# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=490 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 491 --- ## [Nixon Could Have Avoided Inevitable Impeachment ...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nixon-could-have-avoided-inevitable-impeachment/519051)
**Author:** [@adhay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adhay)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2009, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nixon-could-have-avoided-inevitable-impeachment/519051 "2009-12-16T19:27:38Z")
… by destroying his tapes of White House conversations. You may remember that Alexander Butterfield, the guy who installed the tape system, in an offhand remark before some committee revealed that the system existed. O… --- ## [Are there good reasons to get hyped up over the salaries of authority figures?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-good-reasons-to-get-hyped-up-over-the-salaries-of-authority-figures/521345)
**Author:** [@The\_Bith\_Shuffle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Bith_Shuffle)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2009, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-good-reasons-to-get-hyped-up-over-the-salaries-of-authority-figures/521345 "2009-12-16T17:06:14Z")
Here at the UW, tons of students complain about Mark Emmert’s salary. Undergraduates often bring this up whenever the university’s financial woes come up. One of my friends recently joined the Facebook group “I want to… --- ## [SCOTUS will hear case of Tolerant v. Intolerant](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotus-will-hear-case-of-tolerant-v-intolerant/520448)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2009, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotus-will-hear-case-of-tolerant-v-intolerant/520448 "2009-12-16T16:50:56Z")
OK, it’s actually called Christian Legal Society v. Martinez. The Christian Legal Society sought recognition as a “Registered Student Organization” from Hastings School of Law in San Francisco. This is a designation tha… --- ## [Does the free market really work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-free-market-really-work/520868)
**Author:** [@blinkie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blinkie)\ **Replies:** 176\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2009, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-free-market-really-work/520868 "2009-12-16T15:13:18Z")
When it comes to wages I don’t really think so. Is a good teacher really worth less than a bad baseball player? Is a soldier worth less than a talk show host? What specifically has the free market solved without any reg… --- ## [What if you lived in a Democracy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-you-lived-in-a-democracy/520852)
**Author:** [@Stoneburg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoneburg)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2009, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-you-lived-in-a-democracy/520852 "2009-12-16T15:01:49Z")
This poll is for the Americans. Pardon the inflamatory title of the thread, but one could reason that the current electoral system in the US only provides one option more than a communist state. The informal two-party sy… --- ## [The prisoner dilemma](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-prisoner-dilemma/520853)
**Author:** [@Stoneburg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoneburg)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2009, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-prisoner-dilemma/520853 "2009-12-16T14:19:37Z")
The US is currently best in the world at incarcerating people. By a pretty wide margin. About 5 times as many people in prison as England, 7 times more than China and more than 10 times as many as Norway. Assuming peopl… --- ## [Will US politics get more polarized, what is the result?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-us-politics-get-more-polarized-what-is-the-result/521442)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2009, 7:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-us-politics-get-more-polarized-what-is-the-result/521442 "2009-12-16T07:05:07Z")
According to PEW the fastest growing group of voters in the US were liberals, who are socially and economically left wing. They went from about 10% to 19% of the electorate between 1999 and 2005. I have no idea if the… --- ## [Conservatives and health care rationing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatives-and-health-care-rationing/520686)
**Author:** [@sqweels](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sqweels)\ **Replies:** 138\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2009, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatives-and-health-care-rationing/520686 "2009-12-16T06:56:58Z")
The prospect of brutal rationing being included in Democratic proposals for health care reform has become a major bugaboo on the right. Some recent developments on the broader health care front, such as a recent change … --- ## [Is that Oxytocin in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-that-oxytocin-in-your-pocket-or-are-you-just-happy-to-see-me/520491)
**Author:** [@Tamariti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamariti)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2009, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-that-oxytocin-in-your-pocket-or-are-you-just-happy-to-see-me/520491 "2009-12-16T03:41:02Z")
Generally I have always been one of the great romantics but that has all changed. I suppose two failed marriages accounts for my dispirit for “Love”… if Cupid exists he has an awful sense of humour. Now, here is where … --- ## [Do you own a gun?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-own-a-gun/518111)
**Author:** [@Southern\_Yankee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Southern_Yankee)\ **Replies:** 176\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2009, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-own-a-gun/518111 "2009-12-16T01:11:25Z")
Yes or no? --- ## [Hasidic cults like Kiryas Joel, how common is it for the kids to get free from them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hasidic-cults-like-kiryas-joel-how-common-is-it-for-the-kids-to-get-free-from-them/520959)
**Author:** [@Stan\_Shmenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stan_Shmenge)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2009, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hasidic-cults-like-kiryas-joel-how-common-is-it-for-the-kids-to-get-free-from-them/520959 "2009-12-16T00:34:02Z")
They are as bad as FLDS, except without the bigamy. Most of the FLDS folks stay in (if they aren’t kicked out for being guys competing for the young girls, that is), but I would imagine that at least a few of the folks i… --- ## [The Dyslexia Myth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dyslexia-myth/520483)
**Author:** [@Paleface](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paleface)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2009, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dyslexia-myth/520483 "2009-12-15T23:24:52Z")
Cna yuo raed tihs? The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno’t mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat … --- ## [The "Pit Bull" Myth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pit-bull-myth/518682)
**Author:** [@NajaNivea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NajaNivea)\ **Replies:** 334\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2009, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pit-bull-myth/518682 "2009-12-15T16:23:00Z")
Responding in the appropriate forum, so as to avoid continuing a MPSIMS thread hijack: Selective breeding for dogs with tendencies for aggression toward other animals certainly qualifies as making said dog more prone … --- ## [H1N1 burning out? Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/h1n1-burning-out-why/520492)
**Author:** [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2009, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/h1n1-burning-out-why/520492 "2009-12-15T13:57:16Z")
About two or three weeks ago, H1N1 was all over the news. I even had coworkers who had serious bouts with it (yes, they were diagnosed with H1N1, not just seasonal flu, and one had to spend several days in the hospital … --- ## [Manhattan Declaration](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-declaration/520616)
**Author:** [@rivulus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rivulus)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2009, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-declaration/520616 "2009-12-15T03:48:55Z")
Apparently there is a new coalition forming around a document called the Manhattan Declaration. It presents itself as a statement of conscience on three topics: life, marriage, and religious liberty. According to this s… --- ## [Public Option Dropped; Medicare Expanded: Net Effect?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-option-dropped-medicare-expanded-net-effect/520691)
**Author:** [@sleeping](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sleeping)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2009, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-option-dropped-medicare-expanded-net-effect/520691 "2009-12-15T02:44:11Z")
Certainly, an appreciation of the political landscape would not be encouraging when a provision favored by a majority of Americans is scuttled by well-bribed senators. But what will be the effects in terms of outcomes?… --- ## [Does the concept of "No Child Left Behind" really make sense?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-concept-of-no-child-left-behind-really-make-sense/521130)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2009, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-concept-of-no-child-left-behind-really-make-sense/521130 "2009-12-15T02:09:53Z")
Re the NCLB program the notion is that huge efforts and monies will be expended to make sure almost ALL kids test to specific standards no matter what the the challenges are. Intelligence and motivation both lie along b… --- ## [Obama's wrong about Afghanistan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-wrong-about-afghanistan/507062)
**Author:** [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2009, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-wrong-about-afghanistan/507062 "2009-12-15T00:51:26Z")
I was disappointed when Obama seemed to focus on Afghanistan and sent more troops there. In my admittedly uneducated view I see it as a drain on the armed forces and our treasury. Yesterday on NPR they had an interestin… --- ## [Okay to ask guest to leave their guns at home?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-to-ask-guest-to-leave-their-guns-at-home/518226)
**Author:** [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Replies:** 620\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2009, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-to-ask-guest-to-leave-their-guns-at-home/518226 "2009-12-14T22:16:05Z")
In Dear Prudence, someone asked if it was okay to ask a relative who normally always goes around armed to leave his gun at home. Prudence thought it was fine, but I know a lot of people here are pretty defensive about th… --- ## [Speaking as one liberal to another, I urge you to vote against health care reform.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speaking-as-one-liberal-to-another-i-urge-you-to-vote-against-health-care-reform/518821)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2009, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speaking-as-one-liberal-to-another-i-urge-you-to-vote-against-health-care-reform/518821 "2009-12-14T19:36:35Z")
The following is a letter that I’ll be sending to my Senators. I am posting it here for discussion purposes. --- ## [Justice or Not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/justice-or-not/520544)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 145\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2009, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/justice-or-not/520544 "2009-12-14T19:21:01Z")
Suppose a person you knew was murdered in front of your eyes but when the murderer was arrested he was acquited but everyone thinks he’s guilty like say OJ Simpson. Would you seek revenge? If you are arrested public opin… --- ## [Winning the war in Afghanistan. How?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/winning-the-war-in-afghanistan-how/517431)
**Author:** [@cn8of10](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cn8of10)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2009, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/winning-the-war-in-afghanistan-how/517431 "2009-12-14T17:04:38Z")
The counter-insurgency effort in Afghanistan is under serious strain. More U.S. troops are very likely to be sent there in the near future to stem the tide of insurgent attacks on U.S., U.N. and NATO forces. The strate… --- ## [Why Are Fundamentalists Opposed To Psychology?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-fundamentalists-opposed-to-psychology/519666)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2009, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-fundamentalists-opposed-to-psychology/519666 "2009-12-14T16:44:02Z")
Why are fundamentalist Christians opposed to psychology? The usual argument I’ve heard is that it should be left to God but than again most of them don’t reject physical medicene. --- ## [Can you honor the warrior without honoring the regime?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-honor-the-warrior-without-honoring-the-regime/521109)
**Author:** [@Estilicon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Estilicon)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2009, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-honor-the-warrior-without-honoring-the-regime/521109 "2009-12-14T13:59:21Z")
Today I was reading the newspaper and I found a letter from a jewish organization in Argentina. The letter was in response to another one that proposed a ceremony to honor Captain Hans Langsdorff in the seventy anniversa… --- ## [Can competition and personal incentives work in health care](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-competition-and-personal-incentives-work-in-health-care/520842)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2009, 9:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-competition-and-personal-incentives-work-in-health-care/520842 "2009-12-13T09:21:58Z")
Personal incentives and competition can improve quality and decrease costs. However in health care there is the risk that if you ask people to pay higher deductibles that they will forgo needed medical tests and treatmen… --- ## [Should children be exposed to the disturbing manufacturing methods of products they eat or use?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-children-be-exposed-to-the-disturbing-manufacturing-methods-of-products-they-eat-or-use/520731)
**Author:** [@Ruminator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruminator)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2009, 7:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-children-be-exposed-to-the-disturbing-manufacturing-methods-of-products-they-eat-or-use/520731 "2009-12-13T07:23:53Z")
When I was a kid, I used to covet expensive Reebok or Nike shoes. Now that I’m an adult and fully understand how poor laborers (often children) in China, Vietnam, etc are making shoes, it makes me feel ridiculous for lu… --- ## [Abortion coverage should not be holding up the healthcare bill](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-coverage-should-not-be-holding-up-the-healthcare-bill/520369)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2009, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-coverage-should-not-be-holding-up-the-healthcare-bill/520369 "2009-12-12T23:49:42Z")
I’m a staunch advocate of abortion rights. I’m also a staunch realist. Perhaps that’s why I am often baffled by politicians. I can’t for the life of me understand why the healthcare legislation appears to be stalling ov… --- ## [Jewish/Black Relationships in the USA](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jewish-black-relationships-in-the-usa/520941)
**Author:** [@Odesio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odesio)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2009, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jewish-black-relationships-in-the-usa/520941 "2009-12-12T21:22:03Z")
During the Civil Rights movement there were quiet a few Jews who came down to the South to lend a hand. Since then, for some reason, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of love lost between the African American community and… --- ## [How will healthcare change over the next few years?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-healthcare-change-over-the-next-few-years/520309)
**Author:** [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2009, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-healthcare-change-over-the-next-few-years/520309 "2009-12-12T20:30:30Z")
Assume whatever you think is the most likely outcome of the current legislation. Under your assumptions, what significant changes will happen in 2010, 2011 or even 2012? Obviously things can’t change overnight. Furthe… --- ## [What would civilization's path have been like without fossil fuels](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-civilizations-path-have-been-like-without-fossil-fuels/520576)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2009, 9:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-civilizations-path-have-been-like-without-fossil-fuels/520576 "2009-12-12T09:45:53Z")
Assume there was an alternative earth that had biomass like trees or plants, but this earth had little/no coal, natural gas or oil. What would civilization have become had we not had endless trillions of exajoules of ene… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=489) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=491)