# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=534 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 535 --- ## [Thou shalt not steal even a little bit, but killing is probably OK](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thou-shalt-not-steal-even-a-little-bit-but-killing-is-probably-ok/497380)
**Author:** [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2009, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thou-shalt-not-steal-even-a-little-bit-but-killing-is-probably-ok/497380 "2009-05-29T22:00:31Z")
If taxes are theft, isn’t war murder? Some people are fine with torture, arson, & mass slaughter if it “keeps the country safe,” but raise their taxes & they call you a thief. Worse, some people think it’s theft if a … --- ## [What good are sanctions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-good-are-sanctions/498053)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2009, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-good-are-sanctions/498053 "2009-05-29T19:22:52Z")
This has probably been done before, but I have to ask, as the UNSC is currently considering further sanctions against North Korea, what good do sanctions do? I can see them working against a country where the leader enj… --- ## [Jeff Rubin: $100/barrel oil again in a year, for sure.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jeff-rubin-100-barrel-oil-again-in-a-year-for-sure/497981)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2009, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jeff-rubin-100-barrel-oil-again-in-a-year-for-sure/497981 "2009-05-29T17:23:42Z")
Economist and author Jeff Rubin predicted in this week’s Newsweek that within a year, oil would once again be $100 per barrel or more, pushed up by the initial stages of economic recovery. “It is inevitable,” he stated.… --- ## [Will civil union make it in Illinois?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-civil-union-make-it-in-illinois/498000)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2009, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-civil-union-make-it-in-illinois/498000 "2009-05-29T05:09:48Z")
A House Panel approves but will it get to a vote and if it does will it pass? Would Obama be willing to make a call or two on its behalf? --- ## [Obama, Chrysler and Secured Creditors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-chrysler-and-secured-creditors/497716)
**Author:** [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2009, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-chrysler-and-secured-creditors/497716 "2009-05-29T04:44:27Z")
I’m sure there’s a debate in here somewhere, but if the mods want to move it, feel free. I’m not in a position to debate this one way or another. I’m hoping others will chime in with regard to this article: I really … --- ## [Obama Sets New Auto Emissions Standards](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-sets-new-auto-emissions-standards/497038)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 153\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2009, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-sets-new-auto-emissions-standards/497038 "2009-05-29T04:18:58Z")
Let’s chalk up yet another disappointment towards the Obama Administration http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090519/ap\_on\_bi\_ge/us\_autos\_fleet\_of\_the\_future 35 miles to the gallon on average?!? Place pickup trucks outside … --- ## [Reagan wins primary in 1976; what would have happened?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reagan-wins-primary-in-1976-what-would-have-happened/497985)
**Author:** [@No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_Wikipedia_Cites)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2009, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reagan-wins-primary-in-1976-what-would-have-happened/497985 "2009-05-29T04:17:54Z")
What if Reagan had beaten Ford in the Republican presidential primary in 1976? Would he had a chance to beat Carter in the general election? If Carter had won, would Reagan be in a position to win in 1980, or would he h… --- ## [Is it okay to encourage a child who chooses to be transexual?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-okay-to-encourage-a-child-who-chooses-to-be-transexual/497021)
**Author:** [@Lacunae\_Quell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lacunae_Quell)\ **Replies:** 383\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2009, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-okay-to-encourage-a-child-who-chooses-to-be-transexual/497021 "2009-05-29T02:42:53Z")
I was watching our local 5 o’ clock news, happy that the weather forecast for the rest of the week is supposed to be pleasant, glad that abusive teachers are getting cracked down on, sad that people are still dying. Rig… --- ## [Did the Cali SC Really Just Take the Teeth Out of Prop 8?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-cali-sc-really-just-take-the-teeth-out-of-prop-8/497725)
**Author:** [@Gangster\_Octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gangster_Octopus)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2009, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-cali-sc-really-just-take-the-teeth-out-of-prop-8/497725 "2009-05-28T23:04:31Z")
The headlinse have declared that the California Suprme Court have upheld Proposition 8, and they undeniably have. However, what they actually did was uphold it in the narrowestr sense possible: IANAL, so hoperuflly Br… --- ## [Could there be POSITIVE effects of same-sex marriage?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-there-be-positive-effects-of-same-sex-marriage/497862)
**Author:** [@Valteron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valteron)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2009, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-there-be-positive-effects-of-same-sex-marriage/497862 "2009-05-28T22:23:18Z")
So far, there have been some 357 or more postings in another thread discussing whether the opponents of ssm can come up with negative effects that could ensue from letting gays marry. How about a thread listing positive … --- ## [Could Sotomayor be a closet conservative?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-sotomayor-be-a-closet-conservative/497798)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2009, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-sotomayor-be-a-closet-conservative/497798 "2009-05-28T21:41:49Z")
And do to Obama what Souter did to Bush I? I can’t understand what the GOP is up in arms about. She really seems fairly balanced and holds her opinions close to her vest. Does anyone have any opinions or quotes (besid… --- ## [How about this for dealing with "enemy combatants" and the like](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-about-this-for-dealing-with-enemy-combatants-and-the-like/497430)
**Author:** [@Nobody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nobody)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2009, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-about-this-for-dealing-with-enemy-combatants-and-the-like/497430 "2009-05-28T12:42:19Z")
This subject is getting kind of old, but at the same time, it’s still current. Here are two scenarios and how I believe that we (the US) should handle them: We capture somebody who is actively fighting against our mili… --- ## [Welfare (as requested in the kid haters thread)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welfare-as-requested-in-the-kid-haters-thread/495620)
**Author:** [@starwarsfreek42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/starwarsfreek42)\ **Replies:** 252\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2009, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welfare-as-requested-in-the-kid-haters-thread/495620 "2009-05-28T12:21:59Z")
I was urged in the Longest Pit Thread Evarr! to start a thread about a welfare system reform uh… thingy. I’m not sure if it was out of genuine curiosity or whether they wanted to see me get piled on again, but I guess I… --- ## [Potential legal implications of the CA 18,000](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/potential-legal-implications-of-the-ca-18-000/497752)
**Author:** [@ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2009, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/potential-legal-implications-of-the-ca-18-000/497752 "2009-05-28T05:47:31Z")
The 18,000 legal marriages in limbo should make for some very interesting lawyerly conversations. Divorce becomes a one-way ticket out of the bubble. How tricky are things about to get when deciding whether or not to g… --- ## [Would Sonia Sotomayor really be the first Hispanic SC justice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-sonia-sotomayor-really-be-the-first-hispanic-sc-justice/497737)
**Author:** [@joebuck20](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joebuck20)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2009, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-sonia-sotomayor-really-be-the-first-hispanic-sc-justice/497737 "2009-05-28T03:08:21Z")
I saw a story today which hinted that that title might actually belong to Benjamin Cardozo who was apparently descended from Spanish and Portuguese Jews. Of course having no African or Amerindian blood like most people w… --- ## [How will drones and robots change warfare?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-drones-and-robots-change-warfare/497320)
**Author:** [@Lantern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lantern)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2009, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-drones-and-robots-change-warfare/497320 "2009-05-28T01:46:14Z")
The heavy use of drones in Afghanistan and Pakistan is perhaps the biggest innovation in warfare in the last ten years. It’s the beginning of a much more radical change where sophisticated remote-controlled or even auton… --- ## [Smooth sailing for Sotomayor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smooth-sailing-for-sotomayor/497675)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 155\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2009, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smooth-sailing-for-sotomayor/497675 "2009-05-28T01:06:22Z")
It is reported that Obama selcted Sotomayor to replace Souter. Do you think her confirmation will encunter any insurmountable hurdles? What will who cry about the loudest? Personally, I was really hopin got get Diane … --- ## [A question for the opponents of women voting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-for-the-opponents-of-women-voting/497790)
**Author:** [@Valteron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valteron)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2009, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-for-the-opponents-of-women-voting/497790 "2009-05-27T21:47:28Z")
What, specifically, would be the negative consequences of allowing women to vote? --- ## [A question foer the opponents of interracial marriage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-foer-the-opponents-of-interracial-marriage/497789)
**Author:** [@Valteron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valteron)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2009, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-foer-the-opponents-of-interracial-marriage/497789 "2009-05-27T21:45:56Z")
What, specifically, would be the negative consequences of allowing members of different races to marry? (Just curious as to what will happen). --- ## [Bible as the story of Man's evolution/origins](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bible-as-the-story-of-mans-evolution-origins/497811)
**Author:** [@EvilHamsterOnCrack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EvilHamsterOnCrack)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2009, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bible-as-the-story-of-mans-evolution-origins/497811 "2009-05-27T18:46:02Z")
Is there a name for the theory of the Bible as the story of Man’s emergence as modern human? Like, the idea that Adam and Eve represent humanity leaving Africa for the fertile crescent and beginning agriculture, the floo… --- ## [The Copenhagen Climate conference '09](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-copenhagen-climate-conference-09/497814)
**Author:** [@mr.jp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mr.jp)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2009, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-copenhagen-climate-conference-09/497814 "2009-05-27T17:28:51Z")
What can be done to formulate an effective new protocol, that everybody can agree to? Will any new initiatives be taken. (I hope for a discussion about ideas for the protocol, not about whether global warming is real o… --- ## [Possibly the worst idea in history (giving ethics to robots)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possibly-the-worst-idea-in-history-giving-ethics-to-robots/497297)
**Author:** [@mswas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mswas)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2009, 11:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possibly-the-worst-idea-in-history-giving-ethics-to-robots/497297 "2009-05-27T11:55:05Z")
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30810070/ Haven’t they seen ANY movies in the past 30 years? Terminator, Battlestar Galactica? No? None of them? --- ## [Is the US notion that all people want American style freedom & democracy naive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-notion-that-all-people-want-american-style-freedom-democracy-naive/497591)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2009, 11:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-notion-that-all-people-want-american-style-freedom-democracy-naive/497591 "2009-05-27T11:08:54Z")
The world, especially recently, really doesn’t seem to be responding to the widely held notion by US citizens post-WWII that American style freedom and democracy is the best of all possible political and social arrangem… --- ## [Neutering pets - doesn't this breed the friendliness trait out of dogs and cats?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neutering-pets-doesnt-this-breed-the-friendliness-trait-out-of-dogs-and-cats/496792)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2009, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neutering-pets-doesnt-this-breed-the-friendliness-trait-out-of-dogs-and-cats/496792 "2009-05-27T04:26:53Z")
I have cats. Lots of them. All strays, or hard luck stories (bought at pet store then deserted, injured and left at vet, that sort of thing). I have had them all neutered (unless they already were) and think it is the re… --- ## [A thought on concealed weapons](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thought-on-concealed-weapons/497361)
**Author:** [@Yodalicious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yodalicious)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2009, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thought-on-concealed-weapons/497361 "2009-05-26T23:00:19Z")
Not wanting to hijack any other threads… Why are there concealed weapon permits? Would it not be better to say if one is going to carry a weapon, than it must be carried openly, for all to see and know about? Color me… --- ## [Why do people refer to illegal aliens as Undocumented?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-refer-to-illegal-aliens-as-undocumented/495529)
**Author:** [@monavis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monavis)\ **Replies:** 191\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2009, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-refer-to-illegal-aliens-as-undocumented/495529 "2009-05-26T22:15:57Z")
Why do people refer to illegal aliens as undocumented people(That includes all countries). They say it is immoral to separate a mother from her child. They are breaking the law, and if the woman who wrote a bad check or … --- ## [To what extent did Bush cause Obama's victory?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-what-extent-did-bush-cause-obamas-victory/497365)
**Author:** [@Captain\_Amazing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Amazing)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2009, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-what-extent-did-bush-cause-obamas-victory/497365 "2009-05-26T20:43:59Z")
There have been some mini debates around here, none of which have gotten their own thread, that debate whether or not President Obama’s victory last November was attributable to President Bush. This is one of those situ… --- ## [POE Redux](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poe-redux/497095)
**Author:** [@Sapo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sapo)\ **Replies:** 137\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2009, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poe-redux/497095 "2009-05-26T18:48:32Z")
Because we don’t have enough threads about the Problem of Evil and the Existence of God… First, some disclaimers behind spoiler tags so I don’t waste valuable screen space in personal mumblings. Still, please read them … --- ## [Ticking Time Bomb Scenario](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ticking-time-bomb-scenario/497572)
**Author:** [@joebuck20](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joebuck20)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2009, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ticking-time-bomb-scenario/497572 "2009-05-26T15:06:01Z")
This was brought up in the thread about Mancow getting waterboarded. But has there ever, in the history of crimefighting, been a ticking time bomb scenario like you might see in “24” - where an evildoer plants a bomb or … --- ## [How to deal with (sub)urban sprawl?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-deal-with-sub-urban-sprawl/495831)
**Author:** [@RedRosesForMe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedRosesForMe)\ **Replies:** 380\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2009, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-deal-with-sub-urban-sprawl/495831 "2009-05-26T06:27:56Z")
First, I’m starting off with the assumption that sprawl\* is a Bad Thing. I assumed some might have opposing views, hence the forum. So, there’s the negative impact on the environment due to the reliance on automobiles a… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=533) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=535)