# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=69 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 70 --- ## [Guns, guns, and more guns. What can America do to reduce mass shootings?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guns-guns-and-more-guns-what-can-america-do-to-reduce-mass-shootings/835418)
**Author:** [@Barack\_Obama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barack_Obama)\ **Replies:** 162\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2019, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guns-guns-and-more-guns-what-can-america-do-to-reduce-mass-shootings/835418 "2019-06-20T03:02:57Z")
In Germany virtually nobody has firearms besides law enforcement, and those who do take their guns home can only have a certain amount of ammo. When I found out about this the American in me immediately was triggered so … --- ## [What happens when the robots (peacefully) take over?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-the-robots-peacefully-take-over/608914)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 994\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2019, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-the-robots-peacefully-take-over/608914 "2019-06-20T00:55:10Z")
Let’s leave aside for the moment all the dystopian visions of doom from an automated future (The Machine Stops, The Terminator, The Matrix, etc.), not because they couldn’t happen but because I have another question in m… --- ## [Trans Rights - Too much, too soon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trans-rights-too-much-too-soon/835167)
**Author:** [@MeanJoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanJoe)\ **Replies:** 146\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2019, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trans-rights-too-much-too-soon/835167 "2019-06-19T18:38:05Z")
I hope we can have a reasonable discussion on this topic. To be honest I’m a little afraid of this going badly. I am a straight married white male. I consider myself a LGBT ally and have many close friends who are gay … --- ## [WWJD Re: Gay People.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wwjd-re-gay-people/834146)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 196\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2019, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wwjd-re-gay-people/834146 "2019-06-19T16:04:39Z")
I actually have been hearing quite a bit about this subject, what Jesus would do concerning gays, if he were around today. It is hard to provide cites (much of it is on TV–like Real Time with Bill Maher just tonight). Bu… --- ## [A Solution to the Homelessness Crisis?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-solution-to-the-homelessness-crisis/835144)
**Author:** [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2019, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-solution-to-the-homelessness-crisis/835144 "2019-06-17T21:19:07Z")
Community First is intriguing but could it become a solution to the homelessness problem? Would conservatives, who often contend social issues should be resolved via the private sector, support this kind of community, or… --- ## [Are climate-change activists not extreme enough?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-climate-change-activists-not-extreme-enough/834876)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2019, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-climate-change-activists-not-extreme-enough/834876 "2019-06-17T18:55:31Z")
We have been warned repeatedly that the consequences of climate change (say, an increase of 2-3 degrees in Celsius) will be utterly catastrophic, and yet the vast majority of climate-change activists do little more than … --- ## [Is it good or bad to have a monarchy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-good-or-bad-to-have-a-monarchy/835212)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2019, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-good-or-bad-to-have-a-monarchy/835212 "2019-06-17T17:06:20Z")
In centuries past monarchs could be good or bad and usually the secession meant wars and such. But today, I have to say I admire the British monarchy. What CAN be good about a monarchy is they are not elected but basica… --- ## [Can/will the Supreme Court immunize Trump against state prosecution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-will-the-supreme-court-immunize-trump-against-state-prosecution/822120)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2019, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-will-the-supreme-court-immunize-trump-against-state-prosecution/822120 "2019-06-17T14:53:17Z")
A post from an Elections thread about Kavanaugh pointed out by scr4 and davidm (using the former as the more recent): This does seem relevant, since the President can pardon federal criminals but not state. Thoughts? … --- ## [What all nations sided with Hong Kong in their protests against the Chinese extradition law](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-all-nations-sided-with-hong-kong-in-their-protests-against-the-chinese-extradition-law/835561)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2019, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-all-nations-sided-with-hong-kong-in-their-protests-against-the-chinese-extradition-law/835561 "2019-06-17T00:12:23Z")
I know Taiwan did, which makes perfect sense since they know they’d be next on the hit list. But what all nations said they support Hong Kong? And did those nations have enough power to intimidate China? --- ## [Should public schools be managed and taught by the military?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-public-schools-be-managed-and-taught-by-the-military/834552)
**Author:** [@chaidragonfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chaidragonfire)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2019, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-public-schools-be-managed-and-taught-by-the-military/834552 "2019-06-14T21:44:20Z")
Since the 1980’s when all of this started, public schools have been constantly stripped of their powers, and made into nothing more than the tax-paid babysitting service it is today. Schools stripped of their power to m… --- ## [Why are foreign investors only buying up homes in select cities across the world](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-foreign-investors-only-buying-up-homes-in-select-cities-across-the-world/835252)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2019, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-foreign-investors-only-buying-up-homes-in-select-cities-across-the-world/835252 "2019-06-14T21:43:59Z")
My understanding is that a decent chunk of why real estate prices in certain cities have skyrocketed is because foreign investors want a place where they can park their money outside of their home country, and know that … --- ## [Conditions in North Korea (some spoilers for The Orphan Master's Son)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conditions-in-north-korea-some-spoilers-for-the-orphan-masters-son/835039)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2019, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conditions-in-north-korea-some-spoilers-for-the-orphan-masters-son/835039 "2019-06-14T17:07:38Z")
I am truly conflicted about where to post this. This thread is inspired by a book I’m reading called The Orphan Master’s Son (spoilers below), so maybe it goes into Cafe Society. However, I’m hoping to get factual answ… --- ## [Can't we let the drug criminals go?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-we-let-the-drug-criminals-go/835405)
**Author:** [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2019, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-we-let-the-drug-criminals-go/835405 "2019-06-14T03:18:11Z")
America sure has a lot of people locked up on drug crimes. A quote I googled: May I take a moment to talk about what I’m not doing in this thread? See Releasing Drug Offenders Won’t End Mass Incarceration Someone mig… --- ## [Hypothetical trouble with the Secret Service . . .](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothetical-trouble-with-the-secret-service/835383)
**Author:** [@GreenHell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreenHell)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2019, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothetical-trouble-with-the-secret-service/835383 "2019-06-13T03:57:30Z")
On Twitter: “Congratulations to John Hinckley on his parole. By the way, John. Jodie Foster still thinks you ain’t shit!” How much trouble would the hypothetical tweeter get in here? This seems fairly innocuous, but cou… --- ## [High school football coach has players baptised](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-school-football-coach-has-players-baptised/509429)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2019, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-school-football-coach-has-players-baptised/509429 "2019-06-11T22:57:40Z")
Story here. Now, this strikes me as definitely not completely voluntary, nor completely legal. Underage children are not legally responsible adults, and as such, the range of things they can do “voluntarily” is limite… --- ## [Solving the flaws with wind and solar, i.e. energy storage systems. Why not hydrogen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solving-the-flaws-with-wind-and-solar-i-e-energy-storage-systems-why-not-hydrogen/835076)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2019, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solving-the-flaws-with-wind-and-solar-i-e-energy-storage-systems-why-not-hydrogen/835076 "2019-06-10T19:27:35Z")
So, been doing a lot of thinking about green energy systems, especially as they have been discussed in multiple threads I’ve participated in lately. The obvious solution, to me, is nuclear to basically fill in the gaps … --- ## [Ilhan Omar is NOT Married to Her Brother](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ilhan-omar-is-not-married-to-her-brother/835293)
**Author:** [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2019, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ilhan-omar-is-not-married-to-her-brother/835293 "2019-06-10T14:46:16Z")
Probably. It’s difficult to be sure, because she isn’t as clear as she might be on who exactly she is/was married to, and also how personal expenses aren’t personal expenses. Fortunately, she has cleared everything wit… --- ## [Should we abolish the Senate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-abolish-the-senate/834903)
**Author:** [@CoastalMaineiac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoastalMaineiac)\ **Replies:** 142\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2019, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-abolish-the-senate/834903 "2019-06-09T22:20:16Z")
I’ve been reading a lot lately about the nature of the Electoral College. It’s come up for debate in Maine, because the state is thinking about joining a compact that would award our electoral votes to the winner of the … --- ## [What actions has Trump taken to specifically hurt / help America](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-actions-has-trump-taken-to-specifically-hurt-help-america/835159)
**Author:** [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2019, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-actions-has-trump-taken-to-specifically-hurt-help-america/835159 "2019-06-09T19:28:24Z")
With all the hype Trump gets (both positive and negative, depending on your political affiliation), it’s sometimes hard to separate his actual political actions from his rhetoric and over the top personality. And in the… --- ## [Do libertarians realize private citizens are just as oppressive as the government?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-libertarians-realize-private-citizens-are-just-as-oppressive-as-the-government/835021)
**Author:** [@Barack\_Obama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barack_Obama)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2019, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-libertarians-realize-private-citizens-are-just-as-oppressive-as-the-government/835021 "2019-06-09T03:03:39Z")
So it seems many libertarians just hate the government because it takes away their freedom. It sounds like they want to go back to the 1920s or 30s with a laissez faire method of governing. But, my issue with that is fai… --- ## [Contesting Criminal Governments](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contesting-criminal-governments/835233)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2019, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contesting-criminal-governments/835233 "2019-06-08T23:45:28Z")
A source of money is criminal enterprise; drugs, arms, sex trafficking, counterfeits, money laundering, etc. In my understanding, there are countries where the government is almost completely involved in running and/or … --- ## [Opposing abortion does not, necessarily, require support for babies or mothers after birth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opposing-abortion-does-not-necessarily-require-support-for-babies-or-mothers-after-birth/834602)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 182\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2019, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opposing-abortion-does-not-necessarily-require-support-for-babies-or-mothers-after-birth/834602 "2019-06-08T15:15:33Z")
A lot of pro-choicers like to argue that if pro-lifers were really pro-life, they’d be supporting babies and single mothers, etc. after birth, not just caring about the fetus’ life pre-birth but then ignoring it post-bir… --- ## [Would a TV channel called "White Entertainment Television" be offensive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-a-tv-channel-called-white-entertainment-television-be-offensive/101457)
**Author:** [@dalovindj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalovindj)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2019, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-a-tv-channel-called-white-entertainment-television-be-offensive/101457 "2019-06-06T21:39:46Z")
I have noticed that there is a channel called “BET” which stands for “Black Entertainment Television” - I believe. It seems to me that quite a few people would be offended if I were to start a network called “White Ente… --- ## [Do Animals Have a Sense of Humor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-animals-have-a-sense-of-humor/834862)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2019, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-animals-have-a-sense-of-humor/834862 "2019-06-05T15:47:57Z")
I asked this question about 20 years ago. But I will try to rephrase it, in a slightly different way, if that’s possible. I think the example I gave c. 20 years ago, was that I would be getting my dog a treat. And s/he … --- ## [Jessie Owens wins! Hitler is humiliated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jessie-owens-wins-hitler-is-humiliated/834997)
**Author:** [@Mcmechanic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mcmechanic)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2019, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jessie-owens-wins-hitler-is-humiliated/834997 "2019-06-05T14:29:15Z")
I’m not sure if this is the correct forum and this may have been discussed before, in which case I apologize. I like a good history documentary and since there’s quite a bit about nazis, I’ve seen quite a few. But one t… --- ## [How efficient were the IRA insurgents during the Troubles?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-efficient-were-the-ira-insurgents-during-the-troubles/834711)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2019, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-efficient-were-the-ira-insurgents-during-the-troubles/834711 "2019-06-05T14:26:11Z")
Wikipedia quotes IRA casualties at 368, Ulster Loyalist casualties at 162 and British security forces casualties at 1049. Presuming that the fight was mainly between the IRA on one side and the UK/Ulster Loyalists on the… --- ## [How should these two scenarios be compared? (hetero v. homo)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-these-two-scenarios-be-compared-hetero-v-homo/834799)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2019, 11:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-these-two-scenarios-be-compared-hetero-v-homo/834799 "2019-06-05T11:08:31Z")
Scenario 1: A straight man picks up a beautiful woman in a singles bar and takes her home, only to discover “she”'s a gay man in drag trying to seduce him. The straight man reacts furiously, curses the gay man with every… --- ## [Has telework improved production/quality?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-telework-improved-production-quality/835013)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2019, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-telework-improved-production-quality/835013 "2019-06-05T05:10:47Z")
In much of the federal government, the current trend seems to be to reduce telework. This is a significant change from just a few years ago, when the stated goal was to increase telework (and concomitantly, reduce works… --- ## [Loud motorcycles to honor vets on Memorial Day?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-motorcycles-to-honor-vets-on-memorial-day/834844)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2019, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-motorcycles-to-honor-vets-on-memorial-day/834844 "2019-06-04T17:24:37Z")
A couple years ago I was in DC on Memorial Day weekend. And I found out that there is an annual ride to honor fallen vets. From what I can tell all they do is ride around the national mall in a circle for a while … --- ## [Georgia governor signs strictest abortion bill in nation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/georgia-governor-signs-strictest-abortion-bill-in-nation/833659)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 848\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2019, 11:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/georgia-governor-signs-strictest-abortion-bill-in-nation/833659 "2019-06-04T11:58:58Z")
Link This idiotic law, as the article goes on to state, may have unintended consequences. If fetuses have legal personhood then they are entitled to due process. I look forward to thousands of Habeas Corpus suits for … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=68) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=70)