# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=58 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 59 --- ## [A Hypothetical: Viva la Revolución!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-hypothetical-viva-la-revolucion/846589)
**Author:** [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2020, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-hypothetical-viva-la-revolucion/846589 "2020-01-21T18:01:22Z")
Assumptions Emperors Trump and Obama have banded together to form the New American Republic, with each a co-equal ruler. This was done in response to the Mopery Crisis. The constitution has been suspended. All civil lib… --- ## [Will Trump go to jail once he leaves office?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-go-to-jail-once-he-leaves-office/846548)
**Author:** [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2020, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-go-to-jail-once-he-leaves-office/846548 "2020-01-21T14:34:16Z")
I hear this again and again and while I certainly hope he will, I just don’t think so. What are they going to get him on? Tax fraud, he’ll just pay a fine, just like with the Trump foundation. NY State was looking into … --- ## [Did President Trump direct OMB to violate the Impoundment Control Act?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-president-trump-direct-omb-to-violate-the-impoundment-control-act/846532)
**Author:** [@Max\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_S)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2020, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-president-trump-direct-omb-to-violate-the-impoundment-control-act/846532 "2020-01-20T21:05:16Z")
There’s two questions here. First, did the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) violate the Impoundment Control Act? Second, did President Trump direct such a violation? I think the answer to both questions is yes. As… --- ## [Compromise and Game Theory](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compromise-and-game-theory/846628)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2020, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compromise-and-game-theory/846628 "2020-01-20T15:44:34Z")
I’m struggling to formulate this question, so I welcome constructive help on phrasing it well. “Bipartisanship” is a buzzword. Nearly everyone in politics claims to want it, almost everyone claims to be trying for it. I… --- ## [National Archives doctors photo to remove Trump criticism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/national-archives-doctors-photo-to-remove-trump-criticism/846646)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2020, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/national-archives-doctors-photo-to-remove-trump-criticism/846646 "2020-01-20T15:22:44Z")
This is bad even though they admitted it and will use the real photo. National Archives Apologize For Caving To Trump With Doctored Pics --- ## [Mental health gaining such traction lately](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mental-health-gaining-such-traction-lately/846118)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2020, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mental-health-gaining-such-traction-lately/846118 "2020-01-19T20:24:42Z")
What has changed on this planet in the past year that Mental Health has become such a hot topic. Many organisations have mental health first aiders. They are just people with 2 days training who act as MHFA and all they… --- ## [A Hypothetical: When and where is the revolution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-hypothetical-when-and-where-is-the-revolution/846567)
**Author:** [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2020, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-hypothetical-when-and-where-is-the-revolution/846567 "2020-01-19T15:24:31Z")
The Prologue To start, I’m not calling for a violent uprising. The purpose of this thread is to investigate the so-called claim by proponents of civilian firearm ownership that such ownership prevents a loss of other ri… --- ## [US assassinates commanding general of Iran Quds force](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-assassinates-commanding-general-of-iran-quds-force/845821)
**Author:** [@russian\_heel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/russian_heel)\ **Replies:** 746\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2020, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-assassinates-commanding-general-of-iran-quds-force/845821 "2020-01-19T14:41:16Z")
I know Iran and Iraq are technically at war though tensions are high. But what would an Iranian General be doing traveling to Iraq? Surely not peace negotiations. To check on pro-Iran militias? Wouldn’t the Iraqi gover… --- ## [Where do I go if I WANT GMOs in my food?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-i-go-if-i-want-gmos-in-my-food/846105)
**Author:** [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2020, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-i-go-if-i-want-gmos-in-my-food/846105 "2020-01-17T03:59:02Z")
So, I know that GMOs allow more food per acre, and therefore more people to be fed, and “non-GMO” food is going to be more expensive for no reason (other than other people’s paranoia). So what do I do if I WANT to buy fo… --- ## [Difference between "gaslighting" and having one's beliefs/assumptions challenged](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/difference-between-gaslighting-and-having-ones-beliefs-assumptions-challenged/846379)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2020, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/difference-between-gaslighting-and-having-ones-beliefs-assumptions-challenged/846379 "2020-01-17T00:30:36Z")
In a thread a few weeks ago, one poster complained about “gaslighting” in the transgender debate issue, while another poster denied that there was gaslighting going on. (Not mentioning names, since this isn’t a Pit call-… --- ## [Trump is the Antichrist to some people, and it's okay with them](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-is-the-antichrist-to-some-people-and-its-okay-with-them/846048)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2020, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-is-the-antichrist-to-some-people-and-its-okay-with-them/846048 "2020-01-16T14:15:31Z")
In the Pit CalMeacham posted this quote: Coincidentally, I’ve been reading up on Christian Eschatology, the beliefs of some about the end of the world, and had seen “signs” that could be force fitted into fulfillment… --- ## [Is a misanthrope less bigoted than a racist/sexist/homophobe/anti-Semite/etc.?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-misanthrope-less-bigoted-than-a-racist-sexist-homophobe-anti-semite-etc/846159)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2020, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-misanthrope-less-bigoted-than-a-racist-sexist-homophobe-anti-semite-etc/846159 "2020-01-15T14:18:09Z")
People are generally considered bigoted if they only hate one specific category of people, such as Hispanics, women, LGBT, Jews, etc. Oddly enough, though, it seems that misanthropes - people who hate \*everyone \*- catch … --- ## [The use of the N word](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-use-of-the-n-word/846160)
**Author:** [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2020, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-use-of-the-n-word/846160 "2020-01-15T04:29:13Z")
I just watched \*Blazing Saddles \* (Comedy genius!)on TCM, and they bleeped out the N word. I found that rather sad. But I kinda understood it. Not sure about how I felt in the end. So, can the N word be used in prose, s… --- ## ["Too Big to Fail" - Solutions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-big-to-fail-solutions/846237)
**Author:** [@carlb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carlb)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2020, 10:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-big-to-fail-solutions/846237 "2020-01-14T10:46:14Z")
I think we all remember the phrase, “too big to fail,” from the 2008 financial crisis. Financial institutions were saved from ruin, because it was deemed that their complete failures would be more detrimental to the econ… --- ## [How would you handle this (hypothetical) rape accusation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-handle-this-hypothetical-rape-accusation/845566)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 197\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2020, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-handle-this-hypothetical-rape-accusation/845566 "2020-01-14T05:45:59Z")
Loosely inspired by #MeToo news stories of late: Suppose you are president (or whichever administrator ultimately makes the final decisions) at a university. A woman - a student in your university - comes to you and cla… --- ## [Rouhani saying "Remember #290" a day before PS752 - HOW CAN IT BE AN ACCIDENT?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rouhani-saying-remember-290-a-day-before-ps752-how-can-it-be-an-accident/846267)
**Author:** [@komolono](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/komolono)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2020, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rouhani-saying-remember-290-a-day-before-ps752-how-can-it-be-an-accident/846267 "2020-01-13T21:25:54Z")
I am not a fan of Donald, but was this a revenge on Iran Air Flight 655 - Wikipedia --- ## [Why did the FBI lie about Carter Page on the FISA warrent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-fbi-lie-about-carter-page-on-the-fisa-warrent/819524)
**Author:** [@EasyPhil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EasyPhil)\ **Replies:** 355\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2020, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-fbi-lie-about-carter-page-on-the-fisa-warrent/819524 "2020-01-13T18:33:16Z")
The FBI in their FISA warrent asserts that Carter Page is “a U.S. person, and an agent of a foreign power…”. This is a lie because in 2013 Carter Page assisted the FBI in their case against a Russian spy ring resulting … --- ## [Equality of opportunity does not lead to equality of results](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/equality-of-opportunity-does-not-lead-to-equality-of-results/845088)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 239\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2020, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/equality-of-opportunity-does-not-lead-to-equality-of-results/845088 "2020-01-12T05:36:39Z")
We have a good discussion ongoing in the “Will Trump win in 2020?” thread, which, while vigorous and valuable, completely derails that thread, so I wanted to try to redirect it here instead: Conservatives often accuse l… --- ## [What is Trump's response if a missile attack is launched on the US embassy in Bagdhad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-trumps-response-if-a-missile-attack-is-launched-on-the-us-embassy-in-bagdhad/845950)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2020, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-trumps-response-if-a-missile-attack-is-launched-on-the-us-embassy-in-bagdhad/845950 "2020-01-11T22:20:00Z")
Since Soleimani was killed in an “active war zone” (Baghdad), I assume Iran may invoke the same logic and target the US embassy in Baghdad. Iran could launch missiles (via its proxies) from within Iraq and possibly Syria… --- ## [Why did the framers include the Chief Justice in Impeachment Trials?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-framers-include-the-chief-justice-in-impeachment-trials/846180)
**Author:** [@Clu-Me-In](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clu-Me-In)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2020, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-framers-include-the-chief-justice-in-impeachment-trials/846180 "2020-01-11T22:05:42Z")
Why did the framers include the Chief Justice in Impeachment Trials if it wasn’t to decide fairness and rule on the law of the land? --- ## [Australian Bushfires Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-bushfires-thread/846214)
**Author:** [@blueslipper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blueslipper)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2020, 10:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-bushfires-thread/846214 "2020-01-11T10:14:46Z")
There’s a lot of misinformation about the Australian Bushfires out there. And https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.news.com.au/technology/environment/the-size-of-australia-shocks-america-in-bushfire-map-comparisons/news-s… --- ## [Does anybody believe in the free market?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-believe-in-the-free-market/845471)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2020, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-believe-in-the-free-market/845471 "2020-01-10T01:05:29Z")
Sure, lots of people mouth the words, but every capitalist I can observe tries to restrict the market just as soon as he gets a foot in the door. Even hairdressers try to restrict entry of competitors. Every profession… --- ## [Plans for “free” college or “free” healthcare or anything of that sort](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plans-for-free-college-or-free-healthcare-or-anything-of-that-sort/845199)
**Author:** [@2Bits](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2Bits)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2020, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plans-for-free-college-or-free-healthcare-or-anything-of-that-sort/845199 "2020-01-09T18:12:27Z")
…will require MASSIVE cost cuts (IMO) resulting in LOTS of people making LOADS less money if there’s any hope of success and sustainability. Right? \[I know nothing is “free.” Please ignore my choice of words.\] Sent f… --- ## [How can anyone still be a Neoconservative in 2020?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-anyone-still-be-a-neoconservative-in-2020/846128)
**Author:** [@Blalron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blalron)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2020, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-anyone-still-be-a-neoconservative-in-2020/846128 "2020-01-08T19:27:11Z")
After the failures the USA experienced with regime change and nation building Iraq and Afghanistan in the early 2000s up until the present day, the trillions of dollars we spent over two decades with so little good to sh… --- ## [What is the point of speaking in tongues?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-speaking-in-tongues/845533)
**Author:** [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2020, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-speaking-in-tongues/845533 "2020-01-08T15:59:01Z")
Inspired by this: Trump picks Miami megachurch with pastor who speaks in tongues for evangelicals event Let’s accept for a moment that Evangelicals speak in real languages when they speak in tongues. These languages a… --- ## [WILL we live to see legal cocaine in America?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-we-live-to-see-legal-cocaine-in-america/846023)
**Author:** [@Lamoral](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamoral)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2020, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-we-live-to-see-legal-cocaine-in-america/846023 "2020-01-08T01:39:31Z")
Is there any chance of it happening? There are two good arguments for it: it would help reduce the power of cartels, and it’s nowhere near as destructive as alcohol which is fully legal. What are the arguments against it… --- ## [Did Grace and the Holy Spirit exist before the birth of Jesus?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-grace-and-the-holy-spirit-exist-before-the-birth-of-jesus/845374)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2020, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-grace-and-the-holy-spirit-exist-before-the-birth-of-jesus/845374 "2020-01-07T20:57:43Z")
The hymn O Holy Night has the line, “'Til He appeared and the soul felt it’s worth.” I found that line perfectly in keeping with what the nuns taught me, that Grace entered the world when Jesus was born and, prior to t… --- ## [Science Fiction Debate: Extending Human Lifespans](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/science-fiction-debate-extending-human-lifespans/845138)
**Author:** [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2020, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/science-fiction-debate-extending-human-lifespans/845138 "2020-01-07T20:26:46Z")
Part 3 of ‘Science Fiction Debates’ Our topic: Extending the human lifespan. The situation: You’ve done it. Well done! You’ve come up with a way to extend the average human life. Impacting nothing else in human li… --- ## [Our Founding Fathers and Christianity.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/our-founding-fathers-and-christianity/844745)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2020, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/our-founding-fathers-and-christianity/844745 "2020-01-07T03:58:52Z")
I am a little confused by some modern Christian’s and their claims our country was founded on Christianity. I think our country was founded on Deism, wasn’t it? Jefferson, Ben Franklin and Washington were all Deists, wer… --- ## [Is the global financial system more stable now than in 2008?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-global-financial-system-more-stable-now-than-in-2008/830557)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2020, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-global-financial-system-more-stable-now-than-in-2008/830557 "2020-01-06T21:26:18Z")
I’ve been taking a course on Corporate Governance. It’s surprisingly interesting, and covers the 2007 financial crisis in a lot of detail. The professor makes the argument that the global financial system is not much s… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=57) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=59)