# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=428 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 429 --- ## [Should we bring back eugenics?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-bring-back-eugenics/557691)
**Author:** [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2010, 6:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-bring-back-eugenics/557691 "2010-10-25T06:07:32Z")
Inspired by this thread. Eugenics has a negative connotation but should it? Selective breeding cerainly occurs in most countries. At the least most countries have laws against marriage between siblings in part becau… --- ## [Value (or not) of the Satanic ethic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/value-or-not-of-the-satanic-ethic/556743)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2010, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/value-or-not-of-the-satanic-ethic/556743 "2010-10-25T00:38:15Z")
A lot of people seem to assume that the ethics of Satanists are simply the inverse of Judeo-Christian ethics, i.e., a duty to do harm and evil. It adds credence to the Satanic-ritual-killings UL. But Satanism, at least… --- ## [Should the (US) retirement age be raised?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-us-retirement-age-be-raised/557729)
**Author:** [@Ruby\_Slippers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruby_Slippers)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2010, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-us-retirement-age-be-raised/557729 "2010-10-24T21:16:15Z")
I considered putting this in General Questions, but I figure it will end up as somewhat of a debate so here it is. First, my own background. I’ll turn 65 next week, but for my age group, “full” retirement age has advanc… --- ## ['Blacks need to get their act together' vs 'AA social troubles are an American problem'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blacks-need-to-get-their-act-together-vs-aa-social-troubles-are-an-american-problem/557660)
**Author:** [@orcenio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/orcenio)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2010, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blacks-need-to-get-their-act-together-vs-aa-social-troubles-are-an-american-problem/557660 "2010-10-24T20:24:21Z")
I got this debate from a recent discussion on race from bloggingheads.tv; here are the condensed arguments: Glenn’s main argument (~2min). Amy’s argument; Part 2 (~2min). The full contextual discussion (10min). Amy i… --- ## [How will Islamism decline?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-islamism-decline/557232)
**Author:** [@Ryan\_Liam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ryan_Liam)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2010, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-islamism-decline/557232 "2010-10-24T15:12:16Z")
I’ve been watching the very good documentary Power of Nightmares by Adam Curtis which documents the rise of political Islam, and it occured to me no one had predicted how its decline might look or how it will come about,… --- ## [A civilization emerges briefly at the end of Jurassic. What geological evidence would we find today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-civilization-emerges-briefly-at-the-end-of-jurassic-what-geological-evidence-would-we-find-today/555678)
**Author:** [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Replies:** 133\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2010, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-civilization-emerges-briefly-at-the-end-of-jurassic-what-geological-evidence-would-we-find-today/555678 "2010-10-24T12:57:14Z")
Over in this thread, a hijack has developed over whether a very ancient and briefly-lived civilization would leave any traces of itself in the geological record. Or, put another way, if a civilization similar to ours ha… --- ## [Emeritus Hal Lewis Resigns - Are Scientists Really Above Corruption?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/emeritus-hal-lewis-resigns-are-scientists-really-above-corruption/557752)
**Author:** [@nilum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nilum)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2010, 9:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/emeritus-hal-lewis-resigns-are-scientists-really-above-corruption/557752 "2010-10-24T09:08:57Z")
http://my.telegraph.co.uk/reasonmclucus/reasonmclucus/15835660/professor-emiritus-hal-lewis-resigns-from-american-physical-society/ So is it all about money? This seems to be the common argument among man-made global wa… --- ## [Charity bribes drug addicts to sterilise themselves](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charity-bribes-drug-addicts-to-sterilise-themselves/557489)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 199\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2010, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charity-bribes-drug-addicts-to-sterilise-themselves/557489 "2010-10-23T12:37:17Z")
In one of the oddest major news stories I’ve seen in a while, U.S. charity Project Prevention is offering British drug addicts £200 (about $320) not to have children, in order to prevent damage to children. Charities ov… --- ## [Kosher Restaurant Certification Authority Wants Surveillance Video of Dining Area](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kosher-restaurant-certification-authority-wants-surveillance-video-of-dining-area/556503)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2010, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kosher-restaurant-certification-authority-wants-surveillance-video-of-dining-area/556503 "2010-10-23T11:48:26Z")
Long story here, but the gist is that there’s a restaurant in Brooklyn that has a kosher certification suitable for the ultra-Orthodox Chassids. But it’s on the outskirts of the Jewish neighborhood and by location and de… --- ## [Let's Talk Spousal Support](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-spousal-support/557852)
**Author:** [@Notchimine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Notchimine)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2010, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-spousal-support/557852 "2010-10-22T21:40:13Z")
Scenario: Couple marry. The expectations and spoken agreements are that there is to be no children and both professional people will work throughout the marriage and enjoy the fruits of their combined labors. The firs… --- ## [So where's the line in speech?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-wheres-the-line-in-speech/557934)
**Author:** [@godix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/godix)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2010, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-wheres-the-line-in-speech/557934 "2010-10-22T19:13:54Z")
A few years ago a politician, George Allen, used the term macaca without realizing it was a racial slur on blacks (at least, he claims he didn’t know). He went on to lose the election and the use of macaca is commonly cr… --- ## [Why not have Russia in NATO & EU?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-have-russia-in-nato-eu/557679)
**Author:** [@Ryan\_Liam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ryan_Liam)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2010, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-have-russia-in-nato-eu/557679 "2010-10-22T17:26:50Z")
Peoples perceptions of Russia as the cold war enemy is outdated and no longer a necessary perception. I for one think that to entice Russia into EU membership and the NATO alliance, it would greatly reduce tensions and m… --- ## [Christiane Amanpour's This Week: "Should Americans Fear Islam?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christiane-amanpours-this-week-should-americans-fear-islam/555917)
**Author:** [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2010, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christiane-amanpours-this-week-should-americans-fear-islam/555917 "2010-10-22T17:20:34Z")
Watching the stream of the post-panel round table on Facebook. Wondering if anyone else is watching this. --- ## [Detention of reporter - kosher or not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detention-of-reporter-kosher-or-not/557672)
**Author:** [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2010, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detention-of-reporter-kosher-or-not/557672 "2010-10-22T14:37:48Z")
In Alaska, Reporter Tony Hopfinger was trying to question Republican senate candidate Joe Miller at a public meeting at a public school, when the hired security took offense. The security, which included active service … --- ## [Public support for the Tea Party: 29% for, 54% against](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-support-for-the-tea-party-29-for-54-against/557555)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2010, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-support-for-the-tea-party-29-for-54-against/557555 "2010-10-21T17:53:28Z")
According to a CBS News poll in August. More on the poll. Not so surprising. Consider the closest thing the TP movement has to a stated agenda: It’s not hard to see how this is something 29% of Americans could get … --- ## [Military recruiters told to accept gay applicants](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-recruiters-told-to-accept-gay-applicants/557736)
**Author:** [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2010, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-recruiters-told-to-accept-gay-applicants/557736 "2010-10-21T13:39:02Z")
Not sure where to put this. It’s not mundane or pointless. IMHO maybe, but there could be a debate over the wisdom of coming out while appeals are pending… AP Story \*The Defense Department has said it would comply wi… --- ## [Determinism and decision-making](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/determinism-and-decision-making/557082)
**Author:** [@Blut\_Aus\_Nord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blut_Aus_Nord)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2010, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/determinism-and-decision-making/557082 "2010-10-21T04:14:50Z")
I’m still having trouble wrapping my mind around determinism. If all of our choices are determined by pre-existing conditions, then how can any choice be accredited to anyone? For example, if I see a person who is hungry… --- ## [Jack Chick's Revealing Statement on Civil Rights](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jack-chicks-revealing-statement-on-civil-rights/556248)
**Author:** [@StusBlues](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StusBlues)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2010, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jack-chicks-revealing-statement-on-civil-rights/556248 "2010-10-21T00:27:23Z")
Wherein I invoke the flimsiest strawman around, but I do think there’s a point to be made here. I was surfing chick.com when I came upon this tract. For the most part, it’s pretty standard “Halloween is evil, Chick tra… --- ## [The Tower of Babel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-tower-of-babel/557746)
**Author:** [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2010, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-tower-of-babel/557746 "2010-10-20T22:37:18Z")
What did God have against man creating the tower? --- ## [Increase SS retirement age, increase unemployment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/increase-ss-retirement-age-increase-unemployment/557684)
**Author:** [@Kevbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kevbo)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2010, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/increase-ss-retirement-age-increase-unemployment/557684 "2010-10-20T21:45:45Z")
My thinking is that, on average, Americans work for something like 35 years. The ones that die or get sick, whatever, lowering the average, and the ones that keep working 'till they can get decent SS benefits probably w… --- ## [Relationships in heaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/relationships-in-heaven/557091)
**Author:** [@copperwindow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/copperwindow)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2010, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/relationships-in-heaven/557091 "2010-10-20T14:11:02Z")
If Emily (my wife) dies and I remarry to sussie and we both die, who will I be with in heaven? --- ## [Two Norwegian stock traders convicted for outsmarting an automated electronic broker](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-norwegian-stock-traders-convicted-for-outsmarting-an-automated-electronic-broker/557768)
**Author:** [@Rune](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rune)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2010, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-norwegian-stock-traders-convicted-for-outsmarting-an-automated-electronic-broker/557768 "2010-10-20T13:20:46Z")
The two persons independently discovered a way to trade stocks in a way that the automated computer stock broker algorithm would seemingly always buy for a higher amount than it sold. Which a Norwegian court found to be … --- ## [Recent Supreme Court decisions conservatives dislike?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recent-supreme-court-decisions-conservatives-dislike/557436)
**Author:** [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2010, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recent-supreme-court-decisions-conservatives-dislike/557436 "2010-10-20T12:51:11Z")
Both Sarah Palin and Christine O’Donnell have been left speechless during debates when asked if they disagree with any Supreme Court decisions (presumably meaning, any decisions from recent years.) While neither candida… --- ## [In the long run, does the Tea Party do more to help Dems or Pubs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-long-run-does-the-tea-party-do-more-to-help-dems-or-pubs/557422)
**Author:** [@dzero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dzero)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2010, 9:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-long-run-does-the-tea-party-do-more-to-help-dems-or-pubs/557422 "2010-10-20T09:53:23Z")
It’s a false dichotomy to the extent that one believes that the TP stands a chance on it’s own. But let’s assume the conventional wisdom as to 3rd parties in the American political landscape and say that their only last… --- ## [Holder promises to enforce drug laws](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holder-promises-to-enforce-drug-laws/557400)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2010, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holder-promises-to-enforce-drug-laws/557400 "2010-10-19T21:27:06Z")
If Prop 19 passes, the Feds will come down on California: So much for Obama being your buddy, 'eh? --- ## [Should Lawyers Be Prohibited From Representing In Divorces?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-lawyers-be-prohibited-from-representing-in-divorces/555936)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2010, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-lawyers-be-prohibited-from-representing-in-divorces/555936 "2010-10-19T16:50:32Z")
I ask because it seems (to me) that most states have very elaborate laws and regulations regarding divorce. Child support, visitation, etc. are very specifically spelled out in law, so why involve a 3rd party who has a … --- ## [Wikileaks to release secret Iraqi war docs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wikileaks-to-release-secret-iraqi-war-docs/557556)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2010, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wikileaks-to-release-secret-iraqi-war-docs/557556 "2010-10-18T23:32:56Z")
According to this CNN article, Wikileaks will be releasing 400k+ secret documents related to the war in Iraq. Leaving aside whether this is something that should or shouldn’t happen (that’s already been debated to death… --- ## [Fox Tv and Dish /Comcast at war over programming costs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fox-tv-and-dish-comcast-at-war-over-programming-costs/557364)
**Author:** [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2010, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fox-tv-and-dish-comcast-at-war-over-programming-costs/557364 "2010-10-18T18:10:54Z")
http://seerpress.com/cablevision-joins-fox-dish-tv-fray/9873/ Fox wants to kick its cost for its programming from 70 million to 150 million per year. Dish has refused to pay the increase and Fox has quit supplying some … --- ## [Artificial Morality-Better Than No Morality At All](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artificial-morality-better-than-no-morality-at-all/557190)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2010, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artificial-morality-better-than-no-morality-at-all/557190 "2010-10-18T14:33:25Z")
Is artificial standards of morality better than absolutely no morality at all. The Marquis de Sade argued that morality was an artifice imposed by rulers to control the masses. So even if that was true if artificial mora… --- ## [Remind me again why God is to be thanked for the Chilean Miners?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remind-me-again-why-god-is-to-be-thanked-for-the-chilean-miners/557195)
**Author:** [@Valteron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valteron)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2010, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remind-me-again-why-god-is-to-be-thanked-for-the-chilean-miners/557195 "2010-10-18T00:46:04Z")
As the final Chilean miners are brought to the surface, once again we hear a chorus of praise for “God” for delivering them. Not the devoted people and scientific equipment that got them out, but the invisible magic guy … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=427) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=429)