# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=49 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 50 --- ## [The Sin of Presumption](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sin-of-presumption/915371)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2020, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sin-of-presumption/915371 "2020-07-16T00:42:16Z")
I put this in Great Debates, because it has to do with religion. And it is a bona fide question too, as you will see. Anyways, true story. I was debating a Christian on another message board. And I was trying to talk hi… --- ## [GDP figures are not accurate right now](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gdp-figures-are-not-accurate-right-now/915140)
**Author:** [@Dershowitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dershowitz)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2020, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gdp-figures-are-not-accurate-right-now/915140 "2020-07-15T16:49:57Z")
Ecommerce has additional fees like delivery, refunds given as store credit, etc. That raises gdp and revenue without actually reflecting increased output. Also any apps or software bought with the product will be recorde… --- ## [How to end/reduce Chicago shootings](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-end-reduce-chicago-shootings/913944)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2020, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-end-reduce-chicago-shootings/913944 "2020-07-14T18:44:41Z")
I assume most of you are aware that Chicago experiences a HUGE number of shootings, and is bracing for a banner weekend over the 4th. The majority of these shootings are gang/drug related, and occur in specific areas on… --- ## [Some criminals cannot be educated out of their crimes.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-criminals-cannot-be-educated-out-of-their-crimes/855708)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2020, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-criminals-cannot-be-educated-out-of-their-crimes/855708 "2020-07-14T04:08:21Z")
In the “abolish the police” thread, someone linked to a New York Times article: “Yes, We Mean Literally Abolish the Police.” I didn’t want to hijack the thread so started a separate one to focus on one quote from it: (po… --- ## [Could the Cuban revolution have turned out differently?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-cuban-revolution-have-turned-out-differently/914406)
**Author:** [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2020, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-cuban-revolution-have-turned-out-differently/914406 "2020-07-14T00:29:07Z")
Cuba Libre! is a an entertianing read as a summary, about 300 pages or so. And it does not deal much with the question I am asking. But I did not know that just after the revolution, Castro was looked upon as a hero in t… --- ## [Problematic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problematic/914985)
**Author:** [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2020, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problematic/914985 "2020-07-13T23:30:31Z")
The word, and how people online and in real life use it bother me. The definition is constituting or presenting a problem or difficulty or a thing that constitutes a problem or difficulty. That’s fine. How it is often… --- ## [Population growth is good because it reduces inbreeding](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/population-growth-is-good-because-it-reduces-inbreeding/913331)
**Author:** [@Obama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Obama)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2020, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/population-growth-is-good-because-it-reduces-inbreeding/913331 "2020-07-12T18:45:22Z")
Let’s take, for example, the inbreeding coefficient F for population size N Inbreeding reduces in proportion to N. Now, the deviation from hardy Weinberg equilibrium A, for alpha, is A = 1/ 2n-1 Therefore as populat… --- ## [Why do people hate PETA?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-hate-peta/854787)
**Author:** [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2020, 8:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-hate-peta/854787 "2020-07-12T08:06:25Z")
Ok… I’m a meat eater who cut out cows and pigs. Maybe one day I’ll go vegetarian or even maybe vegan. I understand why people dislike vegans and vegetarians but why do people specifically hate PETA? The only thing I he… --- ## [Will the website amazon be replaced by something else anytime soon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-website-amazon-be-replaced-by-something-else-anytime-soon/913895)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2020, 6:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-website-amazon-be-replaced-by-something-else-anytime-soon/913895 "2020-07-12T06:37:16Z")
I am a prime member who likes and uses amazon, but in my personal experience there are some issues with it. its full of fake and counterfeit items full of fake reviews so its harder to trust prices aren’t always the be… --- ## [Substantive Due Process](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/substantive-due-process/914993)
**Author:** [@Max\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_S)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2020, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/substantive-due-process/914993 "2020-07-11T03:30:48Z")
I’ve been reading court cases for a couple years now, doing a bit of research here and there, and one thing that I really can’t get behind is the idea of substantial due process. I mean, I certainly support the judiciary… --- ## [NBA to allow players to substitute "social justice messages" for their names on jerseys](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-to-allow-players-to-substitute-social-justice-messages-for-their-names-on-jerseys/914034)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2020, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-to-allow-players-to-substitute-social-justice-messages-for-their-names-on-jerseys/914034 "2020-07-11T00:56:56Z")
Personalized jerseys could say such things as “Black Lives Matter” or “I Can’t Breathe,” bring light to a social or charitable cause or even display the names of George Floyd or Breonna Taylor, who were killed by poli… --- ## [Why shouldn't STEM be prioritized over humanities, etc?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-shouldnt-stem-be-prioritized-over-humanities-etc/914060)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2020, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-shouldnt-stem-be-prioritized-over-humanities-etc/914060 "2020-07-10T20:36:41Z")
In academia there is often a strong backlash to the idea that STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) is more valuable than humanities or liberal arts, with those who argue for STEM often accused of being cold or n… --- ## [Should this Seattle city councilwoman be expelled?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-this-seattle-city-councilwoman-be-expelled/913929)
**Author:** [@urbanredneck2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/urbanredneck2)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2020, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-this-seattle-city-councilwoman-be-expelled/913929 "2020-07-09T23:11:57Z")
In Seattle the mayor is asking for an investigation and possible expulsion of a socialist city council person for her actions. These including inciting riots and leading a protest in front of the mayors home. \[Link from… --- ## [How many people are you willing to kill so you don't have to wear a mask?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-people-are-you-willing-to-kill-so-you-dont-have-to-wear-a-mask/913310)
**Author:** [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2020, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-people-are-you-willing-to-kill-so-you-dont-have-to-wear-a-mask/913310 "2020-07-09T22:56:19Z")
Apparently it is a significant “right” to some people that they not be required to wear a mask. They feel that wearing a mask is a form of oppression, that it impinges on their freedom. Do those people feel the same wa… --- ## [Supreme Court upholds California's Covid-19 Restrictions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supreme-court-upholds-californias-covid-19-restrictions/854741)
**Author:** [@Hamlet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamlet)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2020, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supreme-court-upholds-californias-covid-19-restrictions/854741 "2020-07-09T17:28:40Z")
In a very short opinion, Chief Justice Roberts concurred with the more “liberal” of the justices and upheld California’s Covid restrictions against a challenge under the Freedom Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. Ju… --- ## [What determines the meaning of words?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-determines-the-meaning-of-words/855333)
**Author:** [@Max\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_S)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2020, 11:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-determines-the-meaning-of-words/855333 "2020-07-09T11:30:30Z")
I think each person imparts meaning upon words. Words mean what people want them to mean; meaning follows usage. I reject the notion that words have some sort of intrinsic, Platonic meaning. Without people, words cease t… --- ## [Making America great again (no, not Trump)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-america-great-again-no-not-trump/914389)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2020, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-america-great-again-no-not-trump/914389 "2020-07-08T04:42:30Z")
IMHO, although America’s reputation has taken a severe battering due to Trump and also the coronavirus, it wouldn’t take too long for America to find its way back into the good graces of the rest of the world once Trump … --- ## [Will Meat Just Be Obsolete Some Day?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-meat-just-be-obsolete-some-day/913515)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2020, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-meat-just-be-obsolete-some-day/913515 "2020-07-07T19:03:24Z")
I already brought this up on Twitter. But no one replied. Vegans must have it tough. We don’t seem to be any closer to banning meat, despite much of the campaigning and lobbying that they have apparently done. But I don… --- ## [Rorschach Test: Pregnant white woman brandishing gun at black women](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rorschach-test-pregnant-white-woman-brandishing-gun-at-black-women/914365)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2020, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rorschach-test-pregnant-white-woman-brandishing-gun-at-black-women/914365 "2020-07-07T16:07:19Z")
The white couple seem like ignorant assholes and probably voted for Trump. But I’m not sure they’re in the wrong, when the black people are the ones threatening to beat them up–and then one of them tries to block the c… --- ## [Constitutional rights when a virus doesn't read the Constitution](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/constitutional-rights-when-a-virus-doesnt-read-the-constitution/914314)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2020, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/constitutional-rights-when-a-virus-doesnt-read-the-constitution/914314 "2020-07-07T00:01:37Z")
The main flaw with people protesting that the government is taking away people’s rights to peaceably assemble, or other such measures to fight Covid-19, is that the virus doesn’t read the Constitution. I suspect that thi… --- ## [Malcolm X on white liberals](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/malcolm-x-on-white-liberals/854997)
**Author:** [@russian\_heel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/russian_heel)\ **Replies:** 237\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2020, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/malcolm-x-on-white-liberals/854997 "2020-07-06T15:41:02Z")
So conservatives have been posting this over and over again over the past few days. It is allegedly a quote by Malcom X: Is the quote real? I’m struggling to find its source. There are other quotes on YouTube where … --- ## [Immigration-let 'em in or ship 'em home?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immigration-let-em-in-or-ship-em-home/23314)
**Author:** [@gobear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gobear)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2020, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immigration-let-em-in-or-ship-em-home/23314 "2020-07-05T14:42:55Z")
Every morning on my way to work I see one of my neighbors, a Muslim mullah from Pakistan, taking his daily walk in his skull cap and khameez. In my local grocery store, I can hear Korean, Urdu, Arabic, Chinese, and Spani… --- ## [2009 Tariffs on China Tires and effect?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2009-tariffs-on-china-tires-and-effect/914331)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2020, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2009-tariffs-on-china-tires-and-effect/914331 "2020-07-04T23:30:30Z")
This question is strictly on passenger car tires. I understand that there are other tires that are imported from China like farm tires and off road tires, but would like to keep that market away from this discussion to n… --- ## [Explanation For 'Ghost' Phenomenon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explanation-for-ghost-phenomenon/912396)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2020, 11:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explanation-for-ghost-phenomenon/912396 "2020-07-01T11:54:33Z")
They have a series on ‘true’ ghost stories on the Travel Channel now. Anyway I don’t believe in an afterlife. But some of the stories are truly striking. And they often are things witnessed by multiple people (so halluc… --- ## [American culture is by far the No. 1 reason we got infected so badly](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-culture-is-by-far-the-no-1-reason-we-got-infected-so-badly/855857)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2020, 6:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-culture-is-by-far-the-no-1-reason-we-got-infected-so-badly/855857 "2020-06-29T06:38:11Z")
I’ve been pondering something pretty disheartening of late: There is no reason to believe that the next pandemic will be handled any better. Sure, the government may stockpile a lot more masks or PPE, etc. in advance in… --- ## [Political correctness - allowing China to dictate what we (Western nations) do or say.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-correctness-allowing-china-to-dictate-what-we-western-nations-do-or-say/841478)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 133\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2020, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-correctness-allowing-china-to-dictate-what-we-western-nations-do-or-say/841478 "2020-06-29T01:34:57Z")
Recently, the NBA issued an apology to China because one of its execs, Daryl Morey, issued a tweet that said, “fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong.” James Harden, star player for the Houston Rockets, also issued an … --- ## [Keynesian economics is a poor theory](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keynesian-economics-is-a-poor-theory/913571)
**Author:** [@Obama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Obama)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2020, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keynesian-economics-is-a-poor-theory/913571 "2020-06-28T19:33:05Z")
First, it doesnt work with negative rates. Real rates have been negative for a long time because of subprime (loans they expect to lose). Second, deflation only occurs when the Money multiplier is high. When velocity in… --- ## [Abolish the police?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abolish-the-police/855205)
**Author:** [@joebuck20](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joebuck20)\ **Replies:** 471\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2020, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abolish-the-police/855205 "2020-06-28T14:03:56Z")
Yesterday Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey was asked by a protester if he was in favor of defunding the police. When he asked if that meant “abolition of it?”, the protester said “one in the same.” Frey then said he didn’t … --- ## [Supreme Court rules on DACA.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supreme-court-rules-on-daca/855905)
**Author:** [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2020, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supreme-court-rules-on-daca/855905 "2020-06-28T01:49:00Z")
It looks like it’s just a kick down the road. But for now, the dreamers are safe. --- ## [COVID-19 Propaganda](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covid-19-propaganda/913304)
**Author:** [@Chumba\_Wumba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chumba_Wumba)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2020, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covid-19-propaganda/913304 "2020-06-27T20:53:52Z")
This graphic comes from the Facebook page for Medicare for All. No time frame is given for the new infections, so we do not know if these are new infections for a day, a week, or a month, and we are given no information… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=48) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=50)