# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=479 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 480 --- ## [Who do Senators represent or Should we repeal the 17th Amendment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-do-senators-represent-or-should-we-repeal-the-17th-amendment/527044)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2010, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-do-senators-represent-or-should-we-repeal-the-17th-amendment/527044 "2010-02-05T20:47:07Z")
Before 1913, the roles of Senators were pretty straightforward. We are a (nominally) a federalist system so while the House of Representatives protects the interests of the citizens the Senate protected the interests of… --- ## [Geert Wilders is facing trial for Fitna](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/geert-wilders-is-facing-trial-for-fitna/527285)
**Author:** [@mswas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mswas)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2010, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/geert-wilders-is-facing-trial-for-fitna/527285 "2010-02-05T19:45:48Z")
http://bigjournalism.com/rtrzupek/2010/01/27/truth-on-trial-geert-wilders-vs-dutch-thought-police/ How do people feel about this limitation of Dutch free-speech? Do you think it is reasonable to prosecute someone for c… --- ## [US Budget Deficit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-budget-deficit/527316)
**Author:** [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2010, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-budget-deficit/527316 "2010-02-05T19:38:11Z")
Ok, I voted for Obama, but I have voted for Republicans before. Heck, every single election I’ve voted in, I’ve voted for members of both parties. Right now, neither side is giving me any hope for solutions to the issu… --- ## [Can you prove a negative?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-prove-a-negative/527458)
**Author:** [@Rigamarole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rigamarole)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2010, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-prove-a-negative/527458 "2010-02-05T16:40:58Z")
From the “obvious facts” thread: The author of that paper makes some good points, although it’s full of razzle-dazzle. At the end he pretty much acknowledges that you can’t, in fact, prove a negative with a degree of c… --- ## [Why Anti-Zionism Is NOT Anti-Semitism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-anti-zionism-is-not-anti-semitism/527374)
**Author:** [@Mister\_Obvious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Obvious)\ **Replies:** 314\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2010, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-anti-zionism-is-not-anti-semitism/527374 "2010-02-05T16:11:13Z")
Quite simply, because many Jews understand that God has not ended the Exile of the Israelites from the Holy Land. If He had done so, then the State of Israel would neither need: its army of overt IDF terrorists; nor its… --- ## [DADT and same sex marriage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dadt-and-same-sex-marriage/527556)
**Author:** [@Strassia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Strassia)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2010, 6:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dadt-and-same-sex-marriage/527556 "2010-02-05T06:25:08Z")
I know that we have several threads on both topics, but this is about how the two may (or may not) interact. I think we can all agree that the current trend is towards ending Don’t Ask/Don’t Tell and legalizing same sex… --- ## [Why the discrepancy between the Dominican Republican & Haiti](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-discrepancy-between-the-dominican-republican-haiti/525379)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2010, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-discrepancy-between-the-dominican-republican-haiti/525379 "2010-02-05T03:57:45Z")
On most important fronts like per capita GDP, Human development index, infant mortality, civil and political freedoms, etc. the Dominican republic is ahead of Haiti. They have more wealth, more freedom, fewer major probl… --- ## ["Obvious Facts" Debate thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obvious-facts-debate-thread/527309)
**Author:** [@Trepa\_Mayfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trepa_Mayfield)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2010, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obvious-facts-debate-thread/527309 "2010-02-04T23:06:23Z")
Since we can’t debate the obvious facts in this thread, here’s a thread just for doing that. To kick things off: Really? Even the part where he has to take a rib to make woman, even though he made man from dust? Even … --- ## [Granting asylum to people fleeing from Germany?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/granting-asylum-to-people-fleeing-from-germany/527297)
**Author:** [@Palo\_Verde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palo_Verde)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2010, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/granting-asylum-to-people-fleeing-from-germany/527297 "2010-02-04T21:25:06Z")
There is a case in which a German couple was recently granted asylum because of a “well-founded fear of persecution” from Germany. The couple want to home-school their 5 children, and due to compulsory schooling laws in… --- ## [Gay adoption](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gay-adoption/526751)
**Author:** [@Estilicon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Estilicon)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2010, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gay-adoption/526751 "2010-02-04T20:24:30Z")
In Argentina, as in the rest of the western world, it will not be to long before gay couples can marry. In fact, since 2003 there has been, a “Civil Union” legislated for gays in the city of Buenos Aires. Last year two … --- ## [How bad do you think peak oil will be](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-bad-do-you-think-peak-oil-will-be/527118)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2010, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-bad-do-you-think-peak-oil-will-be/527118 "2010-02-04T18:21:15Z")
While looking up info on peak oil I found this website. Which has this chart. In the year 2000 about 70% of oil in the US was used for cars, heavy trucks, raw materials for plasti… --- ## [Is date rape less wrong than stranger rape?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-date-rape-less-wrong-than-stranger-rape/527197)
**Author:** [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Replies:** 126\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2010, 7:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-date-rape-less-wrong-than-stranger-rape/527197 "2010-02-04T07:37:08Z")
In this thread the topic of stranger rape vs. date rape came up, when one poster thought that perhaps a date rapist would be less likely to be a bad father than stranger rapist. This exchange came up: The rape by a … --- ## [Will there be any health care reform whatsoever? Effects?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-there-be-any-health-care-reform-whatsoever-effects/527504)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2010, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-there-be-any-health-care-reform-whatsoever-effects/527504 "2010-02-04T02:09:25Z")
This thread assumes that there’s a much better than even chance that any effort at health care reform is dead. This is a common assertion that I’ve seen in multiple threads and places, and I thought I’d examine that bel… --- ## [Obama to call for repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in State of the Union Address tonight](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-to-call-for-repeal-of-dont-ask-dont-tell-in-state-of-the-union-address-tonight/526703)
**Author:** [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Replies:** 143\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2010, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-to-call-for-repeal-of-dont-ask-dont-tell-in-state-of-the-union-address-tonight/526703 "2010-02-04T01:30:30Z")
Obama is going to ask Congress to repeal DATA in his SOTU tonight. It’s about time. The question is, will he be able to get any Republicans to support it, or will they filibuster it just to be dickheads? John Boehner … --- ## [Effect if France moves forward to banning burqas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-if-france-moves-forward-to-banning-burqas/526435)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2010, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-if-france-moves-forward-to-banning-burqas/526435 "2010-02-03T22:45:39Z")
France’s General Assembly will be deciding fairly soon on if they will ban women wearing burqas. This ban could range from fines on women caught wearing the things in public to simple bans on using public and government… --- ## [Sexuality: Choice or not, and does it matter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sexuality-choice-or-not-and-does-it-matter/526190)
**Author:** [@Todderbob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Todderbob)\ **Replies:** 130\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2010, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sexuality-choice-or-not-and-does-it-matter/526190 "2010-02-03T22:34:43Z")
Let me start off by saying that I’m not anti-gay. I support homosexual marriage, heterosexual marriage and even a few dozen types of polygamous marriage. No reason any form of love should be excluded. Often times, as … --- ## [Dispelling US Health Care Myths: Part 2 Profit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dispelling-us-health-care-myths-part-2-profit/526573)
**Author:** [@emacknight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emacknight)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2010, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dispelling-us-health-care-myths-part-2-profit/526573 "2010-02-03T21:42:13Z")
In continuation of a 12 part series dispelling the myths about US Health Care, I present to you part 2: First of all, allow me to explain why this series isn’t actually meant to be a lecture. I grew up in Canada, which… --- ## [The Euro is fucked](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-euro-is-fucked/527516)
**Author:** [@Rune](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rune)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2010, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-euro-is-fucked/527516 "2010-02-03T17:59:48Z")
… so says the doomsday professor Nouriel Roubini. (Medicine for Europe’s sinking south) Greece is bringing it down by its uncontrolled debt and deficit and unwillingness or inability to do anything about it. Greece just … --- ## [Republicans: Please Define Health Care Reform](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republicans-please-define-health-care-reform/525777)
**Author:** [@LavenderBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LavenderBlue)\ **Replies:** 324\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2010, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republicans-please-define-health-care-reform/525777 "2010-02-03T12:36:49Z")
Because as nearly as this American Dem can tell the Republican response is that of George W. Bush’s let them go to the emergency room when they’re sick variety. Thank you. --- ## [Obama at House Republican Retreat, Q&A](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-at-house-republican-retreat-q-a/527004)
**Author:** [@With\_Rye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/With_Rye)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2010, 11:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-at-house-republican-retreat-q-a/527004 "2010-02-03T11:55:37Z")
As he said in his State of the Union address, Obama went to talk with the Republicans. The video is 66 minutes long and makes for very entertaining and engaging political television. I think he did a great job fending… --- ## [Should state Attorneys-General be elected?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-state-attorneys-general-be-elected/527446)
**Author:** [@Mr.Excellent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Excellent)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2010, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-state-attorneys-general-be-elected/527446 "2010-02-03T05:36:41Z")
Posted in light of DC’s move towards elected its Attorney-General. Personally, I think not - Attorneys-General work best when they have some isolation from public opinion. AGs sometimes have to do unpopular things - def… --- ## [Is the Generational Theory of History True?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-generational-theory-of-history-true/527329)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2010, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-generational-theory-of-history-true/527329 "2010-02-03T03:01:46Z")
Do you think the Generational Theory has proposed by Neil Howe and William Strauss is a true theory? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generations\_(book) I personally believe and hope the theory is true as if true it predic… --- ## [Canada Owns The Northwest Passage?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-owns-the-northwest-passage/527167)
**Author:** [@adhay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adhay)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2010, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-owns-the-northwest-passage/527167 "2010-02-02T22:28:37Z")
I’m watching a video about the resources (oil, minerals, fish) being exposed as the Arctic ice retreats and what belongs to who among the Arctic bordering nations. At the moment they agree that each is entitled to every… --- ## [Html5](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/html5/527264)
**Author:** [@jackdavinci](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackdavinci)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2010, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/html5/527264 "2010-02-02T22:04:54Z")
The Apple iPad and it’s war against Flash led me to learn about and be optimistic for HTML5, which creates a new non proprietary web video standard. But when I went to see what other cool things it was going to do I was s… --- ## [The European Population Crash](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-european-population-crash/527391)
**Author:** [@mswas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mswas)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2010, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-european-population-crash/527391 "2010-02-02T16:16:00Z")
I don’t really want to guide the debate here, but I just feel like the population crash in Europe is debate-worthy. So please, someone come and say something controversial. --- ## [Why do we need politic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-need-politic/527224)
**Author:** [@kktime](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kktime)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2010, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-need-politic/527224 "2010-02-02T14:45:42Z")
It seem that politicians are the problems in everything human society. Maybe ban politicking, we end wars, end corruption, end hatred among races and religions and end … --- ## [Do Conservatives Believe The Ends Justify The Means](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-conservatives-believe-the-ends-justify-the-means/527136)
**Author:** [@DanBlather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DanBlather)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2010, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-conservatives-believe-the-ends-justify-the-means/527136 "2010-02-02T12:13:39Z")
The last thread didn’t go well, so I’ll try again. Have the conservatives in America adopted an “ends justify the means” position? Is it different between liberal and conservatives? Is this a new trend? It seems to me t… --- ## [You're a liberal. No, you're a liberal.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-liberal-no-youre-a-liberal/527165)
**Author:** [@Stoneburg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoneburg)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2010, 10:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-liberal-no-youre-a-liberal/527165 "2010-02-02T10:26:44Z")
Often when I discuss politics with Americans (not here, elsewhere) I am ‘accused’ of being a liberal. It’s a bit confusing to me because I’ve never said I am a liberal. I am very politically active so I’ve definetely tak… --- ## [Does the trickle down theory actually work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-trickle-down-theory-actually-work/526583)
**Author:** [@randy054](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/randy054)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2010, 7:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-trickle-down-theory-actually-work/526583 "2010-02-02T07:14:50Z")
I came across this thread at Something Awful Forums wherein the OP posted quite a compelling argument that trickle down theory is bullshit and that our standard of living as well as class mobility is on the decline. Her… --- ## [Why haven't the Democrats threatened a "Nuclear Option"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-havent-the-democrats-threatened-a-nuclear-option/526742)
**Author:** [@Nobody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nobody)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2010, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-havent-the-democrats-threatened-a-nuclear-option/526742 "2010-02-02T04:05:10Z")
Back when Democrats were frequently filibustering Bush’s judicial nominees, Bill Frist threatened to use it. Now that it’s the Republicans doing the filibustering why haven’t the Democrats threatened to use it? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=478) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=480)