# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=544 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 545 --- ## [Is Europe making economic war on the US? (Or merely acting in self-defense?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-europe-making-economic-war-on-the-us-or-merely-acting-in-self-defense/491498)
**Author:** [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2009, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-europe-making-economic-war-on-the-us-or-merely-acting-in-self-defense/491498 "2009-04-12T16:32:53Z")
The US has passed a large stimulus package and is urging the G20 to match its efforts. Europe (in particular Germany) is balking at this: Spain and France seem to be in agreement. I’m no economist, but it seems to me … --- ## [If health insurance becomes manditory, how can they regulate it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-health-insurance-becomes-manditory-how-can-they-regulate-it/492124)
**Author:** [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2009, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-health-insurance-becomes-manditory-how-can-they-regulate-it/492124 "2009-04-12T13:53:28Z")
Let’s assume that the US government decides that health insurance is mandatory. I realize that’s far-fetched at this point in time, but that’s a different thread. For this thread, let’s just assume it’s so. How does the… --- ## [other gods in Christianity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-gods-in-christianity/491701)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2009, 11:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-gods-in-christianity/491701 "2009-04-12T11:58:46Z")
over in the Pit thread on Obama’s citizenship, Kanicbird has tossed in some discussion about Christianity recognising other gods, who are nonetheless subordinate to God, with cites. (See his posts 152 and 193.) Other p… --- ## [Is it murder if your God tells you to kill?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-murder-if-your-god-tells-you-to-kill/492636)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2009, 8:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-murder-if-your-god-tells-you-to-kill/492636 "2009-04-12T08:00:23Z")
A sizable percentage of Christians have put forth that the commandment in the Bible should read “Thou shalt not murder” instead of “Thou shalt not kill”. \[QUOTE=Bible\] At the customary time for offering the evening sac… --- ## [Why the hatred for the suburbs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-hatred-for-the-suburbs/491488)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 241\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2009, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-hatred-for-the-suburbs/491488 "2009-04-12T02:34:50Z")
The suburbs, it seems, can’t get no respect. In several recent threads, people have bashed them for a variety of reasons. An article in Sunday’s Washington Post about urban planning knocked them for being “unsustainabl… --- ## [Why shouldn't "dietary supplements" have to support their claims, & will they ever?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-shouldnt-dietary-supplements-have-to-support-their-claims-will-they-ever/492546)
**Author:** [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2009, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-shouldnt-dietary-supplements-have-to-support-their-claims-will-they-ever/492546 "2009-04-12T02:33:02Z")
I watched Bigger, Stronger, Faster\* a couple weeks ago, and one of the things the movie touched on that I wasn’t aware of, was that Orrin Hatch lobbied for the free pass the FDA gives to “supplements” because of his and … --- ## [I would prefer to live in a homogeneous neighbourhood, am I evil?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-would-prefer-to-live-in-a-homogeneous-neighbourhood-am-i-evil/491605)
**Author:** [@Cornelius\_Tuggerson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cornelius_Tuggerson)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2009, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-would-prefer-to-live-in-a-homogeneous-neighbourhood-am-i-evil/491605 "2009-04-12T00:31:55Z")
With regards to tim314 for a good OP name. Inspired by some parts of the hatred for suburbs thread. I am a young professional and once I get off work at night I don’t wan’t to come home to a melting pot of sights smells… --- ## [Do you believe Glenn Beck has any liability in the Poplawski murders?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-glenn-beck-has-any-liability-in-the-poplawski-murders/492450)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2009, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-glenn-beck-has-any-liability-in-the-poplawski-murders/492450 "2009-04-11T23:25:09Z")
This is referenced in the Pit Threads on the Pittsburgh shootings but I wanted to make it the focal point of a debate. Since this is in G.D. I’ll be dispassionate and refrain from rhetoric and profanity. For those who … --- ## [Gun culture in US - Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-culture-in-us-why/492236)
**Author:** [@Nunavut\_Boy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nunavut_Boy)\ **Replies:** 153\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2009, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-culture-in-us-why/492236 "2009-04-11T21:10:08Z")
This is inspired by the current gun thread in the pit. I wonder why the US, given that Canada and the US have much shared history and problems associated with colonizing a vast ‘uninhabited’ land (notice the uninhabited … --- ## [Do you only know that you exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-only-know-that-you-exist/491955)
**Author:** [@Gabba\_Gabba\_Hey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gabba_Gabba_Hey)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2009, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-only-know-that-you-exist/491955 "2009-04-11T20:02:44Z")
Hello. I wrote this to Cecil, but I got an email back suggesting that, since he probably wouldn’t be able to tackle it, that I should post it on the message board. So here it is, in all it’s long, rambling glory. Let me … --- ## [Financial Responsibility and Reproduction](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/financial-responsibility-and-reproduction/492624)
**Author:** [@brazil84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brazil84)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2009, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/financial-responsibility-and-reproduction/492624 "2009-04-11T18:08:19Z")
In a GQ thread about personal financial planning, I said this: Another poster said this was a “silly statement . . . on so many levels,” and elaborated further. I am responding here since it’s obviously turning into a… --- ## [Why aren't conservatives conservationists?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-conservatives-conservationists/492000)
**Author:** [@erislover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/erislover)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2009, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-conservatives-conservationists/492000 "2009-04-11T16:33:37Z")
I don’t understand how conservatives could say “unintended consequences” until they are blue in the face, yet it is generally the left that supports environmental measures. (I’m not trying to assert an inconsistency.) Wh… --- ## [Rolling Stones article about what happened at AIG](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-stones-article-about-what-happened-at-aig/490304)
**Author:** [@Gozu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gozu)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2009, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-stones-article-about-what-happened-at-aig/490304 "2009-04-11T16:19:06Z")
Ok, so someone on slashdot linked to this Rolling Stones article on AIGa couple of days ago and while the tone is somewhat juvenile, I have a sinking feeling that the bulk of it is as close to the truth as is possible wh… --- ## [Why is "Fratboy" such an insult?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-fratboy-such-an-insult/492126)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 204\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2009, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-fratboy-such-an-insult/492126 "2009-04-11T13:53:44Z")
I am going to charitably assume here that no reader requires a citation to the many instances in which “fratboy” is offered as a dismissive pejorative for certain kinds of mindset and behavior. I was reading one today, i… --- ## [Free Speech & School Shootings.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-speech-school-shootings/492414)
**Author:** [@Weston](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weston)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2009, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-speech-school-shootings/492414 "2009-04-11T00:38:11Z")
First of all, go and watch this clip, wherein a compelling case is made that the wall-to-wall coverage afforded to mass murderers actively encourages copycats. Assuming, for the sake of argument, that Dr. Dietz (who, in… --- ## [Children, Population Growth and Society](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/children-population-growth-and-society/491760)
**Author:** [@hdc\_bst](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hdc_bst)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2009, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/children-population-growth-and-society/491760 "2009-04-11T00:22:17Z")
Inspired by the ‘children haters’ pit thread, I’d like to start a more reasonable discussion of some of the issues involved. It seems obvious that any particular level of technology there is a minimum sustainable ratio … --- ## [Russia's Depopulation Bomb.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russias-depopulation-bomb/491898)
**Author:** [@mswas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mswas)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2009, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russias-depopulation-bomb/491898 "2009-04-10T23:00:03Z")
http://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/2009%20-%20Spring/full-Eberstadt.html I don’t have the skills to really go too deeply into demographic problems but they fascinate me. What do others think of this? Especially since… --- ## [When was the bleakest period of American history?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-bleakest-period-of-american-history/492629)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2009, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-bleakest-period-of-american-history/492629 "2009-04-10T20:13:59Z")
There’s a lot being said about the current turbulent economic climate, but I’m fairly sure that anyone with a knowledge of history will agree that comparatively speaking, times aren’t that hard. So I ask the question, w… --- ## [Is the Bible pretty much fatally flawed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-bible-pretty-much-fatally-flawed/491852)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 143\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2009, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-bible-pretty-much-fatally-flawed/491852 "2009-04-10T19:35:02Z")
Whenever a question arises as to what the Bible teaches, nothing ever seems to be set in stone. There is debate as to what is parable and what is fact, what words really mean, and lets not even get into the Book of Reve… --- ## [Supporters of capital punishment: are beheadings an acceptable method?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supporters-of-capital-punishment-are-beheadings-an-acceptable-method/491594)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2009, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supporters-of-capital-punishment-are-beheadings-an-acceptable-method/491594 "2009-04-10T18:27:13Z")
If not, why not? I’m of two minds on capital punishment. Theoretically I think it’s sometimes the best option, but practically speaking I would require so many checks on its use that, if I ruled the world, it would vir… --- ## [Is there a moral justification for automobile radar detectors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-moral-justification-for-automobile-radar-detectors/492503)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2009, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-moral-justification-for-automobile-radar-detectors/492503 "2009-04-10T17:47:22Z")
My daughter got married last week and one of the possessions her new husband has brought into her life is a radar detector. My daughter now has this detector installed in her new Ford Focus. (Her husband is a soldier a… --- ## [what would society be like if man was incapable of lying?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-society-be-like-if-man-was-incapable-of-lying/492047)
**Author:** [@cactus\_waltz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cactus_waltz)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2009, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-society-be-like-if-man-was-incapable-of-lying/492047 "2009-04-10T16:41:13Z")
I’ve been playing with the idea of how our society would be like if there was no such thing as a Lie. By lying, I mean stating something which you know is not true or that you yourself don’t believe in. Some people conci… --- ## [Is Russia more powerful than the United States?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-russia-more-powerful-than-the-united-states/492060)
**Author:** [@Spin\_Master](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spin_Master)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2009, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-russia-more-powerful-than-the-united-states/492060 "2009-04-10T16:13:51Z")
I know I’m opening a can of worms here and I’m just as patriotic as the next guy but think about it. In the past 200 years Russia was invaded twice by the armies of two of the most imperialistic leaders in modern times:… --- ## [I'm ready for class war. Bring on the socialism!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-ready-for-class-war-bring-on-the-socialism/492044)
**Author:** [@Mosier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mosier)\ **Replies:** 146\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2009, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-ready-for-class-war-bring-on-the-socialism/492044 "2009-04-10T03:34:05Z")
I’m coming out of the closet finally. No more pretending to be reasonable and moderate. I don’t really care if you disagree, but you should probably know what your political opponents are thinking, so if you’re a gun-tot… --- ## [In the US, has a socially conservative view ever "won" in the long run?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-us-has-a-socially-conservative-view-ever-won-in-the-long-run/491921)
**Author:** [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2009, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-us-has-a-socially-conservative-view-ever-won-in-the-long-run/491921 "2009-04-09T18:19:05Z")
Has there ever been a social issue in the US where in the long run, the conservative view was the one than was universally accepted? I mean “conservative” in the classic “keep the status quo” sense. All the examples I … --- ## [Food Safety Modernization Act: Safer food or conspiracy to kill small organic farms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/food-safety-modernization-act-safer-food-or-conspiracy-to-kill-small-organic-farms/492224)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2009, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/food-safety-modernization-act-safer-food-or-conspiracy-to-kill-small-organic-farms/492224 "2009-04-09T18:09:08Z")
(I’m surprised this hasn’t already been discussed. The closest I could find was this thread about the bill’s effects on personal backyard gardening, whereas this one is about the bill’s broader impacts. Do let me know … --- ## [Bible question (NT): Why did Jesus make one of his protagonists a thief?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bible-question-nt-why-did-jesus-make-one-of-his-protagonists-a-thief/492332)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2009, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bible-question-nt-why-did-jesus-make-one-of-his-protagonists-a-thief/492332 "2009-04-09T14:49:23Z")
It’s a bible question, so GD is where it should go, I guess. So, Jesus is telling this parable about how ya needs ta ensure your place in Heaven. In the story, the rich man has been conducting an audit, and it looks lik… --- ## [Why is polygamy bad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-polygamy-bad/492407)
**Author:** [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2009, 8:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-polygamy-bad/492407 "2009-04-09T08:20:35Z")
In this thread covering the opposition to gay marriage, someone offered up the slippery slope argument. If we allow gay marriages, next week we’ll have people marrying chickens, cars, & trees. And polygamy. My immedia… --- ## [Will gun owners make the "Obama gun grab" a self-fulfilling prophecy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-gun-owners-make-the-obama-gun-grab-a-self-fulfilling-prophecy/492131)
**Author:** [@davidw](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidw)\ **Replies:** 130\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2009, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-gun-owners-make-the-obama-gun-grab-a-self-fulfilling-prophecy/492131 "2009-04-09T03:12:12Z")
There have been multiple mass shootings in the past month or so, the most recent being the one in Pittsburgh where 3 cops were killed by a man who friends say was obsessed with the idea that the Obama administration woul… --- ## [OK, they're not "enemy combatants." But we can still hold them, no charges, forever.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-theyre-not-enemy-combatants-but-we-can-still-hold-them-no-charges-forever/489630)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 141\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2009, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-theyre-not-enemy-combatants-but-we-can-still-hold-them-no-charges-forever/489630 "2009-04-08T23:47:26Z")
From the New York Times: Well, excellent. I give the Obama administration top marks for symbolism. But in terms of actual… you know… stuff, it seems to me not so hugely different than Bush’s approach. Now, I didn’t h… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=543) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=545)