# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=67 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 68 --- ## [American Dopers: Would You Support A New Constitution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-dopers-would-you-support-a-new-constitution/836043)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2019, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-dopers-would-you-support-a-new-constitution/836043 "2019-07-30T15:58:53Z")
The Constitution is at once sacrosanct, and deeply flawed. Much of it is vague, ambiguous, or outdated. What’s more, the system of government that we have stands in sharp contrast to the parliamentary system employed by … --- ## [Is conservative media the source of all issues that keep liberals up at night?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-conservative-media-the-source-of-all-issues-that-keep-liberals-up-at-night/837782)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2019, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-conservative-media-the-source-of-all-issues-that-keep-liberals-up-at-night/837782 "2019-07-30T13:29:20Z")
This is sort of a chicken-and-egg thing that I first considered about Trump. Republicans seem to be going along partly (though not entirely) they are terrified of his voters. But would Trump have that kind of force if it… --- ## [Can true Straight Dopers = Pro Trump?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-true-straight-dopers-pro-trump/779421)
**Author:** [@Frumpy\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frumpy_Jones)\ **Replies:** 138\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2019, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-true-straight-dopers-pro-trump/779421 "2019-07-30T12:49:44Z")
NOTE: I debated on if this needs to go into Great Debates or BBQ PIT since I’m not, necessarily, judging people but trying to understand their viewpoints… so mods, if you feel it’s getting toasty, please move it to the P… --- ## [Why should we keep popular recreational use drugs illegal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-should-we-keep-popular-recreational-use-drugs-illegal/825987)
**Author:** [@Barack\_Obama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barack_Obama)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2019, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-should-we-keep-popular-recreational-use-drugs-illegal/825987 "2019-01-03T04:32:03Z")
So to specify the drugs I’m talking about here, cocaine herion weed etc… Most drugs you would come across when wanting to have a good time, not drugs specifically targeted towards medical purposes. Why should we keep the… --- ## [What is the best fought battle of all time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-fought-battle-of-all-time/837525)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2019, 8:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-fought-battle-of-all-time/837525 "2019-07-29T08:42:54Z")
Some explanation required here: I read a lot of military history, but I’m probably nowhere near as educated on this stuff as the serious military buffs. Most military history I read, battles or whole wars involve one or … --- ## [Under no circumstances should someone be given a felony for drugs.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/under-no-circumstances-should-someone-be-given-a-felony-for-drugs/837239)
**Author:** [@Barack\_Obama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barack_Obama)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2019, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/under-no-circumstances-should-someone-be-given-a-felony-for-drugs/837239 "2019-07-27T01:03:06Z")
I would like to assert that nobody producing, distributing, using, or simply possessing drugs should be given a felony, nor should there be a mandatory sentencing on drug possession. Every drug charge should be a misdeme… --- ## [Mathematics should learn from programming standards](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mathematics-should-learn-from-programming-standards/837345)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2019, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mathematics-should-learn-from-programming-standards/837345 "2019-07-26T17:13:14Z")
I have no idea if this is true, but I suspect that math is written the way that it is due to history. Historically, a lot of math was done by etching or scratching into clay, wax, or other mediums. Even after this perio… --- ## [Should higher taxes spur investment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-higher-taxes-spur-investment/837566)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Fun\_Ball](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Fun_Ball)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2019, 9:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-higher-taxes-spur-investment/837566 "2019-07-26T09:49:20Z")
This is a quick question and I feel like I am being dumb or missing something. Shouldn’t higher taxes increase investments and not the converse as it is currently argued? Say a company or a shareholder made $10 in prof… --- ## [Are tech companies really biased against conservatives?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-tech-companies-really-biased-against-conservatives/836095)
**Author:** [@Boycott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boycott)\ **Replies:** 144\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2019, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-tech-companies-really-biased-against-conservatives/836095 "2019-07-25T02:17:50Z")
This is a popular complaint by people on the right wing and it is something that has resulted into Congressional hearings with the Google CEO and Facebook CEO testifying, the Twitter CEO having a meeting with the Preside… --- ## [Amendment to provide federal jurisdiction when a state violates your federal rights](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amendment-to-provide-federal-jurisdiction-when-a-state-violates-your-federal-rights/837522)
**Author:** [@Max\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_S)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2019, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amendment-to-provide-federal-jurisdiction-when-a-state-violates-your-federal-rights/837522 "2019-07-24T16:33:30Z")
Amendment to provide federal jurisdiction when a state violates your federal rights I submit for the consideration of this board the following amendment to the United States Constitution: SECTION 1. The eleventh articl… --- ## [The biggest obstacle that each political cause faces](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-biggest-obstacle-that-each-political-cause-faces/837381)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2019, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-biggest-obstacle-that-each-political-cause-faces/837381 "2019-07-23T18:11:19Z")
Been pondering a question of late - what is the biggest \*\*obstacle \*\*that each political cause faces? (not about right or wrong, but simply, the difficulty of it). Thought of a few, more contributions or analysis/picki… --- ## [WTF Norway?!!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-norway/632490)
**Author:** [@Victor\_Charlie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Victor_Charlie)\ **Replies:** 247\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2019, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-norway/632490 "2019-07-23T14:45:22Z")
The sentence was handed down today for Anders Behring Breivik, the mass murderer of 77 men, women and children. The punishment? 21 years. 21 years. For 77 murders. That’s fewer than 3 months per murder. Americans have a … --- ## [Was Colin Kaepernick actually trying to protest police brutality or just trigger conservatives](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-colin-kaepernick-actually-trying-to-protest-police-brutality-or-just-trigger-conservatives/837148)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2019, 7:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-colin-kaepernick-actually-trying-to-protest-police-brutality-or-just-trigger-conservatives/837148 "2019-07-23T07:38:43Z")
Kaepernick is an intelligent guy, he graduated college with a 4.0 GPA and scored very above average on a wonderlic cognitive test they give NFL players. He says his protests are about protesting police brutality. But i… --- ## [Do the pros of Berkeley's gender-pronoun-ban outweigh the cons?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-pros-of-berkeleys-gender-pronoun-ban-outweigh-the-cons/837361)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2019, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-pros-of-berkeleys-gender-pronoun-ban-outweigh-the-cons/837361 "2019-07-23T01:23:44Z")
Don’t want to start a debate on LGBT/genderism/non-genderism itself (we have many other threads,) but just want to ask about the \*\*practicality \*\*of this: Does this mean that police will not be allowed to describe a sus… --- ## [Piracy in the Strait of Hormuz- who will shut it down?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/piracy-in-the-strait-of-hormuz-who-will-shut-it-down/837316)
**Author:** [@Turki-lurki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Turki-lurki)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2019, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/piracy-in-the-strait-of-hormuz-who-will-shut-it-down/837316 "2019-07-22T21:57:54Z")
Two ships have apparently been taken in what sounds like acts of piracy. Iran is apparently the responsible party. This is going to have to be stopped, but by whom? Will anyone trust the US as an ally with Trump in offic… --- ## [How far is the gap between what D's/R's say and what they really want?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-is-the-gap-between-what-ds-rs-say-and-what-they-really-want/836914)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2019, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-is-the-gap-between-what-ds-rs-say-and-what-they-really-want/836914 "2019-07-22T17:39:55Z")
Generally, a political platform is going to be considerably more nuanced than what its proponents actually want, since if they openly say what they really want out loud, they might not win any elections again for a long … --- ## [Why not just dispense with gendered language/pronouns in English?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-just-dispense-with-gendered-language-pronouns-in-english/836456)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 170\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2019, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-just-dispense-with-gendered-language-pronouns-in-english/836456 "2019-07-22T14:24:09Z")
As the issue of gender in society has started to surface, I started to think about what the role of gender really is, and what it’s for. That remains an open question to me. But what seems much easier is the use of gend… --- ## [Iran shoots down U.S. aircraft over international waters.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iran-shoots-down-u-s-aircraft-over-international-waters/835812)
**Author:** [@Tigers2B1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tigers2B1)\ **Replies:** 374\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2019, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iran-shoots-down-u-s-aircraft-over-international-waters/835812 "2019-07-22T00:00:23Z")
Assuming the above to be true what is the next appropriate step for the United States? That’s pretty much it I would like to hear some different perspectives. Thanks. --- ## [Is stating "Women can change their behavior to lessen their chance of sexual assault" misogynistic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-stating-women-can-change-their-behavior-to-lessen-their-chance-of-sexual-assault-misogynistic/837100)
**Author:** [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Replies:** 263\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2019, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-stating-women-can-change-their-behavior-to-lessen-their-chance-of-sexual-assault-misogynistic/837100 "2019-07-21T23:12:20Z")
Based on recent ATMB threads and various warnings, and the fact that posters seem to think that posting a contrary opinion on certain topics won’t automatically get a warning, I would like to see if basics facts, when po… --- ## [Why exactly did gun culture blossom in the US and, seemingly, not in most other Western countries?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-exactly-did-gun-culture-blossom-in-the-us-and-seemingly-not-in-most-other-western-countries/837090)
**Author:** [@Oedipus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oedipus)\ **Replies:** 189\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2019, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-exactly-did-gun-culture-blossom-in-the-us-and-seemingly-not-in-most-other-western-countries/837090 "2019-07-21T00:26:31Z")
I know that Switzerland somehow maintains the balance of a strong hunting culture and society that really values guns and the UK MIGHT be an exception to this…but where was the fork in the road where, for instance, Spain… --- ## [Recycling industry needs some help](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recycling-industry-needs-some-help/836969)
**Author:** [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2019, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recycling-industry-needs-some-help/836969 "2019-07-20T18:17:07Z")
Is it just me, or is the recycling industry somewhat disconnected with how people actually live? I mean, we get all this huge push for recycling from cities and other organizations, but then the actual recyclers sabotag… --- ## [Did the USA research weaponizing ticks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-usa-research-weaponizing-ticks/837159)
**Author:** [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2019, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-usa-research-weaponizing-ticks/837159 "2019-07-19T21:45:28Z")
It sounds like a conspiracy theory. Is it? From Gizmodo: I considered putting this in a couple forums - General Questions, Politics - but decided this was the best compromise. Any mod can punt it elsewhere if I have c… --- ## [Does religion have a place in public debate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-religion-have-a-place-in-public-debate/834709)
**Author:** [@Max\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_S)\ **Replies:** 552\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2019, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-religion-have-a-place-in-public-debate/834709 "2019-07-19T14:53:34Z")
Prompted by k9bfriender’s post in the thread \[POST=21664015\]“Pro-lifers want to control women’s bodies” - Okay, but…why?\[/POST\] Does religion have a place in public debate? I’m primarily interested in American debate, b… --- ## [Is the "Betsy Ross" flag racist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-betsy-ross-flag-racist/836376)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 227\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2019, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-betsy-ross-flag-racist/836376 "2019-07-19T03:50:33Z")
Specifically, this one. First let me explain my opinion about these things. I am not racist. I understand and agree the southern cross flag has come to stand for racism. I understand the swastika has come to stand for r… --- ## [How would mankind organise a future cull](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-mankind-organise-a-future-cull/836893)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2019, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-mankind-organise-a-future-cull/836893 "2019-07-19T00:59:30Z")
Just assume that for whatever reason the future of the planet requires a controlled cull of the human population. Overpopulation, resource scarcity, etc etc could be the reasons. How will it be done? --- ## [Why Is Private Possession of Drugs Illegal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-private-possession-of-drugs-illegal/837187)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2019, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-private-possession-of-drugs-illegal/837187 "2019-07-18T13:53:15Z")
I used to support the laws. But I don’t know if I ever understood them. I certainly don’t understand them now. Drugs are often dangerous. That is why they are illegal. Most people don’t have a problem with that. But why… --- ## [Noted American child molester pitching lights out for Mexican team!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/noted-american-child-molester-pitching-lights-out-for-mexican-team/837152)
**Author:** [@Helmut\_Doork](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helmut_Doork)\ **Replies:** 133\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2019, 8:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/noted-american-child-molester-pitching-lights-out-for-mexican-team/837152 "2019-07-18T08:22:26Z")
Tecolotes Dos Laredos, why? Are the few extra wins worth it? Noted American convicted child molester Luke Heimlich, rightfully shunned by US baseball, has found a home in Mexico now! Seems he’s pitching really well, so… --- ## [Chris Langan, the Smartest Man in America = Crackpot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chris-langan-the-smartest-man-in-america-crackpot/606168)
**Author:** [@FixMyIgnorance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FixMyIgnorance)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2019, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chris-langan-the-smartest-man-in-america-crackpot/606168 "2019-07-17T18:11:55Z")
Interview: Part 1: chris langan (part 1) - YouTube Part 2: Chris Langan Part 2 - YouTube Part 3: Chris Langan part3 - YouTube This guy was featured in Malcolm Gladwell’s “Outliers” as a really intelligent man who u… --- ## [Partisan Gerrymandering - Rucho v. Common Cause](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/partisan-gerrymandering-rucho-v-common-cause/835139)
**Author:** [@Bone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bone)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2019, 12:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/partisan-gerrymandering-rucho-v-common-cause/835139 "2019-07-17T12:23:18Z")
This case and the sister case, Lamone v. Benisek, are set to be decided this month. Both raise the issue of whether partisan gerrymandering is prohibited. The SCOTUS Blog page and actual questions presented are: \[ol\] … --- ## [A date rape case even doubters will believe?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-date-rape-case-even-doubters-will-believe/837085)
**Author:** [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2019, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-date-rape-case-even-doubters-will-believe/837085 "2019-07-16T15:57:13Z")
Article here and please read. A young American nursing student studying in Antigua was date-raped by a (now former) British cop. He put something in her wine, she passed out, and he raped her. She texted him in a friendl… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=66) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=68)