# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=486 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 487 --- ## [Could $30,000 a year prevent one crime?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-30-000-a-year-prevent-one-crime/524192)
**Author:** [@emacknight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emacknight)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2010, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-30-000-a-year-prevent-one-crime/524192 "2010-01-10T17:08:41Z")
Consider that the average cost to house an inmate for a year is about $30,000 (between $20,000 and $40,000) \[cite\]. According to Wikipedia, there are currently over 2million people imprisoned in the US \[cite\], leading t… --- ## [A Political Thought Experiment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-political-thought-experiment/524283)
**Author:** [@petew83](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/petew83)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2010, 11:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-political-thought-experiment/524283 "2010-01-10T11:27:15Z")
The current situation in politics dictates a very simple motivation in game theory for the Republicans: Support Obama AND Country succeeds = bad Support Obama AND Country fails = bad Renounce Obama AND Country succeed… --- ## [Whats going to be the endgame in Iran?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-going-to-be-the-endgame-in-iran/522716)
**Author:** [@Ryan\_Liam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ryan_Liam)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2010, 6:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-going-to-be-the-endgame-in-iran/522716 "2010-01-10T06:39:27Z")
In Iran there has been numerous protests for the last couple of months, and some people have commentated on how it will bring down the Iranian government. Currently there are riots in Tehran, and Mousavis nephew has just… --- ## [Functioning Alcoholics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/functioning-alcoholics/524256)
**Author:** [@Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hazle_Weatherfield)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2010, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/functioning-alcoholics/524256 "2010-01-10T02:02:28Z")
What’s really wrong with being a functioning alcoholic? As in: doesn’t affect work performance, doesn’t affect relationships/societal interactions. Just drinks a lot more than most people. What do you all say? --- ## [New Constitutional Convention](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-constitutional-convention/520379)
**Author:** [@Slypork](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slypork)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2010, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-constitutional-convention/520379 "2010-01-10T00:54:49Z")
I am starting this thread in GQ but I have no idea where this might wind up. Moderators, do with me as you please. Over the past year there has been an expansion of federal involvement in what were traditionally non- go… --- ## [Property Value Reassessments](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/property-value-reassessments/524285)
**Author:** [@Subterfuge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Subterfuge)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2010, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/property-value-reassessments/524285 "2010-01-09T23:39:03Z")
Due to the state of the economy, real estate values have been in decline all accross the country. But, when county governments send out appraisers to reassess property values for the purpose of collecting taxes, property… --- ## [The long term effects of recession & middle class squeeze](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-long-term-effects-of-recession-middle-class-squeeze/518186)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2010, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-long-term-effects-of-recession-middle-class-squeeze/518186 "2010-01-09T20:58:48Z")
I want to have a debate, but w/o one that involves assumptions that an entire generation of people are bad (ie serves those lazy, spoiled dumb kids right), that kind of stuff. So as it stands health care, real estate, d… --- ## [Length of time for finalizing divorce](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/length-of-time-for-finalizing-divorce/524122)
**Author:** [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2010, 5:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/length-of-time-for-finalizing-divorce/524122 "2010-01-09T05:21:27Z")
I was discussing with a couple of friends (also Dopers) my divorce, which will be filed some time next week. I’d expressed some frustration over the fact that in California, no matter how eager my ex and I may be to get … --- ## [Police shoot U.S. student's laptop upon entry to Israel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/police-shoot-u-s-students-laptop-upon-entry-to-israel/521458)
**Author:** [@Desert\_Nomad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Desert_Nomad)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2010, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/police-shoot-u-s-students-laptop-upon-entry-to-israel/521458 "2010-01-09T05:19:22Z")
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1135243.html Isn’t this just a bit over the top? Sure doesn’t inspire me to want to go there with my laptop, as mine is currently free of bullet holes. --- ## [Has 9-11 outlived its usefulness to the Republican Party?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-9-11-outlived-its-usefulness-to-the-republican-party/524191)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2010, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-9-11-outlived-its-usefulness-to-the-republican-party/524191 "2010-01-09T04:01:39Z")
Rudy Giuliani, 1/2010: “We had no domestic\* attacks under Bush; we’ve had one under Obama.” Mary Matalin, 12/2009: “We inherited a recession from President Clinton and we inherited the most tragic attack on our own so… --- ## [Were The Slaves "Lucky"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-the-slaves-lucky/514818)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2010, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-the-slaves-lucky/514818 "2010-01-09T02:23:48Z")
Were the Africans who were kidnapped by the slavers “lucky” for their descendents. For a more personal vantage point on this question suppose you had in 1700s Africa two choices be enslaved but your descendents would bec… --- ## [Did the Republicans write off the 2008 election as unwinnable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-republicans-write-off-the-2008-election-as-unwinnable/524115)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2010, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-republicans-write-off-the-2008-election-as-unwinnable/524115 "2010-01-09T01:48:13Z")
Given the criticism of the eight years of the Bush administration, the unpopularity of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the economic collapse that happened on Bush’s watch, did the Republican party decide the suppor… --- ## [Vegans should just starve to death.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegans-should-just-starve-to-death/522264)
**Author:** [@R.P.McMurphy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/R.P.McMurphy)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2010, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegans-should-just-starve-to-death/522264 "2010-01-09T01:23:17Z")
This article from the NY Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/22/science/22angi.html?em&exprod=myyahoo Plants aren’t as indistinguishable from animals as many may think. I believe in the food chain. As harsh as that … --- ## [Why hasn't Stephen Hawking been knighted?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-stephen-hawking-been-knighted/522990)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2010, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-stephen-hawking-been-knighted/522990 "2010-01-09T00:03:22Z")
The guy has done loads for physics (probably the best-know physicist amongst the general public), and was the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics for 30 years until he retired from it in October. Have Elton John or Patric… --- ## [Is Judaism monotheistic or henotheistic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-judaism-monotheistic-or-henotheistic/522029)
**Author:** [@The\_Cleveland\_Steamer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Cleveland_Steamer)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2010, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-judaism-monotheistic-or-henotheistic/522029 "2010-01-08T23:57:26Z")
YHWH is referred to as elohay elohim (the god over all gods) and there are additions references to other gods (some of which just seem to jewelry). See: Deut 32 and Psalm 82 --- ## [Why not government work projects for the unemployed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-government-work-projects-for-the-unemployed/510754)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2010, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-government-work-projects-for-the-unemployed/510754 "2010-01-08T23:12:14Z")
It was done during the Great Depression, and in principle even conservatives shouldn’t have an objection to making sure that people who are willing to work have a job. So why no love for the concept of guaranteeing that … --- ## [Super Bowl of militaries: who would win?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/super-bowl-of-militaries-who-would-win/523825)
**Author:** [@HubZilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HubZilla)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2010, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/super-bowl-of-militaries-who-would-win/523825 "2010-01-08T21:14:17Z")
Pretend we have an Super Bowl of military forces. USA, Russia, and China are not participating. The goal is to win a battle, using whatever forces you have available, except nukes and chemical weapons. No allies, no supp… --- ## [Is overpopulation mankind's most serious problem?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-overpopulation-mankinds-most-serious-problem/524134)
**Author:** [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2010, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-overpopulation-mankinds-most-serious-problem/524134 "2010-01-08T16:32:18Z")
(This is a general debate on how serious the issue of overpopulation is to mankind. It was inspired by this post by ZPG Zealot, though it is not intended as a response to it). Cards on the table: I’m not convinced that … --- ## [Maps of the future](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maps-of-the-future/523385)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2010, 6:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maps-of-the-future/523385 "2010-01-08T06:00:08Z")
We’re now in space year 2010. The world, naturally, is a very different place in terms of the lines on the map than it was a century ago - here’s what the world looked like in 1910. So, I ask the capacious collective br… --- ## [Any Signs of Long-Predicted Anti-Muslim "Backlash"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-signs-of-long-predicted-anti-muslim-backlash/523090)
**Author:** [@astorian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astorian)\ **Replies:** 162\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2010, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-signs-of-long-predicted-anti-muslim-backlash/523090 "2010-01-08T04:22:50Z")
This is a serious question, one that calls for a statistical, quantitative answer. Every time a Muslim carries out a terrorist attack, there is a certain amount of hand-wringing over an imminent anti-Muslim “backlash,” … --- ## [Has the view of alcoholics changed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-view-of-alcoholics-changed/523467)
**Author:** [@Darth\_Hamsandwich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Hamsandwich)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2010, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-view-of-alcoholics-changed/523467 "2010-01-08T02:21:55Z")
Since the inception of AA has helped (but not cured) many alchoholics, I was wondering if the perception OF an alchoholic has changed in the United States SINCE AA’s beginning. My guess is ‘no’, even with the overwhelmin… --- ## ["Wide Detention Power Upheld"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wide-detention-power-upheld/523933)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2010, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wide-detention-power-upheld/523933 "2010-01-08T01:41:13Z")
Quotes around the post’s title because I lifted it wholesale from SCOTUSblog. In short: It’s discussing Al-Bihani v. Obama, which can be read here (PDF file). And… Correct on all counts. --- ## [Impact of banning private pharmaceutical companies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/impact-of-banning-private-pharmaceutical-companies/520635)
**Author:** [@BrandonR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrandonR)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2010, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/impact-of-banning-private-pharmaceutical-companies/520635 "2010-01-07T22:21:35Z")
In an alternative world, the government has decided to ban private pharmaceutical companies that profit off illness. Instead, either government-funded medical research agencies or non-profit entities are used to research… --- ## [The End of Time. NOW what???????](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-end-of-time-now-what/523598)
**Author:** [@St.Anger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/St.Anger)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2010, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-end-of-time-now-what/523598 "2010-01-07T20:55:40Z")
What everyday things would happen in real life if time just “stopped”? Would my watch stop working? Would I stop aging? Would I have the day off from work? Or would I be frozen in some sort of metaphysical state until i… --- ## [Was Europe (1500-1789) a black civilisation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-europe-1500-1789-a-black-civilisation/522194)
**Author:** [@Egmond\_Codfried](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Egmond_Codfried)\ **Replies:** 575\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2010, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-europe-1500-1789-a-black-civilisation/522194 "2010-01-07T16:54:40Z")
\[Charles II Stuart, named THe Black Boy\] My research after three years resulted in a theory named Blue blood is black blood (1500-1789) by Egmond Codfried. Blue blood is the highest … --- ## [Help with my logic (paranormalities and science)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-my-logic-paranormalities-and-science/523883)
**Author:** [@Dr.Colossus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Colossus)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2010, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-my-logic-paranormalities-and-science/523883 "2010-01-07T13:18:43Z")
\*\*dear all, this is not MY post. this is a copy from a paranormal forum from someone seeking “geek” and sciencey types answering some questions. i have little doubt this will not be fun for all involve. feel free to go… --- ## [Why is so much political debate in the US seemingly based on pure BS?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-so-much-political-debate-in-the-us-seemingly-based-on-pure-bs/523415)
**Author:** [@Illuminatiprimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Illuminatiprimus)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2010, 6:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-so-much-political-debate-in-the-us-seemingly-based-on-pure-bs/523415 "2010-01-07T06:59:08Z")
I know this is a somewhat contentious things to ask and it may even be a GQ rather than a GD because I honestly don’t know the answer and I’m not from the US. Over the last year with the healthcare reform debates I’ve b… --- ## [8 CIA Spooks Murdered in Afghanistan-Reaction?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/8-cia-spooks-murdered-in-afghanistan-reaction/523208)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2010, 6:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/8-cia-spooks-murdered-in-afghanistan-reaction/523208 "2010-01-07T06:18:22Z")
I was listening to the BBC report on this-the reaction of the local Afghan people was quite illuminating. Basically, most of them though the murders were justified, as the CIA had been plotting drone attacks upon muslims… --- ## [How Do You Regulate a "Free" Resource?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-regulate-a-free-resource/523751)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2010, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-regulate-a-free-resource/523751 "2010-01-07T05:04:46Z")
What do economists say about this? Specifically ocean fishing. Where I live (New England) the local fishermen areall pissed off, because the Federal Government has imposed fishing limits. This has to be done, because ove… --- ## [When will things stop sucking?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-will-things-stop-sucking/523832)
**Author:** [@The\_Hamster\_King](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Hamster_King)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2010, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-will-things-stop-sucking/523832 "2010-01-07T01:50:58Z")
In the broadest sense. In the 90’s things were pretty good: The economy was booming, communism was defeated, and there was a general sense of optimism about the future. Sure there were some bad things happening, but, … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=485) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=487)