# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=6 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 7 --- ## [Worshipping the Lesser God](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worshipping-the-lesser-god/1024204)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2025, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worshipping-the-lesser-god/1024204 "2025-12-02T12:43:20Z")
Are there any religions/sects that currently worship a singular god that is not all-powerful, all-knowing, omni-present and possibly not eternal? No ancient history or pantheons, please. --- ## [Gallium and its role in geo-politics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gallium-and-its-role-in-geo-politics/1025136)
**Author:** [@Kropotkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kropotkin)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2025, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gallium-and-its-role-in-geo-politics/1025136 "2025-11-30T01:55:37Z")
I heard a talk by James Kenneth Galbraith, son of economist John Kenneth Galbraith, today. One of his points was that gallium is essential to electronics, chips, etc. It is obtained as a byproduct from making aluminum. C… --- ## [Teaching AI in schools?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teaching-ai-in-schools/1024774)
**Author:** [@xtenkfarpl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xtenkfarpl)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2025, 11:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teaching-ai-in-schools/1024774 "2025-11-16T11:25:02Z")
For quite a few years now there has been a current of opinion that schools should teach computer science as part of a general education. This has now been joined (or perhaps even partially superceded) by the idea of tea… --- ## [When does a kiss merit 1-4 years in jail? (Spanish soccer)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-a-kiss-merit-1-4-years-in-jail-spanish-soccer/989844)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 378\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2025, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-a-kiss-merit-1-4-years-in-jail-spanish-soccer/989844 "2025-11-15T16:37:39Z")
This is being discussed in The Game Room, but I was wondering if it might merit broader discussion and a thread of its own. This took place during a post-game celebration. I will not describe it in words to allow each … --- ## [Does the state have a monopoly on violence?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-state-have-a-monopoly-on-violence/1024175)
**Author:** [@robby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robby)\ **Replies:** 155\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2025, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-state-have-a-monopoly-on-violence/1024175 "2025-11-13T04:27:12Z")
Continuing the discussion from Red button or blue button dilemma: I do not understand this sentence. Unless I’m mis-understanding, it seems the opposite is true. Have you never heard the term “state monopoly on viol… --- ## [Was slavery really a "Major" cause of the Texas revolution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-slavery-really-a-major-cause-of-the-texas-revolution/1024483)
**Author:** [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2025, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-slavery-really-a-major-cause-of-the-texas-revolution/1024483 "2025-11-13T02:04:14Z")
Mexico had officially abolished slavery in Texas in 1829, and the desire of Texians to maintain the institution of chattel slavery in Texas was also a major cause of secession,\[2\]\[3\]\[4\]\[5\]\[6\] although slavery is never … --- ## [Would you consider this SciFi scenario a form of rape? (TW)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-consider-this-scifi-scenario-a-form-of-rape-tw/1024506)
**Author:** [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2025, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-consider-this-scifi-scenario-a-form-of-rape-tw/1024506 "2025-11-11T17:45:23Z")
An alien sentient species has external fertilization. They do a full lay-the-eggs-in-a-pool-then-leave-the-fertilized-eggs-to grow-in-the-wild cycle as if they were salmon or similar. The female chooses which males she a… --- ## [What should we do with confederate monuments and statues?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-we-do-with-confederate-monuments-and-statues/793694)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 587\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2025, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-we-do-with-confederate-monuments-and-statues/793694 "2025-11-07T19:06:04Z")
Some people say; Move them to a site less public. Rip them down and grind them up. Leave them up and put up opposite statues such as civil rights leaders. Just leave them alone and learn from them. I’m ok … --- ## [About the "Sandwich Guy" verdict (guy who threw a subway sandwich at ICE agent not guilty of assault)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-the-sandwich-guy-verdict-guy-who-threw-a-subway-sandwich-at-ice-agent-not-guilty-of-assault/1024668)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2025, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-the-sandwich-guy-verdict-guy-who-threw-a-subway-sandwich-at-ice-agent-not-guilty-of-assault/1024668 "2025-11-07T17:55:45Z")
Sean Dunn became a meme and a sort of metaphor for the fight against authoritarian government when he threw a Subway sandwich at an ICE agent and wound up in a courtroom facing charges of assault. The jury acquitted him … --- ## [Chance China invades Taiwan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chance-china-invades-taiwan/1009959)
**Author:** [@DemonTree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DemonTree)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2025, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chance-china-invades-taiwan/1009959 "2025-11-07T14:07:21Z")
I’m assuming Trump’s election means Ukraine is fucked. But what are the chances it emboldens China to invade Taiwan? How is America likely to respond in that scenario, and is there any chance Taiwan can defend itself wit… --- ## [What should schools be teaching?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-schools-be-teaching/1022754)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 186\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2025, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-schools-be-teaching/1022754 "2025-11-05T16:03:16Z")
Math teacher for three decades. I take offense at people that make stupid financial decisions and them blame schools for not teaching them personal finance. That was not our job, but now in some states it is. We have … --- ## [Should Children Have School?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-children-have-school/1024528)
**Author:** [@ThePizzaLover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThePizzaLover)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2025, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-children-have-school/1024528 "2025-11-03T16:45:18Z")
As the title says should Children have School? Yes or No??? I don’t know what category would fit this so I picked a random one. --- ## [Is Trump's style of Fascism actually Palingenetic ultranationalism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-trumps-style-of-fascism-actually-palingenetic-ultranationalism/1023719)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2025, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-trumps-style-of-fascism-actually-palingenetic-ultranationalism/1023719 "2025-10-27T23:31:55Z")
I have seen this term used in various media outlets recently, so I looked it up. Basically, the claim is that to be “true fascism” Palingenetic ultranationalism has to exist, which is when some great supposed “decadent … --- ## [Why did America’s economy boom in the early to mid 1980s?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-america-s-economy-boom-in-the-early-to-mid-1980s/1024315)
**Author:** [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2025, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-america-s-economy-boom-in-the-early-to-mid-1980s/1024315 "2025-10-27T18:27:33Z")
I’m not sure that there’s a clear answer to this question, which is why I chose great debates. I think it’s pretty clear that America entered into an economic revival in the early to mid 1980s. America had muddled thro… --- ## [The important point about the shutdown that everyone is missing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-important-point-about-the-shutdown-that-everyone-is-missing/1023794)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [October 26, 2025, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-important-point-about-the-shutdown-that-everyone-is-missing/1023794 "2025-10-26T04:12:21Z")
It is not about fiscal responsibility. Or the filibuster where the minority party in the Senate can obstruct. Or when Pubs do it X and when Dems do it Y. The sticking point is that people need subsidies to pay the pre… --- ## [About the damage to Trump's right ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-the-damage-to-trumps-right-ear/1023998)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2025, 8:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-the-damage-to-trumps-right-ear/1023998 "2025-10-19T08:45:12Z")
On the most recent Time Magazine cover they show a most unflattering photo of Trump. In this photo they show his right ear, which show no damage whatsoever. Can a person’s ear recover that fast and that completely after … --- ## [Political Compass #54: Some people are naturally unlucky.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-compass-54-some-people-are-naturally-unlucky/299862)
**Author:** [@SentientMeat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SentientMeat)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2025, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-compass-54-some-people-are-naturally-unlucky/299862 "2025-10-15T17:42:33Z")
Many political debates here have included references to The Political Compass, which uses a set of 61 questions to assess one’s political orientation in terms of economic left/right and social libertarianism/authoritaria… --- ## [Resolved: Kindergarten is too academically focused and should be more play based](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-kindergarten-is-too-academically-focused-and-should-be-more-play-based/1023564)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2025, 9:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-kindergarten-is-too-academically-focused-and-should-be-more-play-based/1023564 "2025-10-15T09:30:04Z")
The subject comes into focus from multiple discussions about how boys, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds but not only, are not achieving academically as well as girls are. It begins in kindergarten where girls hi… --- ## [Is gangsta culture in the black community dying, if so what is the reason](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-gangsta-culture-in-the-black-community-dying-if-so-what-is-the-reason/1022872)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2025, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-gangsta-culture-in-the-black-community-dying-if-so-what-is-the-reason/1022872 "2025-10-13T15:15:45Z")
I don’t know if its true or not, but is thug and gangsta culture dying off in the black community? My impression (as an outsider looking in) is that it was partly fueled by black people being locked out of mainstream so… --- ## [Did Nietszche ever claim to himself be an Übermensch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-nietszche-ever-claim-to-himself-be-an-ubermensch/1023607)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2025, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-nietszche-ever-claim-to-himself-be-an-ubermensch/1023607 "2025-10-10T14:51:56Z")
Not that I’ve ever heard, although that’s no guarantee. If not it raises a philosophical question: how did Nietszche claim to be able to anticipate or conceive of what an Übermensch was, while not being able to be one hi… --- ## [Trump's 100% tax on foreign-made films-A proposal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-100-tax-on-foreign-made-films-a-proposal/1023749)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2025, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-100-tax-on-foreign-made-films-a-proposal/1023749 "2025-10-08T00:54:28Z")
Trump takes his tariff war to the movies announcing 100% levies on foreign-made films | AP News I propose that the OSCARS are suspended, or at least boycotted by the industry, until this is lifted. What say you? --- ## [Ableism in Public schools](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ableism-in-public-schools/1023130)
**Author:** [@melaniethewitch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/melaniethewitch)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2025, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ableism-in-public-schools/1023130 "2025-10-07T20:15:22Z")
Ableism in Public schools. Public K-12 schools in the United States educate about 7.3 million students with disabilities – a number that has grown over the last few decades. Disabled students ages 3 to 21 are served und… --- ## [The EA leveraged buyout acquisition raises a few questions, in my opinion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ea-leveraged-buyout-acquisition-raises-a-few-questions-in-my-opinion/1023532)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2025, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ea-leveraged-buyout-acquisition-raises-a-few-questions-in-my-opinion/1023532 "2025-10-06T14:04:24Z")
Jared Kushner, Saudi Arabia Team Up To Buy Video Game Developer For $55 Billion | HuffPost Impact It is the largest leveraged buyout in history, Silver Lake Partners, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund PIF, and Affini… --- ## [Are "States' Rights" still being pushed by the Right?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-states-rights-still-being-pushed-by-the-right/1023645)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2025, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-states-rights-still-being-pushed-by-the-right/1023645 "2025-10-05T22:22:12Z")
For the longest time “States’ Rights” has been a dog whistle used to oppose same-sex marriage, reproductive rights, abortion, desegregation and basically civil rights in general, but I am not hearing much of the way of “… --- ## ["Political violence is never the answer." Talk to me about this](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-violence-is-never-the-answer-talk-to-me-about-this/1022962)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2025, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-violence-is-never-the-answer-talk-to-me-about-this/1022962 "2025-10-03T17:23:59Z")
I’m not advocating for political violence. I’m not saying we should go out and start shooting people we sorta (or even vehemently) disagree with. What I’m asking, without a shred of an angle here, is: Is political viole… --- ## [Religious expansion and the possible need to control outsiders](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/religious-expansion-and-the-possible-need-to-control-outsiders/1023486)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2025, 7:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/religious-expansion-and-the-possible-need-to-control-outsiders/1023486 "2025-10-03T07:59:21Z")
Are there any religious sects (Christian or otherwise) that, once they have gained enough political power to assert control, have not used that power to assert control over outsiders instead of just saying “We’ve got our… --- ## [The Pilgrims and religious persecution](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pilgrims-and-religious-persecution/1023495)
**Author:** [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2025, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pilgrims-and-religious-persecution/1023495 "2025-10-01T04:30:05Z")
Continuing the discussion from Man drove truck into, shot up, set church on fire (Sept 28, 2025, Grand Blanc, MI): A very common misconception. They actually came here to escape religious tolerance. Oh, they were per… --- ## [Are you obligated to bring someone back to life?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-obligated-to-bring-someone-back-to-life/1023480)
**Author:** [@Cmyers1980](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cmyers1980)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2025, 11:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-obligated-to-bring-someone-back-to-life/1023480 "2025-09-30T11:58:54Z")
Do you think in a fantastical scenario where a good person dies (recently or years ago, known to you or unknown to you) that you would be morally obligated to bring them back if you could instantly and without issue for … --- ## [How is Israel's military so competent with such a low budget](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-israels-military-so-competent-with-such-a-low-budget/1019990)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 176\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2025, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-israels-military-so-competent-with-such-a-low-budget/1019990 "2025-09-27T22:58:17Z")
Israel normally spends about $25 billion a year on military. It may have gone up since the war, I wouldn’t be surprised. But that’s about what they spent before the war. Israel’s economy is also on parity with western n… --- ## [Rationally speaking, is the murder of Charlie Kirk worth worrying over more than the murders of kids in schools?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rationally-speaking-is-the-murder-of-charlie-kirk-worth-worrying-over-more-than-the-murders-of-kids-in-schools/1022949)
**Author:** [@Polerius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polerius)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2025, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rationally-speaking-is-the-murder-of-charlie-kirk-worth-worrying-over-more-than-the-murders-of-kids-in-schools/1022949 "2025-09-27T22:06:28Z")
An argument for why we should worry more about the murder of Charlie Kirk is that it is destabilizing to society and democracy, and will likely lead to more violence. So, it’s more consequential for everyone. An argume… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=7)