# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=70 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 71 --- ## [That Policeman in Arkansas \[manner of holding a handgun\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-policeman-in-arkansas-manner-of-holding-a-handgun/834705)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2019, 9:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-policeman-in-arkansas-manner-of-holding-a-handgun/834705 "2019-06-04T09:14:04Z")
What is with that sideways gangster grip? Is that to prevent a tophat malfunction. (Has anyone here had a tophat malfunction?) Is this some sort of new thing, or is he imitating a McBain movie? --- ## [Mall of America Assault and Incel Crime?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mall-of-america-assault-and-incel-crime/832602)
**Author:** [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2019, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mall-of-america-assault-and-incel-crime/832602 "2019-06-03T21:29:47Z")
Lost in the news flood today was the formal charging of Emmanuel Deshawn Aranda for allegedly throwing a 5-year old boy from the third floor of the Mall of America. And buried in the news coverage of that was this littl… --- ## [Does US Culture Value African American Male Beauty More?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-us-culture-value-african-american-male-beauty-more/834228)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2019, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-us-culture-value-african-american-male-beauty-more/834228 "2019-06-03T03:07:33Z")
I certainly don’t have any cites to prove this one. It is in fact mainly an observation I have made. But I will show you what leads me to it. Interracial marriages in the US are predominantly Black male/white female. Th… --- ## [If a US state enacts single payer, how do they stop out of staters from bankrupting the system](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-us-state-enacts-single-payer-how-do-they-stop-out-of-staters-from-bankrupting-the-system/834384)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2019, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-us-state-enacts-single-payer-how-do-they-stop-out-of-staters-from-bankrupting-the-system/834384 "2019-06-02T19:57:18Z")
I don’t know the details but I believe a US state can’t say ‘we won’t cover you if you’re out of state and move here for our health care system’. I could be wrong. But anyway, that is used as one criticism for a state e… --- ## [Can the President of the United States be arrested?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-president-of-the-united-states-be-arrested/834754)
**Author:** [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2019, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-president-of-the-united-states-be-arrested/834754 "2019-06-01T16:23:34Z")
It has been made very clear lately that a sitting President cannot be indicted. However, can the President be arrested? And if yes, by whom? My understanding is the Department of Justice has a standing policy stating i… --- ## ["Pro-lifers want to control women's bodies" - Okay, but........why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pro-lifers-want-to-control-womens-bodies-okay-but-why/834330)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 331\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2019, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pro-lifers-want-to-control-womens-bodies-okay-but-why/834330 "2019-06-01T14:26:41Z")
(Splitting off from the other abortion threads a bit): It’s often said that the real motive of pro-lifers is not to preserve unborn life, as they claim, but rather, “to control women’s bodies.” Okay, let’s say that is … --- ## [I have a rock-solid solution for those who want stricter gun control laws...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-rock-solid-solution-for-those-who-want-stricter-gun-control-laws/834590)
**Author:** [@nate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nate)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2019, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-rock-solid-solution-for-those-who-want-stricter-gun-control-laws/834590 "2019-06-01T04:29:40Z")
…and it’s been done before and I’ve mentioned it here on a thread or two with general agreement: encourage minorities to legally open-carry. I can’t think of a greater example of modern racism in our society than knowin… --- ## [Mitch McConnell...back atcha](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-back-atcha/834035)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2019, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-back-atcha/834035 "2019-06-01T03:19:54Z")
Let’s assume that the democrats win big in 2020 and Biden gets elected Could the house come up with a new Judiciary Act for President Biden to allow him to appoint 2 more left leaning justices to the supreme court? --- ## [Artemis program - Humans on the moon by 2024](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artemis-program-humans-on-the-moon-by-2024/834661)
**Author:** [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2019, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artemis-program-humans-on-the-moon-by-2024/834661 "2019-05-31T17:34:07Z")
In March, VP Pence told NASA that they would return to the moon by 2024. Seemed pretty definitive, using words like “urgent”, “stated policy of this administration”, “accelerate the agenda.” So this sounds pretty coo… --- ## [Why did we free the slaves?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-we-free-the-slaves/834139)
**Author:** [@Barack\_Obama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barack_Obama)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2019, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-we-free-the-slaves/834139 "2019-05-31T14:45:42Z")
Elaborate, what was the reason and incentive behind freeing slaves, and the north’s tolerance towards refugee runaways, and people who would be considered slaves. Was there any particular reason, doesn’t seem like the wo… --- ## [Those states banning abortions made sure to pass laws supporting single mothers, right?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/those-states-banning-abortions-made-sure-to-pass-laws-supporting-single-mothers-right/834538)
**Author:** [@SamuelA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SamuelA)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2019, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/those-states-banning-abortions-made-sure-to-pass-laws-supporting-single-mothers-right/834538 "2019-05-30T02:17:13Z")
Let’s start with a few obvious fixes to the current “system” for single mothers. a. Child support payments. Why do the states not help single mothers who can’t get these payments? The father could be dead, in jail, u… --- ## [How has the online world changed in-person social life?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-has-the-online-world-changed-in-person-social-life/834008)
**Author:** [@Chad\_Sudan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chad_Sudan)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2019, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-has-the-online-world-changed-in-person-social-life/834008 "2019-05-29T19:55:58Z")
Question for those who came of age before the internet: Based on your own observations (of you and those around you)… How has online social media and the internet affected the quality/quantity of in-person social life?… --- ## [What happens if Trump still says no?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-trump-still-says-no/834536)
**Author:** [@jebert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jebert)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2019, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-trump-still-says-no/834536 "2019-05-29T13:54:54Z")
The House has subpeonaed Trump’s tax records and other documents. Trump has said no. Presumably this could now go to the Supreme Court, and they could possibly rule in favor of the House and order the submission of the… --- ## [LBGTQ Pride Over Job Counseling - Really? What's Wrong With These Pictures?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lbgtq-pride-over-job-counseling-really-whats-wrong-with-these-pictures/834663)
**Author:** [@JBGUSA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JBGUSA)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2019, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lbgtq-pride-over-job-counseling-really-whats-wrong-with-these-pictures/834663 "2019-05-28T20:42:38Z")
I have posted a screenshot of two adjacent emails in my inbox. The first show an email from my County Board of Legislators celebrating LGTBQ Pride Month. The next, from a nonprofit agency announcing the discontinuance… --- ## [Latest anti-nuclear activist: former chair of Nuclear Regulatory Commission](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/latest-anti-nuclear-activist-former-chair-of-nuclear-regulatory-commission/834113)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2019, 7:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/latest-anti-nuclear-activist-former-chair-of-nuclear-regulatory-commission/834113 "2019-05-28T07:14:44Z")
An interesting op-ed in the Washington Post: I don’t think I can quote more, but it’s worth reading the full op-ed. I tend to be reluctantly and tentatively pro-nuclear. Reluctantly because I acknowledge the risks; te… --- ## ["Toxic masculinity" and "toxic femininity." Real things or sexist mumbo-jumbo.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toxic-masculinity-and-toxic-femininity-real-things-or-sexist-mumbo-jumbo/833866)
**Author:** [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Replies:** 186\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2019, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toxic-masculinity-and-toxic-femininity-real-things-or-sexist-mumbo-jumbo/833866 "2019-05-27T21:12:29Z")
Toxic masculinity: I can’t find a formal definition of toxic femininity. But I did find this piece that takes a thoughtful stab at defining the term: What inspired this thread was this hit piece against Meghan McCai… --- ## [John Walker Lindh (remember him?), Ashcroft and original intent.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-walker-lindh-remember-him-ashcroft-and-original-intent/109345)
**Author:** [@David\_Simmons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/David_Simmons)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2019, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-walker-lindh-remember-him-ashcroft-and-original-intent/109345 "2019-05-27T18:52:37Z")
The sixth amendment to the constitution guarantees a defendant in a criminal case means to compel witnesses in his or her defense to appear. Since a main thrust of the amendment is to provide the defendant with a speedy… --- ## [Why haven't there been more document leaks on Trump?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-havent-there-been-more-document-leaks-on-trump/834105)
**Author:** [@Chad\_Sudan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chad_Sudan)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2019, 12:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-havent-there-been-more-document-leaks-on-trump/834105 "2019-05-27T12:06:38Z")
How come there have been so few leaks of documents implicating That Man in the White House? By now, shouldn’t we have seen federal tax returns? NY state tax returns? The redacted parts of the Mueller Report? Those are j… --- ## [For what reasons did the Old South and Nazi Germany think they could win the war?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-what-reasons-did-the-old-south-and-nazi-germany-think-they-could-win-the-war/833871)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2019, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-what-reasons-did-the-old-south-and-nazi-germany-think-they-could-win-the-war/833871 "2019-05-27T05:17:36Z")
Both the Old South and Nazi Germany proved to be have overestimated their ability to win the war. What factors did they think would enable them to win? For what factual, philosophical or psychological reasons did they be… --- ## [Should Psych Wards Be Mandatory?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-psych-wards-be-mandatory/834313)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2019, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-psych-wards-be-mandatory/834313 "2019-05-25T03:49:30Z")
I actually just came up with this idea, possibly last night as I slept. Should large hospitals be required to have psychiatric wards in them? True story. In 1997 my father had a nervous breakdown. He wasn’t violent. But… --- ## [Gender Pay Gap](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gender-pay-gap/834255)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 191\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2019, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gender-pay-gap/834255 "2019-05-23T23:32:15Z")
Kamala Harris made a small ripple, not the big splash I believe she intended, with the announcement of a proposed equal pay measure whereby companies would be required to disclose pay data along with a certification that… --- ## [Purpose in keeping reformed prisoners locked up even after reforming](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/purpose-in-keeping-reformed-prisoners-locked-up-even-after-reforming/834124)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2019, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/purpose-in-keeping-reformed-prisoners-locked-up-even-after-reforming/834124 "2019-05-23T15:16:29Z")
IMHO, there is little valid purpose served in continuing to keep a prisoner locked up after he/she has genuinely reformed. (The main difficulty being, of course, that short of mind-reading you cannot tell if someone has … --- ## [NC Probation office is member of Sons of the Confederacy. Is this a problem?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nc-probation-office-is-member-of-sons-of-the-confederacy-is-this-a-problem/834116)
**Author:** [@BrianDime](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrianDime)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2019, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nc-probation-office-is-member-of-sons-of-the-confederacy-is-this-a-problem/834116 "2019-05-22T23:48:19Z")
On the one hand, I can see how folks might feel like being a member of SoC would make some folks uncomfortable. On the other hand, the stated purpose of the group is historical and heritage. I guess at least one of the… --- ## [Roe v. Wade v. Alabama et al](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roe-v-wade-v-alabama-et-al/834359)
**Author:** [@bizerta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bizerta)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2019, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roe-v-wade-v-alabama-et-al/834359 "2019-05-22T22:53:44Z")
According to Wikipedia (which may be wrong), Is that correct? If I read the news correctly, the Alabama and Georgia laws specifically prohibit most abortions in the first trimester. With that said, the Alabama law (I… --- ## ["Rape and incest"... why not just "rape"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rape-and-incest-why-not-just-rape/834209)
**Author:** [@nate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nate)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2019, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rape-and-incest-why-not-just-rape/834209 "2019-05-22T20:55:33Z")
Why are the usual exceptions for abortions listed as “rape and incest”? Why is non-rape incest considered an exception? Is it really that common that an adult family member gets another adult family member pregnant duri… --- ## [Solution to the abortion madness? Make vasectomies for men universally available for free/low cost](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solution-to-the-abortion-madness-make-vasectomies-for-men-universally-available-for-free-low-cost/834076)
**Author:** [@2ManyTacos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2ManyTacos)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2019, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solution-to-the-abortion-madness-make-vasectomies-for-men-universally-available-for-free-low-cost/834076 "2019-05-22T04:19:55Z")
Maybe I’m opening a can of worms here, and I feel like I have to throw in a few caveats: (1) I am as pro-choice as they come, (2) I think what’s happening in Red America re: new abortion restrictions is heinous, and (3) … --- ## [What's the problem with US evangelical Christianity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-problem-with-us-evangelical-christianity/795007)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 155\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2019, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-problem-with-us-evangelical-christianity/795007 "2019-05-22T01:37:37Z")
From millionaire televangelists preaching hurricanes as punishment for gays, Creationism, Prosperity Gospel, military & gun worship and widespread support for Trump, American evangelical Christianity looks like particula… --- ## [Was the Old Testament just for the Jewish people?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-old-testament-just-for-the-jewish-people/834002)
**Author:** [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2019, 6:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-old-testament-just-for-the-jewish-people/834002 "2019-05-21T06:28:04Z")
Christianity has spread throughout the world to all different cultures. It is presented as the one true religion that everyone should follow regardless of where they live, their race, culture, or whatever. It says ever… --- ## [SAT to add adversity score](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sat-to-add-adversity-score/834126)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2019, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sat-to-add-adversity-score/834126 "2019-05-20T15:54:23Z")
I don’t think I am in favor of this. Seems very subjective. --- ## [Roe and the SCOTUS Hyatt Decision](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roe-and-the-scotus-hyatt-decision/833977)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2019, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roe-and-the-scotus-hyatt-decision/833977 "2019-05-20T00:02:44Z")
I’d like to discuss the recent SCOTUS decision in Franchise Tax Board of California v. Hyatt, which I will call Hyatt, and the possible implications for Roe v Wade. In this NY Times op-ed (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/0… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=69) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=71)