# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=552 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 553 --- ## [When is breaking the law defensible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-is-breaking-the-law-defensible/487888)
**Author:** [@Rune](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rune)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2009, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-is-breaking-the-law-defensible/487888 "2009-03-03T20:22:03Z")
Re. this story: Mother sets fire to her daughter’s gloating rapist, when is vigilance or “taking the law into ones one hands” defensible? In WW-II in Denmark some people would fight against the Nazis. That was vigilance… --- ## [Charging minors as adults](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charging-minors-as-adults/486985)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2009, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charging-minors-as-adults/486985 "2009-03-03T16:06:57Z")
A boy aged 11 has been charged with the murder of his father’s pregnant girlfriend in Pennsylvania. The article says that there were ‘issues with jealousy’. Apparently. I’ve heard that children can have such issues w… --- ## [Devil's Advocate: Why should dueling be illegal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/devils-advocate-why-should-dueling-be-illegal/487024)
**Author:** [@Vox\_Imperatoris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vox_Imperatoris)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2009, 8:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/devils-advocate-why-should-dueling-be-illegal/487024 "2009-03-03T08:49:58Z")
In this thread, I will argue for the position that consensual dueling, i.e. fights carried on to a specific, predetermined point, possibly to the death, should be legal under this proposal. Of course, one wouldn’t be ta… --- ## [Agree or disagree with Obama but he is providing some leadership.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/agree-or-disagree-with-obama-but-he-is-providing-some-leadership/487747)
**Author:** [@R.P.McMurphy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/R.P.McMurphy)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2009, 6:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/agree-or-disagree-with-obama-but-he-is-providing-some-leadership/487747 "2009-03-03T06:47:05Z")
He’s twisting his supporters and his political enemies in knots because he is making bold moves, bold statements and providing his detractors with little ammunition while not pandering. I watched most of his speech toda… --- ## [Rush has a point.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rush-has-a-point/487945)
**Author:** [@ParentalAdvisory](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParentalAdvisory)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2009, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rush-has-a-point/487945 "2009-03-03T04:32:51Z")
I never really liked this guy, but his equation of Merrill Lynch redecorating with tarp funds = stimulus. He’s right on the mark with that, isn’t he? --- ## [So what do you think of the Obama budget?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-do-you-think-of-the-obama-budget/487621)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2009, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-do-you-think-of-the-obama-budget/487621 "2009-03-03T00:55:16Z")
All I’ve read is either “this is just what this country needs to get back on track” or “it’s certain to collapse the economy,” so I thought I’d get a little more meat to the analysis already out there. Anyone care to te… --- ## [Why did modern architecture fail?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-modern-architecture-fail/487218)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 153\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2009, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-modern-architecture-fail/487218 "2009-03-02T23:40:23Z")
At the beginning of the 20th century, modern architects (like FL Wright, W. Gropius, etc.) were confident that people would embrace new designs for their homes and workplaces. Some very impressive buildings were built, … --- ## [Question about part of the Stimulus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-part-of-the-stimulus/487044)
**Author:** [@BarnOwl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BarnOwl)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2009, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-part-of-the-stimulus/487044 "2009-03-02T17:14:55Z")
Direct quote from one of the GOP Governors who appeared on CNN this morning: “If we were to take the unemployment reform package that they have, it would cause us to raise taxes on unemployment when the money runs out, … --- ## [Taxes and American prosperity/middle class/debt 100yrs. ago.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taxes-and-american-prosperity-middle-class-debt-100yrs-ago/487934)
**Author:** [@gitfiddle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gitfiddle)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2009, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taxes-and-american-prosperity-middle-class-debt-100yrs-ago/487934 "2009-03-02T16:31:45Z")
A (more) conservative friend (than I) sent me this. I don’t know why. There’s also a poem. Do these taxes exist? Some of them seem like stretches, like they’re taking fees that one has to pay for, say, using a toll … --- ## [Stabilizing government revenue](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stabilizing-government-revenue/488010)
**Author:** [@Sinaijon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sinaijon)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2009, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stabilizing-government-revenue/488010 "2009-03-02T14:34:46Z")
I was watching an interview with a local big city mayor last night, and he was complaining about local government aid being cut in order to balance the states budget. Since state is hugely in the red, the interviewer as… --- ## [Cancellation of Plains Of Abraham Battle Reenactment - Canada](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cancellation-of-plains-of-abraham-battle-reenactment-canada/486422)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2009, 7:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cancellation-of-plains-of-abraham-battle-reenactment-canada/486422 "2009-03-02T07:51:08Z")
So, what’s your thoughts on this cancellation. A factual battle reenactment is just that; it’s an historical reenactment of a factual battle. So what’s the big deal? From Wiki: On the other hand, it feels a bit like… --- ## [The census controversy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-census-controversy/485784)
**Author:** [@Palo\_Verde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palo_Verde)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2009, 7:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-census-controversy/485784 "2009-03-02T07:30:37Z")
Can someone explain the controversy regarding Obama and the census? I don’t get what the basic issue is, why it is upsetting folks. Obama wants White House to oversee it, is that right? And this is new thing, so why … --- ## [Obama will slash the budget deficit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-will-slash-the-budget-deficit/486892)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2009, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-will-slash-the-budget-deficit/486892 "2009-03-02T04:21:00Z")
The New York Times says Obama plans to slash the deficit: He plans to do it through raising taxes on the wealthy and removing troops from Iraq. First question for debate: is this realistic? I’m not enough of an econo… --- ## [How similar is the Budget Deficit to a Stimulus Package?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-similar-is-the-budget-deficit-to-a-stimulus-package/487959)
**Author:** [@wsbenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wsbenge)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2009, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-similar-is-the-budget-deficit-to-a-stimulus-package/487959 "2009-03-02T03:42:58Z")
Isn’t the budget deficit already similar to the economic stimulus? --- ## [Power Generation Tax Pan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/power-generation-tax-pan/487889)
**Author:** [@flickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flickster)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2009, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/power-generation-tax-pan/487889 "2009-03-02T02:44:10Z")
Regarding the $Billions the Obama administration is planning on levying against the carbon based power generation industry: (1) Won’t this in essence turn out to be just a tax increase on the power consumer. The utilit… --- ## [Should Procedural Filibustering Be Abolished?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-procedural-filibustering-be-abolished/486789)
**Author:** [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2009, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-procedural-filibustering-be-abolished/486789 "2009-03-02T01:09:36Z")
Taken from a quasi-hijack in this thread. Topic speaks for itself. Filibustering has changed from a Mr. Smith Goes To Washington endurance fest to a simple act of the rules thus requiring a supermajority to pass much l… --- ## [Obama Announces Pullout date (from Iraq)-is this Wise?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-announces-pullout-date-from-iraq-is-this-wise/487685)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2009, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-announces-pullout-date-from-iraq-is-this-wise/487685 "2009-03-01T21:09:16Z")
I ask because it seems (to me) that exposing your hand (in poker) is usually not a wise thing. In Iraq, I can see the various factions thinking: “gee, let’s just tone things down, and buy more weapons-we will be ready in… --- ## [Is our kneejerk reaction to paedophilia more harmful than helpful?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-our-kneejerk-reaction-to-paedophilia-more-harmful-than-helpful/487579)
**Author:** [@Jragon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jragon)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2009, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-our-kneejerk-reaction-to-paedophilia-more-harmful-than-helpful/487579 "2009-03-01T16:39:32Z")
I’ve been bouncing this around in my head for a while, but I’m not really a debater (at least online) so I’ve somewhat avoided posting this. I get this feeling that we’re doing more harm than good by calling for the deat… --- ## [Mileage Tax: Is it such a bad idea?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mileage-tax-is-it-such-a-bad-idea/486810)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2009, 12:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mileage-tax-is-it-such-a-bad-idea/486810 "2009-03-01T12:26:04Z")
LaHood floated an idea for a mileage tax to replace the gas tax and it was immediately shot down by the rest of Team Obama. But long term is it such a bad idea? What if a large number of cars end up having a large port… --- ## [At what point is someone else's business my business?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-point-is-someone-elses-business-my-business/486299)
**Author:** [@Eonwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eonwe)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2009, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-point-is-someone-elses-business-my-business/486299 "2009-03-01T05:34:02Z")
This thread is based somewhat on this pit thread about a Saudi woman who was (claims to have been?) gang raped, and was then sentenced to be whipped for having had sex. The argument in the pit seems to be bouncing back … --- ## [Force-feeding Myanmar?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/force-feeding-myanmar/448843)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 179\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2009, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/force-feeding-myanmar/448843 "2009-03-01T04:35:13Z")
The government there is blocking help from getting in and there is a growing movement among some nations to have the UN get the food in there by force if need be. Is that justified? --- ## ["Give up your password." A Fifth Amendment violation or valid law enforcement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/give-up-your-password-a-fifth-amendment-violation-or-valid-law-enforcement/433756)
**Author:** [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2009, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/give-up-your-password-a-fifth-amendment-violation-or-valid-law-enforcement/433756 "2009-03-01T02:53:56Z")
If a password is required to access your personal collection of computer files, can the government force you to reveal it? Or would that be self-incrimination and a violation of the 5th Amendment? Sebastien Boucher was… --- ## [Aborting gay fetuses](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aborting-gay-fetuses/486662)
**Author:** [@3cushion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/3cushion)\ **Replies:** 203\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2009, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aborting-gay-fetuses/486662 "2009-02-28T20:43:06Z")
If it becomes indisputable that one’s sexual preference is indeed genetic in origin, will it be a hate crime to abort a fetus just because it is gay? Just sort of wondering what that will do to the Pro Choice position o… --- ## [If Marijuana were legalized...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-marijuana-were-legalized/487690)
**Author:** [@joebuck20](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joebuck20)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2009, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-marijuana-were-legalized/487690 "2009-02-28T15:12:15Z")
I’m all for doing away with most of the draconian laws relating to Marijuana, and just taxing the stuff. I think Eric Holder’s announcement the other day that he would stop raiding medical Marijuana clinics is a great st… --- ## [Abraham Lincoln or Charles Darwin: who impacted the world more?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abraham-lincoln-or-charles-darwin-who-impacted-the-world-more/483638)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 123\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2009, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abraham-lincoln-or-charles-darwin-who-impacted-the-world-more/483638 "2009-02-28T04:04:17Z")
Hopefully just a friendly debate rather than a major slugfest. February 12 is the 200th birthday of Lincoln and of Darwin. Which one do you believe impacted the world we live in today the most? Lincoln was of course l… --- ## [Respecting Religious Beliefs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/respecting-religious-beliefs/487367)
**Author:** [@Neverender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neverender)\ **Replies:** 139\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2009, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/respecting-religious-beliefs/487367 "2009-02-28T03:45:18Z")
Chatting with friends friends last night, we were wondering why it is religious beliefs have to be respected as they do? What I mean is, if I call you out on the sports team you support, or your fashion sense or music c… --- ## [What exactly is (should be?) the level of economic panic out there?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-should-be-the-level-of-economic-panic-out-there/487335)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2009, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-should-be-the-level-of-economic-panic-out-there/487335 "2009-02-28T00:40:22Z")
Inspired by a statement I saw made on another message board: This astounded me, though I suppose it shouldn’t have. It also put into mind the idea of economic panic. Many conservative bloggers I’ve read have argued, … --- ## [CNN is getting on LA Gov.'s case - Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-is-getting-on-la-gov-s-case-why/487418)
**Author:** [@TV\_time](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TV_time)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2009, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-is-getting-on-la-gov-s-case-why/487418 "2009-02-27T22:24:54Z")
I was on the road last night and missed Obama’s speech and more to the point Bobby Jendal’s (sp) response. I was listening to a couple of the talking heads on CNN today and they were making fun of him. What did he say t… --- ## [How do economic/financial magazines justify their existence?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-economic-financial-magazines-justify-their-existence/487638)
**Author:** [@Polerius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polerius)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2009, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-economic-financial-magazines-justify-their-existence/487638 "2009-02-27T19:58:25Z")
Magazines like the Economist, Forbes, Fortune, etc are filled with articles describing where the economy is and where it is headed (and where some companies & industries are and where they are headed) But, for us to fee… --- ## [The death penalty is too expensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-death-penalty-is-too-expensive/487383)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2009, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-death-penalty-is-too-expensive/487383 "2009-02-27T16:07:03Z")
I know that an argument that tries to quantify the cost in humanity and compassion when the government deliberately ends the life of a human being won’t go anywhere, because not everyone shares the view that this cost ex… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=551) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=553)