# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=57 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 58 --- ## [wow the 60s was a rough time ot be in the soviet navy deprivations almost caused ww3 (cuban crisis](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wow-the-60s-was-a-rough-time-ot-be-in-the-soviet-navy-deprivations-almost-caused-ww3-cuban-crisis/848068)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2020, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wow-the-60s-was-a-rough-time-ot-be-in-the-soviet-navy-deprivations-almost-caused-ww3-cuban-crisis/848068 "2020-02-19T02:17:50Z")
apparently this was another way we almost were in ww3 over cuba according to this article Just Ask This Russian Submarine: The Cuban Missile Crisis Nearly Ended The World | The National Interest There’s some argument … --- ## [Abortion: Why don't pro-choicers just say, "It kills a person, but it's a unique circumstance?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-why-dont-pro-choicers-just-say-it-kills-a-person-but-its-a-unique-circumstance/847228)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 287\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2020, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-why-dont-pro-choicers-just-say-it-kills-a-person-but-its-a-unique-circumstance/847228 "2020-02-19T00:27:18Z")
Per the new GD rules, I’m hoping this can be a thread for a narrow focus on just one aspect of the abortion debate, without morphing into the same old abortion debate we’ve had for decades - hope the mods can clamp down … --- ## [Did tall races of 8' ever exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-tall-races-of-8-ever-exist/832109)
**Author:** [@tangatawhenua16](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tangatawhenua16)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2020, 9:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-tall-races-of-8-ever-exist/832109 "2020-02-18T09:16:15Z")
many would say no because there is no evidence. But if evidence did exist many would call them ‘giants’ and the link to the biblical would be too grating…maybe? Are all the rumors just that and why so many rumors of cove… --- ## [Black climate activist cropped out of photo with Greta Thunberg](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-climate-activist-cropped-out-of-photo-with-greta-thunberg/846998)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2020, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-climate-activist-cropped-out-of-photo-with-greta-thunberg/846998 "2020-02-15T17:50:59Z")
The Associated Press publishes a photo of Swedish activist Greta Thunberg with some other young climate activists at Davos. The picture published showed Greta with four young specimens of fine Aryan youths. The actual … --- ## [Another Tipping Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-tipping-thread/847962)
**Author:** [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2020, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-tipping-thread/847962 "2020-02-15T02:28:40Z")
Why has the tipping rate gone up from 15% to 20-25% for in restaurant dining? Why is 20% starting to become an expected tip for deliveries? Why is 20% starting to become an expected tip for pick up orders? --- ## [UBI in the US (from the Andrew Yang thread in Elections)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ubi-in-the-us-from-the-andrew-yang-thread-in-elections/840075)
**Author:** [@Heffalump\_and\_Roo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heffalump_and_Roo)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2020, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ubi-in-the-us-from-the-andrew-yang-thread-in-elections/840075 "2020-02-13T18:58:15Z")
In the Andrew Yang thread in Elections, ralfy is asking some questions that seem more suited to a debate. I’m starting a thread for anyone to discuss his questions or more generally UBI in the US or perhaps Andrew Yang’… --- ## [Empire equals theft, how?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/empire-equals-theft-how/846990)
**Author:** [@Ryan\_Liam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ryan_Liam)\ **Replies:** 142\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2020, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/empire-equals-theft-how/846990 "2020-02-12T16:58:19Z")
This motif crops up from time to time in discussions I read and it got me wondering, whilst there are instances of theft from native populations due to unequal treaties, how is it theft if the empire in question was the … --- ## [What, if any, is the role of unprovable/undecidable statements in physics?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-any-is-the-role-of-unprovable-undecidable-statements-in-physics/847511)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2020, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-any-is-the-role-of-unprovable-undecidable-statements-in-physics/847511 "2020-02-10T18:49:37Z")
As I understand it, mathematics admits unprovable and undecidable statements in addition to the usual provable and disprovable. What, if any, is the place of unprovable/undecidable statements in physics? I’m thinking o… --- ## [The Trump Middle East Peace Plane](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-middle-east-peace-plane/847143)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2020, 4:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-middle-east-peace-plane/847143 "2020-02-10T04:56:42Z")
Was just announced. It is a two-state plan with Palestine getting a capital in Jerusalem (but they will call it something else) and a tunnel linking the West Bank and Gaza. I question if there will be any debate on thi… --- ## [medical marijuana as medicine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medical-marijuana-as-medicine/846806)
**Author:** [@fedman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2020, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medical-marijuana-as-medicine/846806 "2020-02-09T17:27:52Z")
now that medical marijuana is accepted in multiple states, will it–has it been–accepted as prescribed medicine by health insurance plans? --- ## [Bob Marley would have been Trump's fiercest opponent if he was alive today](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bob-marley-would-have-been-trumps-fiercest-opponent-if-he-was-alive-today/847577)
**Author:** [@Yankees\_1996\_Champs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yankees_1996_Champs)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2020, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bob-marley-would-have-been-trumps-fiercest-opponent-if-he-was-alive-today/847577 "2020-02-09T13:14:48Z")
The reggae legend would have fought Trump tooth and nail today, especially on racial issues, probably. --- ## [Could the wielding of American power abroad be curtailed, and if so how?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-wielding-of-american-power-abroad-be-curtailed-and-if-so-how/846319)
**Author:** [@Steken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steken)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2020, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-wielding-of-american-power-abroad-be-curtailed-and-if-so-how/846319 "2020-02-07T16:17:37Z")
In this thread on the Soleimani assassination, a fellow Doper wrote as follows: Whether or not you agree that with this (for the record, I personally do), my question is this: By which methods, if any, could the wield… --- ## [What are the ethical ramifications (if any) of Many Worlds theory?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-ethical-ramifications-if-any-of-many-worlds-theory/847145)
**Author:** [@rosecoloredboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rosecoloredboy)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2020, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-ethical-ramifications-if-any-of-many-worlds-theory/847145 "2020-02-04T19:55:31Z")
If Everett’s many worlds theory is true, there is an infinite (or at least very large) number of parallel versions of ourselves that branch off from us each time we make a choice. If decisions in the brain are affected … --- ## [Toxic positivity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toxic-positivity/847167)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2020, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toxic-positivity/847167 "2020-02-04T03:16:04Z")
I had never heard of the term “Toxic Positivity” until recently (there are all kinds of Google search hits for it now - here, here, hereand here , for instance), but I think, like “passive-aggressiveness,” the thing had … --- ## [Medicaid Block Granting will drive up the uninsured. Agree or disagree?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicaid-block-granting-will-drive-up-the-uninsured-agree-or-disagree/847263)
**Author:** [@survinga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/survinga)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2020, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicaid-block-granting-will-drive-up-the-uninsured-agree-or-disagree/847263 "2020-02-03T22:25:41Z")
I was afraid this would happen. I predict most blue states will not take this. But red states will pursue block grants, and the result will be a greatly diminished Medicaid in those states, as it will result in under… --- ## [Which primary is better for getting rid of a disliked incumbent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-primary-is-better-for-getting-rid-of-a-disliked-incumbent/847302)
**Author:** [@truthseeker3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/truthseeker3)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2020, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-primary-is-better-for-getting-rid-of-a-disliked-incumbent/847302 "2020-02-03T18:42:42Z")
Suppose there is an incumbent you really want out of office. Suppose further that you have a chance to vote in Party A’s primary or Party B’s primary (but not both), and the incumbent is in Party A. Which primary shoul… --- ## [Advice columnist: Trump raped me in a fitting room](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-columnist-trump-raped-me-in-a-fitting-room/836042)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 551\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2020, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-columnist-trump-raped-me-in-a-fitting-room/836042 "2020-01-31T18:40:07Z")
E. Jean Carroll of Elle magazine’s “Ask E. Jean” told CNN that Donald Trump raped her in a fitting room at Bergdorf Goodman in the mid-1990s. So what are we going to do about this? This is just life now, isn’t it? --- ## [Comedy foreign accents and racism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comedy-foreign-accents-and-racism/846168)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2020, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comedy-foreign-accents-and-racism/846168 "2020-01-31T15:19:13Z")
I make a few scambaiting videos on YouTube, mainly about email scams, most of which originate from countries in Africa. A very frequently-asked question I get is “Why don’t you real the emails in a funny Indian accent?” … --- ## [How can you fight that of which you are ignorant? (dismantling racism) (long, sorry)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-you-fight-that-of-which-you-are-ignorant-dismantling-racism-long-sorry/846162)
**Author:** [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Replies:** 294\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2020, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-you-fight-that-of-which-you-are-ignorant-dismantling-racism-long-sorry/846162 "2020-01-31T03:51:39Z")
I recently had an a rather upsetting and unsettling experience with a former high school classmate, one whom I respect quite highly and who also happens to be black. Our interaction was re a couple of FB posts I came ac… --- ## [Science Fiction Debate: Uplifting Species to Sapience](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/science-fiction-debate-uplifting-species-to-sapience/846502)
**Author:** [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2020, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/science-fiction-debate-uplifting-species-to-sapience/846502 "2020-01-30T19:53:29Z")
Again, I’m pulling from David Brin - his Uplift stories are brilliant, by the way - and this is one of my favorites. To wit: We’ve searched the heavens in our quest to find other intelligent life…to find other intellig… --- ## [Coronavirides and the Market](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirides-and-the-market/847055)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2020, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirides-and-the-market/847055 "2020-01-30T03:05:15Z")
Today’s papers show the markets are down. Coronavirus is being blamed. Quoting traders saying things like “this is the ultimate uncertainty” and “sell first; ask questions later”. No one can predict the markets or the… --- ## [Does Invading A Country For Its Oil Make Financial Sense?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-invading-a-country-for-its-oil-make-financial-sense/847109)
**Author:** [@LAZombie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LAZombie)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2020, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-invading-a-country-for-its-oil-make-financial-sense/847109 "2020-01-29T03:16:03Z")
I constantly see people claim the USA is in various countries and regions for the oil or other resources not for other reasons like spreading democracy. I also see reports that the Iraq and Afghanistan wars are going to… --- ## [Gulf War 3 thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gulf-war-3-thread/846100)
**Author:** [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2020, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gulf-war-3-thread/846100 "2020-01-29T00:44:15Z")
Since the ‘assassination’ has now moved to open war, I have asked and received permission to open up a Gulf War 3\* ‘omnibus’ thread. Reports here: https://twitter.com/ABC/status/1214692125557895168?s=19 Assassination t… --- ## [Carlos Ghosn. I'm not sure what to think](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carlos-ghosn-im-not-sure-what-to-think/846190)
**Author:** [@Tatterdemalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tatterdemalion)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2020, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carlos-ghosn-im-not-sure-what-to-think/846190 "2020-01-26T17:27:04Z")
So I have been following this whole thing with Carlos Ghosn for a while now, and I have some seriously mixed feelings about the whole thing. A recent report. Apparently he is accused of fiddling his taxes, misusing com… --- ## [Is nuclear energy all that bad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-nuclear-energy-all-that-bad/829173)
**Author:** [@BenedictusXIV](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BenedictusXIV)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2020, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-nuclear-energy-all-that-bad/829173 "2020-01-24T22:36:41Z")
With all the attention for sustainable energy on wind and solar, thisNewsweek article got me thinking if nuclear energy deserves the bad reputation it has. Similar studies have shown the same conclusion: Wildlife loves d… --- ## [Why Trump is a Great President](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-trump-is-a-great-president/846908)
**Author:** [@thatsalotoff35s](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thatsalotoff35s)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2020, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-trump-is-a-great-president/846908 "2020-01-24T22:17:13Z")
Trump is an obvious ESTP. His “function stack” according to classic MBTI theory is Se Ti Fe Ni. They don’t call it “SeTi” for nothing - ESTPs are smart as fuck. The are some of the most grounded intellectuals out there. … --- ## [Selective ignorance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/selective-ignorance/845111)
**Author:** [@NiceGuyJack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NiceGuyJack)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2020, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/selective-ignorance/845111 "2020-01-23T21:27:24Z")
Most of the people I hang out with are atheists. The question of religion rarely comes up. But, I have friends who think man never walked on the moon. Or that climate change is not real.Not much I can do about the moon, … --- ## [Sex Crimes and Ex Post Facto Laws.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sex-crimes-and-ex-post-facto-laws/846728)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2020, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sex-crimes-and-ex-post-facto-laws/846728 "2020-01-23T13:49:30Z")
I don’t have a cite. And even if I did, I find it hard to highlight and copy more than one text to my smartphone. But I will try to paint the picture for you as best I can. It was, oh, 15 or 20 years ago. And some state… --- ## [I'll give it a shot in here...2nd amendments rights](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-give-it-a-shot-in-here-2nd-amendments-rights/846401)
**Author:** [@WildBlueYonder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildBlueYonder)\ **Replies:** 151\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2020, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-give-it-a-shot-in-here-2nd-amendments-rights/846401 "2020-01-22T02:11:42Z")
If this is where it belongs Why would anyone (any majority) want to give up their weapons? I dont have a gun but I sure dont think they have a right to shoot down the amendment in spite of for what the reason it was or… --- ## [Is President Trump's violation of the Impoundment Control Act an impeachable offense?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-president-trumps-violation-of-the-impoundment-control-act-an-impeachable-offense/846720)
**Author:** [@Max\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_S)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2020, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-president-trumps-violation-of-the-impoundment-control-act-an-impeachable-offense/846720 "2020-01-21T21:57:41Z")
President Trump has directed his officers to violate the Impoundment Control Act of 1974\[SUP\]\*\[/SUP\]. Does this impoundment itself constitute an impeachable offense? \[SUP\]\*\[/SUP\] If you disagree, please head over to the… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=56) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=58)