# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=77 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 78 --- ## [Is intelligence the ability to remember and repeat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-intelligence-the-ability-to-remember-and-repeat/828983)
**Author:** [@scarface54345](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scarface54345)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2019, 10:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-intelligence-the-ability-to-remember-and-repeat/828983 "2019-02-18T10:41:06Z")
I don’t feel like my grades from when I was in school were a good indicator of my intelligence or lack of. I used to think that doing well in school was a sign of high intelligence, and I can’t remember why I did, but I … --- ## [Are there black fundamentalist Protestant denominations in the US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-black-fundamentalist-protestant-denominations-in-the-us/829046)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2019, 10:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-black-fundamentalist-protestant-denominations-in-the-us/829046 "2019-02-18T10:00:14Z")
It occurred to me that I know plenty of individuals and organizations who are white and described as fundamentalist Protestant but hardly anyone who is non-white and described as a fundamentalist Protestant. Am I correct… --- ## [Can the superrich get richer by intentionally crippling the economy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-superrich-get-richer-by-intentionally-crippling-the-economy/828790)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2019, 8:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-superrich-get-richer-by-intentionally-crippling-the-economy/828790 "2019-02-18T08:41:05Z")
Perhaps not in a dollar standpoint but from a actual one, by widening the divide between the haves and have nots. We see a lot of money was made by very few in the great depression, or at least coming out of the Great D… --- ## [Why Not Build That Wall?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-build-that-wall/829210)
**Author:** [@Barack\_Obama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barack_Obama)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2019, 8:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-build-that-wall/829210 "2019-02-18T08:27:05Z")
So obviously there isn’t a real crisis on the border, and basically everything republicans are saying is bullshit to support their new base’s notions of building a wall and deporting mexicans. But they shut down the gove… --- ## [When it comes to medical marijuana, does the strain matter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-it-comes-to-medical-marijuana-does-the-strain-matter/730416)
**Author:** [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2019, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-it-comes-to-medical-marijuana-does-the-strain-matter/730416 "2019-02-17T18:58:39Z")
So I’m watching a news show about a dispensary when a customer enters and wants something for sleep. He suggests something, like Northern Lights or Blue Cheese, or something like that… I don’t know much about this stuff… --- ## [Gun owners: what's your plan for a heart attack?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-owners-whats-your-plan-for-a-heart-attack/829499)
**Author:** [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2019, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-owners-whats-your-plan-for-a-heart-attack/829499 "2019-02-17T03:44:51Z")
This is going to sound extremely snarky, but I assure you it is not. Quite a few gun rights advocates say that a firearm is essential for their safety, as they may be a long way from emergency services. This came up a … --- ## [Trump declares "National Emergency" to build The Wall-Will it hold?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-declares-national-emergency-to-build-the-wall-will-it-hold/829617)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2019, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-declares-national-emergency-to-build-the-wall-will-it-hold/829617 "2019-02-17T00:14:23Z")
As expected, Trump made his “National Emergency” Wall declaration. And I am wondering if this will hold up. During hs declaration he actually says he “didn’t need to do this, but I’d rather do it much faster”, so wher… --- ## [Should Cities use Roundup?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-cities-use-roundup/826434)
**Author:** [@Bone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bone)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2019, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-cities-use-roundup/826434 "2019-02-16T17:30:22Z")
Recently,California has added Roundup (active ingredient glyphosate) to its list of known carcinogens that control which products need to carry a certain warning. In addition, some cities like Santa Rosa, Novato, and Be… --- ## [Are adult women having sex with teenagers equivalent to adult men having sex with teenagers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-adult-women-having-sex-with-teenagers-equivalent-to-adult-men-having-sex-with-teenagers/829267)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 163\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2019, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-adult-women-having-sex-with-teenagers-equivalent-to-adult-men-having-sex-with-teenagers/829267 "2019-02-16T13:57:35Z")
I am not sure it is possible to have a frank and open discussion about this topic but that is my hope for this. I, personally, am not advocating a position although I will be expressing an opinion. Which is to say I am… --- ## [What is the point of living if we're all going to die?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-living-if-were-all-going-to-die/829123)
**Author:** [@scarface54345](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scarface54345)\ **Replies:** 144\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2019, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-living-if-were-all-going-to-die/829123 "2019-02-16T01:02:08Z")
I’ve started to get this feeling “what is the point of living life if eventually we’ll all die”? And furthermore, I got another question. If we die, doesn’t everything come to an end? Don’t you lose memory of absolutely … --- ## [Brexit - general discussion thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brexit-general-discussion-thread/824424)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 892\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2019, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brexit-general-discussion-thread/824424 "2019-02-15T15:45:46Z")
Prompted by this article: Brexit headlines predict catastrophe | CNN Business There were some earlier threads, but they seem a bit stale now. Should there be another referendum? Will Theresa May be able to stay at 10 … --- ## [Impeach Trump. Now.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/impeach-trump-now/780327)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 590\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2019, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/impeach-trump-now/780327 "2019-02-14T22:56:05Z")
Yes, I know: it’s a political impossibility. But dammit, that’s what Dems should demand of the GOP: put country and our alliances ahead of party, and impeach and remove Trump before he gives away a good chunk of Ukraine… --- ## [Realistic ways that the shutdown could end](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/realistic-ways-that-the-shutdown-could-end/828215)
**Author:** [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Replies:** 152\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2019, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/realistic-ways-that-the-shutdown-could-end/828215 "2019-02-14T22:11:41Z")
I mean realistic in terms of the actual situation and players involved. Trump went on TV on Saturday offering up a 3 year delay on DACA and TPS in exchange for the $5.7B he wants. Pretty much everyone knew this offer w… --- ## [Is this why we can't agree on any issues?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-why-we-cant-agree-on-any-issues/829201)
**Author:** [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2019, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-why-we-cant-agree-on-any-issues/829201 "2019-02-12T22:16:11Z")
Inspired by a post over in Elections. You know, this right here is where it all falls apart. You look at people in a “very economically depressed area”, you notice all the character flaws and crime and substance abuse… --- ## [The seven universal morals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-seven-universal-morals/829222)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2019, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-seven-universal-morals/829222 "2019-02-12T21:58:57Z")
The Telegraph has an interesting article here. These look pretty good to me. According to the article what really separates cultures is the differing priorities they give to each of the seven. Do you agree? How would… --- ## [Did the kid break the law?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-kid-break-the-law/828901)
**Author:** [@GreysonCarlisle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreysonCarlisle)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2019, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-kid-break-the-law/828901 "2019-02-12T15:03:48Z")
A thirteen-year-old said to Siri, “I am going to shoot up a school.” Siri responded with a list of local schools. The kid posted the conversation on Facebook. Kid was arrested and charged with intimidation. Link I unde… --- ## [How Compromise Works](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-compromise-works/829029)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2019, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-compromise-works/829029 "2019-02-12T15:01:18Z")
Alonso wants to go out for pizza for dinner, and Bree wants to go out for sauteed tofu with brown rice. Both of them want a beer with dinner. They only have one car, so they can’t go to both Alonso’s favorite pizzeria an… --- ## [Has the media misrepresented the incident with the Covington Cathlic kids?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-media-misrepresented-the-incident-with-the-covington-cathlic-kids/828210)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 433\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2019, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-media-misrepresented-the-incident-with-the-covington-cathlic-kids/828210 "2019-02-12T02:40:47Z")
Basically the media says a group of cathloic high school boys, some wearing MAGA hats, were taunting and making fun of a Aative American. The school is taking alot of grief over this (Howard Dean wants the school closed)… --- ## [Can Bible Literacy Act directions be followed in the classroom?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-bible-literacy-act-directions-be-followed-in-the-classroom/828876)
**Author:** [@Crane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crane)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2019, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-bible-literacy-act-directions-be-followed-in-the-classroom/828876 "2019-02-10T22:23:49Z")
http://lrc.ky.gov/record/16RS/SB278/bill.pdf The Kentucky Bible Literacy Act states it’s purpose as: (2) The purpose of a course under this section is to: (a) Teach students knowledge of biblical content, characters, … --- ## [Should we allow individuals to hold billions of dollars in their pockets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-allow-individuals-to-hold-billions-of-dollars-in-their-pockets/828614)
**Author:** [@Barack\_Obama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barack_Obama)\ **Replies:** 295\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2019, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-allow-individuals-to-hold-billions-of-dollars-in-their-pockets/828614 "2019-02-09T20:01:10Z")
Should the gov allow a small % of the population to to concrete a large amount of wealth? I don’t mean businesses but rather individuals. Should a single person be allowed to be in control of so much wealth? I can think … --- ## [Conflating legit obesity health warnings with "fat shaming"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conflating-legit-obesity-health-warnings-with-fat-shaming/828798)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2019, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conflating-legit-obesity-health-warnings-with-fat-shaming/828798 "2019-02-08T14:26:55Z")
There is a trend of late where people are starting to take “fat shaming” to denote not only mockery of those who are obese, but also even health professionals who warn of genuine, legit health dangers that accompany obes… --- ## [Who/What is "rich"? What about "wealthy"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-what-is-rich-what-about-wealthy/828969)
**Author:** [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2019, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-what-is-rich-what-about-wealthy/828969 "2019-02-07T19:55:30Z")
There have been a lot of threads lately with a lot of hostility toward the “rich” and “wealthy” and what they do with their money. A common thread is that “the rich” and “wealthy” are pretty ill-defined. Some people ar… --- ## [Was the decline of the British Empire inevitable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-decline-of-the-british-empire-inevitable/828372)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2019, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-decline-of-the-british-empire-inevitable/828372 "2019-02-07T01:51:11Z")
If you look at a map of the world from 1905 or 1925 or even 1945, you’ll see that a significant portion of the world used to be controlled by London. That’s no longer the case. The United Kingdom still has a few overseas… --- ## [Wingnuts up in arms about Dems supposedly legalizing infanticide. What's this about, now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wingnuts-up-in-arms-about-dems-supposedly-legalizing-infanticide-whats-this-about-now/828741)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2019, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wingnuts-up-in-arms-about-dems-supposedly-legalizing-infanticide-whats-this-about-now/828741 "2019-02-06T16:20:19Z")
Yeah, I know the religious wingnuts have been up in arms about this before, but for a long time, I hadn’t heard anything about it. But I’ve heard multiple mentions today, so I’m kinda wondering what’s triggered them thi… --- ## [Is this racist? (Australian variety show skit)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-racist-australian-variety-show-skit/513146)
**Author:** [@KellyCriterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KellyCriterion)\ **Replies:** 165\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2019, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-racist-australian-variety-show-skit/513146 "2019-02-06T13:22:13Z")
Can’t see a thread on this yet, apologies if it’s been done… On Wednesday night (October 7th), a television show called Hey Hey It’s Saturday went to air here in Australia. It’s intended to be a family friendly variety … --- ## [What animals can humans naturally beat in a fight?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-animals-can-humans-naturally-beat-in-a-fight/827924)
**Author:** [@Barack\_Obama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barack_Obama)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2019, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-animals-can-humans-naturally-beat-in-a-fight/827924 "2019-02-05T20:14:29Z")
Which animals (dangerous ones, or obvious stereotypes) can humans defeat in an unarmed battle? I know humans can defend against sharks, and have to survive. But I specifically mean which animals can a human being literal… --- ## [Has the War On Opioids Become a War on Pain?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-war-on-opioids-become-a-war-on-pain/826611)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2019, 12:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-war-on-opioids-become-a-war-on-pain/826611 "2019-02-05T12:06:21Z")
True story. I took a class once. And they said in the text book doctors are hesitant to prescribe pain killers because they don’t want to be seen as drug dealers. That’s what it said. (And I hope you can see why it would… --- ## [Who will people trust in the future?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-people-trust-in-the-future/828909)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2019, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-people-trust-in-the-future/828909 "2019-02-05T05:19:03Z")
As an information addict I am especially saddened by the current state of the Internet and electronic communication in general, where the truth often really isn’t the truth. The more I hop from site to site, the clearer… --- ## [Orcas vs. sea lions vs. fishermen, et al](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/orcas-vs-sea-lions-vs-fishermen-et-al/828686)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2019, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/orcas-vs-sea-lions-vs-fishermen-et-al/828686 "2019-02-05T02:45:47Z")
An old friend (a vegan) is angry that it will be legal to kill sea lions here, the reason being that sea lions are eating salmon that orcas depend on to survive. We have about 75 resident orcas, and they are not doing w… --- ## [Trump caved. Now what?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-caved-now-what/828463)
**Author:** [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Replies:** 134\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2019, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-caved-now-what/828463 "2019-02-04T23:32:23Z")
With Trump’s (temporary) capitulation, the shutdown is now (temporarily) over. What lies ahead? If Trump can’t get funding for the wall within the next three weeks, will there be a Shutdown II? Would he have GOP support … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=76) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=78)