-travel-to-habitable-planets-in-other-solar-systems-will-we-want-to/558730 "2010-10-30T17:53:00Z")
Plenty of old-style science fiction depicted scenerios in which something like the European settlement of the Americas and Australia/New Zealand was reenacted on an interstellar scale: ships bring settlers to a new habit… --- ## [What things that we are now afraid of worried about will our kids look back at and be amused?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-things-that-we-are-now-afraid-of-worried-about-will-our-kids-look-back-at-and-be-amused/558654)
**Author:** [@gitfiddle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gitfiddle)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2010, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-things-that-we-are-now-afraid-of-worried-about-will-our-kids-look-back-at-and-be-amused/558654 "2010-10-30T03:16:54Z")
Going along with this thread: What things will our kids look back on think, “Why the hell were you so worried?” --- ## [Would it be OK for local governments to penalize residents for not buying health insurance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-be-ok-for-local-governments-to-penalize-residents-for-not-buying-health-insurance/557314)
**Author:** [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2010, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-be-ok-for-local-governments-to-penalize-residents-for-not-buying-health-insurance/557314 "2010-10-29T21:04:50Z")
I keep seeing this bizarre argument that the PPACA (“Obamacare”) is unconstitutional because Congress doesn’t have the authority to make individuals buy a given product. I’m bewildered at the thinking here: 1a) PPACA m… --- ## [Can anyone defend taxing Capital Gains at only 15%?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-defend-taxing-capital-gains-at-only-15/558555)
**Author:** [@Olfatbut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Olfatbut)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2010, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-defend-taxing-capital-gains-at-only-15/558555 "2010-10-29T15:47:49Z")
It’s like this: No matter what income tax bracket you’re in, if you wait a year before selling your investment you only pay 15% on the profit (this goes up to 20% in 2011, a small step in the right direction). It’s not … --- ## [Which is the most evil episode in British history?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-the-most-evil-episode-in-british-history/555444)
**Author:** [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Replies:** 181\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2010, 11:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-the-most-evil-episode-in-british-history/555444 "2010-10-29T11:04:56Z")
The Spanish Inquisition? I almost expect it. Hitler? Yeah, he hasn’t been discussed on this board already :rolleyes: Stalin? Some say he has been POTUS for the last 2 years, and it is all we are going to hear until 11/2…… --- ## [Brit Dopers - Do you know any poor Tory supporters?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-dopers-do-you-know-any-poor-tory-supporters/558432)
**Author:** [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2010, 8:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-dopers-do-you-know-any-poor-tory-supporters/558432 "2010-10-29T08:50:57Z")
This is more IMHO but since it has a political component I posted it in here. So anyways do you know any poor Tory supporters or party members, or are you one yourself? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=425) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=427)