# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=432 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 433 --- ## [Dear Ann Coulter: How is Toyota doing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-ann-coulter-how-is-toyota-doing/555874)
**Author:** [@emacknight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emacknight)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2010, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-ann-coulter-how-is-toyota-doing/555874 "2010-10-03T14:17:14Z")
In March, Ann Coulter was pissed about Obamacare (perhaps because of market forces). In response she laid out her plan for health care found here. Of note from her plan is this comment: For those that don’t remember … --- ## [An "Idiocracy" is the next logical phase economic evolution](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-idiocracy-is-the-next-logical-phase-economic-evolution/555787)
**Author:** [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2010, 6:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-idiocracy-is-the-next-logical-phase-economic-evolution/555787 "2010-10-03T06:34:41Z")
The Industrial Revolution brought about a permenant shift from an agrarian to an industrial based economy. Later computers and the internet ushered in the information age where manufacturing has declined and information… --- ## [Does BUSY = lonely?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-busy-lonely/555158)
**Author:** [@SkyBlueKayak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SkyBlueKayak)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2010, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-busy-lonely/555158 "2010-10-02T23:41:15Z")
In a conversation today, I was told that “a busy schedule is often the mark of a lonely person.” I don’t think the comment was meant as an insult in any way, but I have been thinking about it ever since. Do you think the… --- ## [China Syndrome: A preemptive strike in the offing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/china-syndrome-a-preemptive-strike-in-the-offing/553274)
**Author:** [@Sablicious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sablicious)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2010, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/china-syndrome-a-preemptive-strike-in-the-offing/553274 "2010-10-02T23:13:26Z")
It’s pretty obvious that China’s intentions aren’t solely to plunder the planet for its resources and to churn out sub-standard, low priced exports. After all, Communists always have an agenda and are still red beneath … --- ## [Why did the crowd/mob in Jerusalem choose Barabbas over Jesus?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-crowd-mob-in-jerusalem-choose-barabbas-over-jesus/555640)
**Author:** [@Philster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Philster)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2010, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-crowd-mob-in-jerusalem-choose-barabbas-over-jesus/555640 "2010-10-02T19:55:44Z")
Pilate offered to spare a man: Barabbas or Jesus. The mob chose Barabbas. Given how the gospels have presented Jesus in Jerusalem (greeted by mobs who praised him as King of Israel and gave him a triumphal entry, and … --- ## [What's wrong with agricultural subsidies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-with-agricultural-subsidies/555636)
**Author:** [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2010, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-with-agricultural-subsidies/555636 "2010-10-02T14:41:57Z")
In another thread: I’m not sure I would put agricultural subsidies in the former group, honestly. I don’t know a lot about it, but I’d be leery of someone who was against ag subsidies in general. Surely subsidies for d… --- ## [Child support amounts are out of control](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/child-support-amounts-are-out-of-control/553077)
**Author:** [@Edward\_The\_Head](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Edward_The_Head)\ **Replies:** 207\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2010, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/child-support-amounts-are-out-of-control/553077 "2010-10-02T03:40:55Z")
I’m going to say upfront before anyone suggests that I don’t want to pay my share of the child support, I do, but I think you’ll see my my own example it makes life impossible for me. That said a quick background. My wi… --- ## [Does anyone like Obama's health care plan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-like-obamas-health-care-plan/555026)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2010, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-like-obamas-health-care-plan/555026 "2010-10-01T23:27:42Z")
On one side we’ve got the typical conservative argument against government intervention in health care. Check. On the other side we’ve got people who favor universal health care. Check. Who are the people who like Ob… --- ## [The Moral Basis of Capitalism (or Lack Thereof)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-moral-basis-of-capitalism-or-lack-thereof/555521)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2010, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-moral-basis-of-capitalism-or-lack-thereof/555521 "2010-10-01T20:21:56Z")
There’s one claim that generally sure to come up whenever capitalism is subjected to scrutiny. Regardless of whether we’re debating the philosophical underpinnings or the specifics of some situation such as sweatshop la… --- ## [Is it possible to not be sexist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-not-be-sexist/555090)
**Author:** [@Knigel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knigel)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2010, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-not-be-sexist/555090 "2010-10-01T18:26:17Z")
Would I be correct to think that it is impossible, in contemporary society, for someone to be entirely non-sexist? Are we all cursed with cognitive gender biases? --- ## [Repubs why is the Disclose act a bad idea?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/repubs-why-is-the-disclose-act-a-bad-idea/555125)
**Author:** [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2010, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/repubs-why-is-the-disclose-act-a-bad-idea/555125 "2010-10-01T16:21:02Z")
http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=48CAEA3B-18FE-70B2-A819C88646092A3E Twice the Repubs have blocked this bill from a vote. It would let us know who is financing campaign ads. The Supreme Court opened the campa… --- ## [Is Intelligence Necessarily an End Result of Evolution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-intelligence-necessarily-an-end-result-of-evolution/486866)
**Author:** [@hobscrk777](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hobscrk777)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2010, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-intelligence-necessarily-an-end-result-of-evolution/486866 "2010-10-01T06:46:12Z")
This is somewhat inspired by the recent thread about evolution and religion. Is intelligence necessarily an end result of evolution? To put it another way, given enough time (i.e. no extinction events) is an intelligent… --- ## [Is Existentialism an obsolete philosophy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-existentialism-an-obsolete-philosophy/543528)
**Author:** [@Swarog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Swarog)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2010, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-existentialism-an-obsolete-philosophy/543528 "2010-10-01T02:10:10Z")
I’ve been arguing to no good end with posters in the Does life have meaning thread, about Existentialism. I’m wondering what the rest of you think about existentialism. For me personally, the philosophy is reminiscent … --- ## [When will the Democrats decide for or against Obama for 2012?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-will-the-democrats-decide-for-or-against-obama-for-2012/552245)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2010, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-will-the-democrats-decide-for-or-against-obama-for-2012/552245 "2010-09-30T20:31:22Z")
Technically it will be the Primaries, of course, but surely if Obama is seen as a loser, then quiet words will be said long beforehand, right? After all there’s Clinton ready with a stiletto in hand. And she won’t stand … --- ## [Let's amend the Constitution to ban abortion opponents!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-amend-the-constitution-to-ban-abortion-opponents/554109)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 183\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2010, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-amend-the-constitution-to-ban-abortion-opponents/554109 "2010-09-29T23:23:14Z")
In this thread about Christine O’Donnell candidacy, \*\*Whack-a-Mole\[/b asserts that she is objectively unqualified for the position, because she’d use her ideology in office: This just astonishes me. I had tried to draw… --- ## [10%+ unemployment... how much power to unions have vis-a-vis state governments, really?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/10-unemployment-how-much-power-to-unions-have-vis-a-vis-state-governments-really/555531)
**Author:** [@Rumor\_Watkins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rumor_Watkins)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2010, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/10-unemployment-how-much-power-to-unions-have-vis-a-vis-state-governments-really/555531 "2010-09-29T22:19:51Z")
one part question, one part debate-ish topic do union contracts with government units require legislative approval, or is it run through the executive (with the legislative check being the budgeting process)? \*\*assumin… --- ## [Ed Milliband elected Labour leader](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ed-milliband-elected-labour-leader/555024)
**Author:** [@Capt.Ridley\_s\_Shooting\_Party](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt.Ridley_s_Shooting_Party)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2010, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ed-milliband-elected-labour-leader/555024 "2010-09-29T22:05:44Z")
Earlier this afternoon. He beat out his brother by 1.3 percentage points, with support of the unions tipping him over the edge. What now for Labour? A swing to the left? Is Ed Milliband actually electable? --- ## [Skyscrapers on fire, not collapsing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/skyscrapers-on-fire-not-collapsing/553541)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 566\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2010, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/skyscrapers-on-fire-not-collapsing/553541 "2010-09-29T21:12:11Z")
To be clear, I’m not making an argument here, just asking a question so I can procede in an argument I’m having with someone else here. Apparently there have been a half a dozen to a dozen or so cases in which an entire… --- ## [What's the current state of Net Neutrality? Future of the 'net at stake?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-current-state-of-net-neutrality-future-of-the-net-at-stake/554695)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2010, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-current-state-of-net-neutrality-future-of-the-net-at-stake/554695 "2010-09-29T17:34:01Z")
I’ve read characterizations of this news as very ominous. They say we’re looking at a future where everyone who are not large corporations are charged hefty fees to not have their traffic slowed way down, thus putting a… --- ## [China wants us to give them electric car technology before a trade pact](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/china-wants-us-to-give-them-electric-car-technology-before-a-trade-pact/554795)
**Author:** [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2010, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/china-wants-us-to-give-them-electric-car-technology-before-a-trade-pact/554795 "2010-09-29T16:00:46Z")
http://detroitfreepress.mi.newsmemory.com/?token=0bdc1093e1281b3e7fccee8535a5649a&cnum=1226234&fod=1111111ARC China wants to be a leader in electric cars within 10 years. So they demand we give them our electric car tec… --- ## [Why do gay men tend to predominate in certain esthetically-oriented pursuits?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-gay-men-tend-to-predominate-in-certain-esthetically-oriented-pursuits/554155)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2010, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-gay-men-tend-to-predominate-in-certain-esthetically-oriented-pursuits/554155 "2010-09-29T14:47:39Z")
It is a cultural cliche that I think not entirely unsupported by reality, that gay men tend to predominate (at least, among the male workers) in some fields involving esthetic expression – fashion design, interior design… --- ## [Why do politicians prefer polls that show them ahead of their opponents by a large margin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-politicians-prefer-polls-that-show-them-ahead-of-their-opponents-by-a-large-margin/555159)
**Author:** [@sleeping](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sleeping)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2010, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-politicians-prefer-polls-that-show-them-ahead-of-their-opponents-by-a-large-margin/555159 "2010-09-29T05:27:00Z")
This is something I never understood. Presumably, a politician’s office keeps a record of the most \*reliable \*polling numbers, whether those are the same ones s/he promotes or not. And then there are the poll results tha… --- ## [More racist TV from Australia lol!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-racist-tv-from-australia-lol/554529)
**Author:** [@KellyCriterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KellyCriterion)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2010, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-racist-tv-from-australia-lol/554529 "2010-09-29T01:51:08Z")
First this nonsense. Then this garbage. And now, more racist TV from Australia! View the latest “racist” commercial. View a news story on all the commotion. :smack: :rolleyes: (Basically, a TV commercial promoting… --- ## [What has the UN acomplished anyway?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-the-un-acomplished-anyway/554797)
**Author:** [@godix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/godix)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2010, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-the-un-acomplished-anyway/554797 "2010-09-28T18:42:44Z")
Ban said, “let us remember, the world still looks to the United Nations for moral and political leadership.” The world looks to the UN for moral and political leadership? Really? This kinda got me thinking, what has the… --- ## [Some Sanity In The Middle-East.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-sanity-in-the-middle-east/554867)
**Author:** [@adhay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adhay)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2010, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-sanity-in-the-middle-east/554867 "2010-09-28T16:02:25Z")
Certainly one of Jon Stewart’s greatest interviews. Do you want to de-fuse Iran and eliminate Al Qaeda as a global threat? The King of Jordan’s thoughts on the subject: Arrive at a an Israeli/Palestinian two state sol… --- ## [Someone explain this "Ghost Hunters" Evidence.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/someone-explain-this-ghost-hunters-evidence/554928)
**Author:** [@Acid\_Lamp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acid_Lamp)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2010, 12:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/someone-explain-this-ghost-hunters-evidence/554928 "2010-09-28T12:03:25Z")
In a recent episode, TAPS supposedly caught an object moving of it’s own accord on camera. You can view the footage HERE With the relevant portion starting around 5:45. Now assuming that they aren’t hoaxing, how can this… --- ## [In contemporary American society, is it wrong to marry for reasons other than love?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-contemporary-american-society-is-it-wrong-to-marry-for-reasons-other-than-love/555271)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2010, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-contemporary-american-society-is-it-wrong-to-marry-for-reasons-other-than-love/555271 "2010-09-28T05:32:51Z")
By wrong, I mean unethical, immoral, or unacceptable in the poster’s judgment. I specified contemporary society for obvious reasons, and American because I am a narrow-minded jingoistic chauvinist with no respect or int… --- ## [Israel Resumes Building in West Bank: Implications?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/israel-resumes-building-in-west-bank-implications/555206)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2010, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/israel-resumes-building-in-west-bank-implications/555206 "2010-09-27T15:40:16Z")
The 10 month “moratorium” on building in the West Bank territories has expired…and the building has resumed. Obviously, the Palestinians are unhappy about this-but what did they expect? My question: is this enough to s… --- ## [War, Children, just a shot away ( Jagger )](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-children-just-a-shot-away-jagger/555081)
**Author:** [@Zanthor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zanthor)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2010, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-children-just-a-shot-away-jagger/555081 "2010-09-27T14:22:46Z")
Britain has warned the United States that the military will not be able to fight another war like Afghanistan. lol, here the war ppl ( mongers ) are saying, no more war, not cause all the reasons we slaughter other coun… --- ## [Cuba Abandons Communism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cuba-abandons-communism/553690)
**Author:** [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2010, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cuba-abandons-communism/553690 "2010-09-27T13:48:53Z")
Today, the Cuban government announced that 500,000 people are being dropped from the state payroll: This is a great development, but it carries some risks. Is there a private market in Cuba that can absorb half a mill… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=431) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=433)