# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=443 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 444 --- ## [You're invulnerable. Are you allowed to defend yourself?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-invulnerable-are-you-allowed-to-defend-yourself/547763)
**Author:** [@Uosdwis\_R.Dewoh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uosdwis_R.Dewoh)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2010, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-invulnerable-are-you-allowed-to-defend-yourself/547763 "2010-07-30T14:03:04Z")
Suppose You’re invulnerable and someone comes at you with a knife with the full intent of killing you. How far are you allowed to go to defend yourself? The man attacking you has no possibility of actually harming you. A… --- ## [BP Admitting to Gross Negligence](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bp-admitting-to-gross-negligence/548482)
**Author:** [@LonghornDave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LonghornDave)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2010, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bp-admitting-to-gross-negligence/548482 "2010-07-30T00:32:33Z")
That’s what the governor and attorney general of Texas are saying. Here is a letter that Rick Perry and Greg Abbott wrote to BP. Rick Perry Letter to BP The basic point of the letter is that the state of Texas request… --- ## [Our senses: the ultimate scam?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/our-senses-the-ultimate-scam/548152)
**Author:** [@scamartistry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scamartistry)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2010, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/our-senses-the-ultimate-scam/548152 "2010-07-29T18:40:25Z")
This is a philosophical question and a convuluted one, forgive me. We live day to day,relying on our senses. For practical reasons we rely on them for most purposes. With the advances in science we realize more and more… --- ## [What was the first totalitarian regime?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-first-totalitarian-regime/547345)
**Author:** [@Mr.Excellent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Excellent)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2010, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-first-totalitarian-regime/547345 "2010-07-29T18:07:15Z")
(Posted to GD rather than GQ because “totalitarian” is a fuzzy concept.) Obviously, authoritarianism has been the norm through most of human history, over most of the globe. People have had kings/emperors/etc through mo… --- ## [Question about the current unemployment expansion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-the-current-unemployment-expansion/547532)
**Author:** [@Nobody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nobody)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2010, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-the-current-unemployment-expansion/547532 "2010-07-29T15:14:44Z")
So the Democrats finally were able to pass an unemployment extension against Republican objections that the money should come from unallocated TARP funds or there should be budget cuts to offset the extension. My questi… --- ## [How well defined are cultures and subcultures?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-well-defined-are-cultures-and-subcultures/548352)
**Author:** [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2010, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-well-defined-are-cultures-and-subcultures/548352 "2010-07-28T20:23:57Z")
My topic is a bit vague, I know. As a jumping off point, today I was reading about how the black magazine Essence now has a white fashion editor. Many are wondering if a white woman can really speak for/to black culture… --- ## [The NT Bible: What Points Do Catholic and Protestant Bible Experts Agree On?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-nt-bible-what-points-do-catholic-and-protestant-bible-experts-agree-on/548188)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2010, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-nt-bible-what-points-do-catholic-and-protestant-bible-experts-agree-on/548188 "2010-07-28T17:53:13Z")
I ask because the RCC has its own approved edition of the NT, while protestants have another version. Clearly, there are important differences in what each group accpts-on what points to the both agree? --- ## [Bargaining for things, yea or nay?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bargaining-for-things-yea-or-nay/547442)
**Author:** [@Captain\_Midnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Midnight)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2010, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bargaining-for-things-yea-or-nay/547442 "2010-07-28T16:52:17Z")
Personally, I hate bargaining for anything. As a rule, I absolutely refuse to do it. When I walk into a shop, I will look for the price or ask the salesperson the price of the item. When the salesperson quotes a price, t… --- ## [WikiLeaks and Guardian leak 92,000 secret documents on Afghan War](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wikileaks-and-guardian-leak-92-000-secret-documents-on-afghan-war/548033)
**Author:** [@Capt.Ridley\_s\_Shooting\_Party](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt.Ridley_s_Shooting_Party)\ **Replies:** 133\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2010, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wikileaks-and-guardian-leak-92-000-secret-documents-on-afghan-war/548033 "2010-07-28T05:50:41Z")
Here. --- ## [The law and condemning Bad People vs. Bad Actions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-law-and-condemning-bad-people-vs-bad-actions/548162)
**Author:** [@Koxinga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Koxinga)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2010, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-law-and-condemning-bad-people-vs-bad-actions/548162 "2010-07-27T20:13:23Z")
I hope you’ll bear with me as my ideas are kind of half-formed here, and I’m throwing an idea out partly in the hope that someone else will recognize what I’m getting at better than I’m able to express. Every time a dis… --- ## [Good on the ACLU for helping a man gets his guns back](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-on-the-aclu-for-helping-a-man-gets-his-guns-back/547498)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2010, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-on-the-aclu-for-helping-a-man-gets-his-guns-back/547498 "2010-07-27T17:25:54Z")
One criticism I’ve had of the ACLU is their general refusal to get involved in protecting Second Amendment constitutional rights, as though their copy of the Constitution was numbered 1,3-27. Fair is fair. As a vocal cr… --- ## [American justice story - is this really true?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-justice-story-is-this-really-true/548106)
**Author:** [@Dahu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dahu)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2010, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-justice-story-is-this-really-true/548106 "2010-07-27T16:34:36Z")
In the lastest economist there’s an article about justice in America: http://www.economist.com/node/16640389?story\_id=16640389 Google doesn’t seem to add a lot more. But if the basic facts as stated here are true this… --- ## [Can or does science accurately describe our reality?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-or-does-science-accurately-describe-our-reality/546966)
**Author:** [@SyuRi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SyuRi)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2010, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-or-does-science-accurately-describe-our-reality/546966 "2010-07-27T03:29:40Z")
I am in a discussion with a friend about this theme. He basically says science cannot describe reality until it proves the assumptions from which it bases all its theories and knowledge. Is he right? --- ## [Is it OK to be an \[Athenian\] idiot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-ok-to-be-an-athenian-idiot/547606)
**Author:** [@Stoneburg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoneburg)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2010, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-ok-to-be-an-athenian-idiot/547606 "2010-07-26T23:59:02Z")
Now obviously I am using the word ‘idiot’ in its original Athenian sense: OK or not? --- ## [Could the U.S. become a fascist state?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-u-s-become-a-fascist-state/547951)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2010, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-u-s-become-a-fascist-state/547951 "2010-07-26T18:33:34Z")
Prompted by this thread. OK, now that that’s been referenced… In the wake of 9/11 I perceive heightened levels of nationalism in this country. Immigration has always been a contentious issue, and a lot of people stil… --- ## [Do more cops really have a bad attitude these days?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-more-cops-really-have-a-bad-attitude-these-days/547989)
**Author:** [@Satyagrahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Satyagrahi)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2010, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-more-cops-really-have-a-bad-attitude-these-days/547989 "2010-07-26T15:17:02Z")
Today, it seems that every time you turn around, you see a news item about a cop shooting someone unnecessarily, tasering someone in a wheelchair, killing someone while driving drunk…and in all cases, getting very little… --- ## [When Did The Italians Abandon Roman Dress?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-the-italians-abandon-roman-dress/547988)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2010, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-the-italians-abandon-roman-dress/547988 "2010-07-26T03:08:12Z")
With the fall of the Western Roman Empire (ca. 575 AD), the whole imperial structure came crashing down-after that time, there were no more legions, no more aqueduct construction, and no more gladiatorial games. At that… --- ## [Right to release al-Megrahi in view of the potential oil returns?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/right-to-release-al-megrahi-in-view-of-the-potential-oil-returns/547858)
**Author:** [@mutantmoose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mutantmoose)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2010, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/right-to-release-al-megrahi-in-view-of-the-potential-oil-returns/547858 "2010-07-26T01:18:24Z")
So BP has announced it will begin drilling for oil off the coast of Libya in the next few weeks. The accusation is that this is connected to the release of the Lockerbie terrorist Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi. This is vehe… --- ## [Fat hate speech? The role of the bystander.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fat-hate-speech-the-role-of-the-bystander/545160)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 250\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2010, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fat-hate-speech-the-role-of-the-bystander/545160 "2010-07-25T23:02:15Z")
This issue is inspired by events within this particular GD thread but is really not specific to it, and not intended as a Pitting of any of those who posted within the thread. It is offered merely as a specific illustrat… --- ## [Who looks worse? Breitbart or Obama WH?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-looks-worse-breitbart-or-obama-wh/547448)
**Author:** [@FriarTed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FriarTed)\ **Replies:** 318\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2010, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-looks-worse-breitbart-or-obama-wh/547448 "2010-07-25T21:40:05Z")
So back in March at an NAACP function, USDA official Shirley Sherrod tells of learning her lesson 24 years ago while helping a white farmer keep his farm & being tempted to not give her best effort. That gets edited & sh… --- ## [How did so many atheists end up here?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-so-many-atheists-end-up-here/547219)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 502\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2010, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-so-many-atheists-end-up-here/547219 "2010-07-25T20:49:42Z")
I don’t see this as a problem but I am curious how so many atheists ended up on one message board? I think I saw a poll where over 50% of the people here are agnostic or atheist which is way above the US number . (an… --- ## [At what point does potential personal harm trump personal freedom, if ever?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-point-does-potential-personal-harm-trump-personal-freedom-if-ever/547108)
**Author:** [@peledre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peledre)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2010, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-point-does-potential-personal-harm-trump-personal-freedom-if-ever/547108 "2010-07-25T17:40:47Z")
I’m thinking in terms of drug usage, but I suppose it could apply to other potentially personally dangerous activities as well. In the US, our drug laws aren’t really based on any objective measures, but if we were to r… --- ## [For Real? GM Buying Subprime Lender To Increase Sales To Non-Qualifying Buyers? With Bailout Money?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-real-gm-buying-subprime-lender-to-increase-sales-to-non-qualifying-buyers-with-bailout-money/547628)
**Author:** [@Huerta88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Huerta88)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2010, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-real-gm-buying-subprime-lender-to-increase-sales-to-non-qualifying-buyers-with-bailout-money/547628 "2010-07-25T15:17:52Z")
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/23/business/23autos.html?\_r=1&hp# I don’t even know how to frame a debate, so I’ll settle for. Resolved: WTF? How does the government (who had no business bailing them out) not put suff… --- ## [Rep. Rangel Is a Tax Cheat-Should He Be Voting on Tax Legislation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rep-rangel-is-a-tax-cheat-should-he-be-voting-on-tax-legislation/547710)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2010, 6:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rep-rangel-is-a-tax-cheat-should-he-be-voting-on-tax-legislation/547710 "2010-07-25T06:22:38Z")
I was plaesed to see that the House actually is doing something about Rep. Rangel (D-NY). For too long, this guy has been getting away with murder-he wasn’t declaring income (from a condo outside the USA), and somehow ma… --- ## [Why Is Obama Prosecuting 'Obscenity'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-obama-prosecuting-obscenity/547533)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2010, 6:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-obama-prosecuting-obscenity/547533 "2010-07-25T06:15:04Z")
I am a little perplexed by this article. And I am especially confused by this quote from the above article: As I recall, most liberals think obscenity trials involving consenting adults are a waste of taxpayer money. E… --- ## [Multiculturalism is the way to go?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multiculturalism-is-the-way-to-go/546983)
**Author:** [@scamartistry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scamartistry)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2010, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multiculturalism-is-the-way-to-go/546983 "2010-07-25T03:57:24Z")
I am curious about this one and sometimes a bit passionate. Easy question, when reading newspapers and also forums and following the media. It makes it feel like this is a settled question. there is only one answer. M… --- ## [Who should be a juror in a medical malpractice case?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-should-be-a-juror-in-a-medical-malpractice-case/302425)
**Author:** [@Rucksinator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rucksinator)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2010, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-should-be-a-juror-in-a-medical-malpractice-case/302425 "2010-07-25T03:09:34Z")
It occurred to me that it’s only reasonable to have only doctors, RN’s, etc. as jurors on a medical malpractice case. Some time ago I mentioned this to my father, who is a retired hospital administrator, and he said som… --- ## [Is Communism a rationalist or a romantic ideology?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-communism-a-rationalist-or-a-romantic-ideology/547568)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2010, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-communism-a-rationalist-or-a-romantic-ideology/547568 "2010-07-25T02:32:36Z")
In the ongoing Fascism thread, smiling bandit made this statement: To which I replied: BTW, Lind is not alone in thinking rationalism vs. romanticism the fundamental difference between Communism and Fascism. Scien… --- ## [Obama vs. Clinton--huge difference in hatred for their presidencies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-vs-clinton-huge-difference-in-hatred-for-their-presidencies/547871)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2010, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-vs-clinton-huge-difference-in-hatred-for-their-presidencies/547871 "2010-07-25T02:29:38Z")
Bill Clinton was widely despised and reviled and, obviously, the Republicans went so far as to impeach him. He was accused of murder, corruption, sexual shenanigans of the consensual AND non-consensual varieties, and hi… --- ## [Be it Resolved: Marx was a loon with an axe to grind](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/be-it-resolved-marx-was-a-loon-with-an-axe-to-grind/547482)
**Author:** [@smiling\_bandit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smiling_bandit)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2010, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/be-it-resolved-marx-was-a-loon-with-an-axe-to-grind/547482 "2010-07-25T01:10:49Z")
In the Fascism thread (and let’s not go there again), Olontzero was very unhappy, and left in a huff, over my disparaging comments about Marx. Specifically, Marx was a jerkass and a fruitcake. I stand by this. Unlike m… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=442) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=444)