# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=491 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 492 --- ## [WHY should the US use more coins?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-should-the-us-use-more-coins/520371)
**Author:** [@Randy\_Seltzer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Randy_Seltzer)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2009, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-should-the-us-use-more-coins/520371 "2009-12-12T05:43:29Z")
I’ve seen arguments that the US should follow the example of many other countries and rely more on coins for day-to-day transactions. In Europe, for example, the smallest paper bill is the €5, which is worth about $7.50.… --- ## [I'm feeling content with the Senate health-care bill.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-feeling-content-with-the-senate-health-care-bill/520707)
**Author:** [@Lakai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lakai)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2009, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-feeling-content-with-the-senate-health-care-bill/520707 "2009-12-12T01:33:36Z")
My biggest problem with all the bills floating around was that I thought they had no plans for cutting health-care costs. Insuring everyone and creating stability for those already insured is nice - but those things do n… --- ## [Is organic food a 'scam'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-organic-food-a-scam/520779)
**Author:** [@Palo\_Verde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palo_Verde)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2009, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-organic-food-a-scam/520779 "2009-12-11T18:31:28Z")
In a recent thread in GQ, several poster called organic food ‘a scam’ http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=11873612#post11873612 One poster then chimed in saying organic food has a real benefit to the e… --- ## [What if NObody had medical insurance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-nobody-had-medical-insurance/520778)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2009, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-nobody-had-medical-insurance/520778 "2009-12-11T18:11:51Z")
A poorly thought out, but intriguing proposal: NO one has medical insurance. You pay what the doctor charges. The doctor charges what he needs to in order to run his office and make some money. People who can’t pay g… --- ## [EPA Poised to Declare CO2 a Public Danger](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epa-poised-to-declare-co2-a-public-danger/520188)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2009, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epa-poised-to-declare-co2-a-public-danger/520188 "2009-12-11T17:28:28Z")
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126003232518778287.html?mod=WSJ\_hpp\_MIDDLTopStories I contend that this has absolutely nothing to do with the environment. It is nothing more than a (very large) tax increase, and greatly… --- ## [Police want to search my home in murder investigation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/police-want-to-search-my-home-in-murder-investigation/517107)
**Author:** [@Logical\_Phallacy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Logical_Phallacy)\ **Replies:** 366\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2009, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/police-want-to-search-my-home-in-murder-investigation/517107 "2009-12-11T15:50:49Z")
So according to this Toronto Star newspaper article, the local PD is going to be conducting a massive search of my neighborhood looking for a girl whose been missing for over one month. “You will expect a knock at your … --- ## [Is this evidence of Constitutional rights erosion?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-evidence-of-constitutional-rights-erosion/520358)
**Author:** [@Darth\_Hamsandwich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Hamsandwich)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2009, 10:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-evidence-of-constitutional-rights-erosion/520358 "2009-12-11T10:19:15Z")
Hey all, I really wanted someone else’s perspective on this. It was sent to me by an attorney friend of mine who is an advocate for amending current DUI laws. I am going to quote from his blog, but in the meantime, is th… --- ## [The Future Of Shopping?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-future-of-shopping/519238)
**Author:** [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2009, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-future-of-shopping/519238 "2009-12-11T01:58:00Z")
I have been thinking about the idea of late that shopping is going to die out. Retail seems to be migrating to the internet, with large amounts of people ordering goods online instead of browsing in shops for items. You … --- ## [12/7 Daily Show: Immorality vs Economy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/12-7-daily-show-immorality-vs-economy/520429)
**Author:** [@Superhal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superhal)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2009, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/12-7-daily-show-immorality-vs-economy/520429 "2009-12-10T22:11:48Z")
I saw this clip on today’s Daily Show. A student asked Obama at a rally: Have you looked into legalizing drugs or say prostitution to help stimulate the economy? Imho, if the greater good is saving the country, I think … --- ## ["Climate change is accelerating beyond expectations"; while Americans' belief in AGW declines](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/climate-change-is-accelerating-beyond-expectations-while-americans-belief-in-agw-declines/518966)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 191\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2009, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/climate-change-is-accelerating-beyond-expectations-while-americans-belief-in-agw-declines/518966 "2009-12-10T20:26:48Z")
Two significant anthropogenic-climate-change-related stories (other than “Climategate” :rolleyes:) hit the news this week: Climatologist Richard Sommerville announces, “Climate change is accelerating beyond expectation… --- ## [Global Warming data: Hack or Leak?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/global-warming-data-hack-or-leak/519963)
**Author:** [@emarkp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emarkp)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2009, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/global-warming-data-hack-or-leak/519963 "2009-12-10T13:42:36Z")
I have been unable to find any source that suggests data was hacked from the Hadley CRU. All I can find are sources that the data showed up on a hacker site. This is more of a GQ question, but nearly every GW question … --- ## [De Broglie/Bohm versus Everett](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/de-broglie-bohm-versus-everett/520324)
**Author:** [@Walker\_in\_Eternity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walker_in_Eternity)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2009, 11:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/de-broglie-bohm-versus-everett/520324 "2009-12-10T11:16:00Z")
I have a more than passing interest in quantum mechanics and have recently been reading a number of articles on De Broglie/Bohm Theory or the Pilot Wave Theory (PWT). Given that (from the cited article): Is Everett co… --- ## [People who believe in a god should be locked up](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-believe-in-a-god-should-be-locked-up/520684)
**Author:** [@The\_Cleveland\_Steamer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Cleveland_Steamer)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2009, 7:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-believe-in-a-god-should-be-locked-up/520684 "2009-12-10T07:34:12Z")
Witnessing: If was not for logistical problems (too many believers), people who believe in a magic spirit (god) should be locked up. I would like to see a plan put in place to start doing this in 20 years. In a hundred y… --- ## [Is there any other way to get to Heaven?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-other-way-to-get-to-heaven/518678)
**Author:** [@Livardo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Livardo)\ **Replies:** 135\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2009, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-other-way-to-get-to-heaven/518678 "2009-12-09T22:56:53Z")
I had my cousin the evangelist visit and stay at my place this past weekend. I warn him evey time not to engage me into any kind of religious debate but he never learns. During one of our conversations I asked him if so… --- ## [Why is the Confederacy not worthy of contempt?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-confederacy-not-worthy-of-contempt/516994)
**Author:** [@Mr.Excellent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Excellent)\ **Replies:** 397\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2009, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-confederacy-not-worthy-of-contempt/516994 "2009-12-09T20:19:16Z")
Inspired by this thread: Could Pickett's Charge have succeeded? - Great Debates - Straight Dope Message Board The Civil War has traditionally been one of the most heavily romanticized wars in American history. Even the … --- ## [Do Upper-Class Kids Get a Pass From the Cops?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-upper-class-kids-get-a-pass-from-the-cops/520238)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2009, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-upper-class-kids-get-a-pass-from-the-cops/520238 "2009-12-09T19:43:16Z")
I just saw a show on MSNBC, about the murder of a Los Gatos HS student in 1982. The case was interesting because the kid (a shy loner) disappeared-it wasn’t till 13 years later that skeletal remains were found, at a si… --- ## [Copenhagen Climate Summit - what can be accomplished?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/copenhagen-climate-summit-what-can-be-accomplished/520340)
**Author:** [@Palo\_Verde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palo_Verde)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2009, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/copenhagen-climate-summit-what-can-be-accomplished/520340 "2009-12-09T17:47:25Z")
192 countries are attending the biggest talks concerning the global climate in history. They are there to discuss emissions cuts and financial measures to combat climate change. Will anything concrete be accomplished? … --- ## [Telling children Santa exists...right or wrong?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/telling-children-santa-exists-right-or-wrong/520077)
**Author:** [@Mr.Lahey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Lahey)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2009, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/telling-children-santa-exists-right-or-wrong/520077 "2009-12-09T04:49:26Z")
I don’t like the idea of being dishonest to my children. However as a child th idea of Santa was very fun and exciting. It was so much fun waiting for Christmas morni g knowing he was going to leave gifts. --- ## [How do Protestant literalists reconcile divorce?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-protestant-literalists-reconcile-divorce/520071)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2009, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-protestant-literalists-reconcile-divorce/520071 "2009-12-08T23:40:24Z")
Jesus was pretty clear on the subject: divorce was basically not allowed (cite). But divorce is obviously common today, even among people who otherwise advocate a literal following of biblical direction. So how do conser… --- ## [What's the Straight Dope on Radical Islam?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-straight-dope-on-radical-islam/517906)
**Author:** [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2009, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-straight-dope-on-radical-islam/517906 "2009-12-08T20:15:51Z")
Are there different sects (I apologize if that is not the correct term) that can be ranked by their tendencies toward violence? Do any of the “sects” totally repudiate the violent radicals? Do they dare go public with … --- ## [Why is an estate tax constitutional?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-an-estate-tax-constitutional/520085)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2009, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-an-estate-tax-constitutional/520085 "2009-12-08T19:21:39Z")
First of all, it is a tax on the person who died not the heirs. If you build up assets and pay taxes on all of your revenue (income), why can the government take up to 45% of it when you die. There’s really no differen… --- ## [Cap And Trade Bill - Effect on Global Temperature](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cap-and-trade-bill-effect-on-global-temperature/519954)
**Author:** [@The\_Cleveland\_Steamer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Cleveland_Steamer)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2009, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cap-and-trade-bill-effect-on-global-temperature/519954 "2009-12-08T17:48:40Z")
If the the cap and trade bill (American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009) is passed, what effect will it have on global temperature over the next 3 years? 8 years? 20 years? 50 years? --- ## [Do you have a superiority complex?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-superiority-complex/520316)
**Author:** [@kmgraves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kmgraves)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2009, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-superiority-complex/520316 "2009-12-08T15:54:44Z")
Do you feel that you are superior to the majority of “common folk”? --- ## [Good people in bad jobs – public service in authoritarian regimes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-people-in-bad-jobs-public-service-in-authoritarian-regimes/520341)
**Author:** [@Mr.Excellent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Excellent)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2009, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-people-in-bad-jobs-public-service-in-authoritarian-regimes/520341 "2009-12-08T15:51:35Z")
What is required to be a good person, and a good public servant, when serving in a genuinely bad regime? When I was in college, Syria’s Ambassador to the United States came to visit my school – H.E. Imad Moustapha. He g… --- ## [Every Immigrant Suddenly Vanishes from the USA...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/every-immigrant-suddenly-vanishes-from-the-usa/519828)
**Author:** [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2009, 9:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/every-immigrant-suddenly-vanishes-from-the-usa/519828 "2009-12-08T09:05:52Z")
Purely a hypothetical situation that I thought might create a lively discussion. Say that, one day, every single person who was not born in the area currently comprising the USA (and dependencies like Puerto Rico and Am… --- ## [Could Clinton Avoided Impeachment By Being Honest?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-clinton-avoided-impeachment-by-being-honest/518917)
**Author:** [@adhay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adhay)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2009, 8:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-clinton-avoided-impeachment-by-being-honest/518917 "2009-12-08T08:52:26Z")
Our boy Bill, as you remember, was impeached for perjury when he denied he had had sex with “that woman”. Suppose when Monica first appeared on public radar he had issued a statement like "Yeah, she asked to blow me an… --- ## [How did the concept of the wimpy progressive/liberal start](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-concept-of-the-wimpy-progressive-liberal-start/520279)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2009, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-concept-of-the-wimpy-progressive-liberal-start/520279 "2009-12-08T04:33:02Z")
Harry Reid is a good example of what I’m referring to. Barack Obama in 1996 said of gay marriage “I favor legalizing same-sex marriages, and would fight efforts to prohibit such marriages.” And this was in 1996 back b… --- ## [Carbon emissions and Global Warming](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carbon-emissions-and-global-warming/520235)
**Author:** [@The\_Cleveland\_Steamer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Cleveland_Steamer)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2009, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carbon-emissions-and-global-warming/520235 "2009-12-08T03:56:41Z")
If America reduced its carbon emissions to zero, would there be a immediate measurable effect on global warming? How long would it take for the effect? What would be climate consequences be? If the world reduced its car… --- ## [Right-Wing Blogosphere Schism (Little Green Footballs "Parts Ways" With Right)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/right-wing-blogosphere-schism-little-green-footballs-parts-ways-with-right/519585)
**Author:** [@Steve\_MB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_MB)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2009, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/right-wing-blogosphere-schism-little-green-footballs-parts-ways-with-right/519585 "2009-12-08T03:00:44Z")
A sign of just how determined the hard-core right is to drive everyone else into the wilderness – Charles Johnson, head honcho of one of the major conservative blog sites, Little Green Footballs, has declared “Why I Part… --- ## [What motivates political anti-intellectualism, what counteracts it](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-motivates-political-anti-intellectualism-what-counteracts-it/519093)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2009, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-motivates-political-anti-intellectualism-what-counteracts-it/519093 "2009-12-08T02:43:42Z")
It seems both the right and the left can engage in anti-intellectualism. The right doesn’t like college professors and feels ivory tower liberal elitists want to tell down home people how to live and what to think. But … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=490) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=492)