# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=86 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 87 --- ## [Anonymous = Coward?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-coward/820882)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 156\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2018, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-coward/820882 "2018-09-10T20:57:56Z")
This seems to be a good part of the reaction to the anonymous article in the NYT by a senior administration official who claims to be part of the internal resistance to Trump. I don’t agree that this follows. It’s obvio… --- ## [does mathematics refute solipsism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-mathematics-refute-solipsism/820536)
**Author:** [@Jim\_Peebles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_Peebles)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2018, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-mathematics-refute-solipsism/820536 "2018-09-10T04:20:56Z")
From wikipedia: “Solipsism is the philosophical idea that only one’s own mind is sure to exist.” But I saw the Pythagorean theorem, for instance, before I even knew what the notation meant. Now I can prove it and the p… --- ## [The Unitary Executive Theory](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-unitary-executive-theory/820903)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2018, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-unitary-executive-theory/820903 "2018-09-07T23:08:22Z")
Kavanaugh is getting beaten up about Morrison v. Olsen and whether a president should have the power to fire a special prosecutor. In my mind, the Constitution is clear: That’s not the FBI, or the Attorney General, or… --- ## [CA to require public corporation to have female board members. Constitutional? Good policy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ca-to-require-public-corporation-to-have-female-board-members-constitutional-good-policy/820531)
**Author:** [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2018, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ca-to-require-public-corporation-to-have-female-board-members-constitutional-good-policy/820531 "2018-09-06T12:46:22Z")
CA is close to passing a law that would require public corporations, headquartered in the state, to have at least 1 woman on their BoD by 2019, and more going forward, depending on the size of the Board. I can’t see how… --- ## [Believing in God and Gay Marriage.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/believing-in-god-and-gay-marriage/820397)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 143\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2018, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/believing-in-god-and-gay-marriage/820397 "2018-09-06T02:16:56Z")
I want everyone’s honest opinion on this: Can you believe in God and gay marriage? Because frankly, I do. I actually started straying away, from organized religion at least, while I was still in high school. Then in my … --- ## [Tariffs on EU Cars](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tariffs-on-eu-cars/820575)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2018, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tariffs-on-eu-cars/820575 "2018-09-05T17:33:41Z")
It my understanding the Trump wants to raise tariffs on EU cars because, among other things, Europeans have a habit of buying cars made in Europe (paraphrased from radio report I heard this morning.) And the answer to th… --- ## [What is the truth behind this meme? \[Space Force will Make Space Great Again\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-truth-behind-this-meme-space-force-will-make-space-great-again/820678)
**Author:** [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2018, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-truth-behind-this-meme-space-force-will-make-space-great-again/820678 "2018-09-03T19:30:30Z")
“The Defense Department AND Pentagon have been directed to immediately begin … to establish a Space Force … separate but equal.” is this something new we really need? The question seems like a good topic for debate. H… --- ## [Could moon be colonized?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-moon-be-colonized/820034)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2018, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-moon-be-colonized/820034 "2018-09-02T23:47:45Z")
We are always as a society talking about Mars being colonized, but what about Moon? Mars is perhaps colder, so temperatures there are better for colonization, but is there anything else that makes moon a bad place to col… --- ## [Is there a good counterargument to the Boltzmann brain or simulation hypothesis](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-good-counterargument-to-the-boltzmann-brain-or-simulation-hypothesis/820453)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2018, 9:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-good-counterargument-to-the-boltzmann-brain-or-simulation-hypothesis/820453 "2018-09-02T09:52:20Z")
This is the argument as I understand it. On universal time scales, there will probably be a near infinite number of Boltzmann brains that are identical to your own brain. Plus assuming intelligence continues to evolve, … --- ## [Should Antifa violence be condemned?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-antifa-violence-be-condemned/819902)
**Author:** [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Replies:** 351\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2018, 8:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-antifa-violence-be-condemned/819902 "2018-09-02T08:54:04Z")
I don’t think this will be particularly controversial but here we go. I think there have been times when Antifa has done damage to people and property that goes beyond the mere clashes with the white nationalists. They d… --- ## [Why not just blockade Japan into surrender, WWII? Resolved...it was a bad idea.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-just-blockade-japan-into-surrender-wwii-resolved-it-was-a-bad-idea/820055)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2018, 5:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-just-blockade-japan-into-surrender-wwii-resolved-it-was-a-bad-idea/820055 "2018-09-02T05:14:40Z")
Based on this video Why not blockade Japan into Surrender? (feat. D.M. Giangreco) - YouTube, I thought we could revive a part of previous debates about the end of WWII in the Pacific. Basically, this often comes up in t… --- ## [Is OJ Simpson innocent or guilty?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-oj-simpson-innocent-or-guilty/819313)
**Author:** [@Nadnerb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nadnerb)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2018, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-oj-simpson-innocent-or-guilty/819313 "2018-09-02T01:16:48Z")
Please help me out on this one. Many people do argue he’s guilty but many people also argue he’s innocent such as Larry King and Johnny Cochran, especially since the latter argued that the glove didn’t OJ’s hand. Also fo… --- ## [Should They Have Removed Pres. Reagan From Office?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-they-have-removed-pres-reagan-from-office/819996)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2018, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-they-have-removed-pres-reagan-from-office/819996 "2018-08-30T21:15:20Z")
A lot of people even now don’t realize it. But with the Iran Contra Affair, they did have enough evidence to remove President Ronald Reagan from office. Look it up. But Senate Democrats thought it would be political suic… --- ## [Bermuda Triangle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bermuda-triangle/611661)
**Author:** [@Rutika\_Kulkarni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rutika_Kulkarni)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2018, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bermuda-triangle/611661 "2018-08-29T23:13:19Z")
What do you think do Bermuda Triangle exists? If yes then What is the reason behind it? --- ## [Is the "rat park" study flawed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-rat-park-study-flawed/820338)
**Author:** [@Machinaforce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machinaforce)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2018, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-rat-park-study-flawed/820338 "2018-08-29T13:08:13Z")
There is a study going around about rats and addiction. Most call it “rat park” and it pretty much deals with the cause of addiction. But even I could tell from a cursory glance that this seems a bit off. Saying that … --- ## [Why would someone choose gun ownership over their own well-being?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-someone-choose-gun-ownership-over-their-own-well-being/820199)
**Author:** [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2018, 8:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-someone-choose-gun-ownership-over-their-own-well-being/820199 "2018-08-29T08:02:11Z")
Not looking for a debate on the 2nd Amendment here, or even about gun ownership in general. I just want insight into a friend’s decision that I find utterly baffling. My friend has severe, chronic back pain from a long-… --- ## [Why is South Africa melting down?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-south-africa-melting-down/819548)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 201\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2018, 5:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-south-africa-melting-down/819548 "2018-08-29T05:57:30Z")
One of the YouTubers I follow is from South Africa. While his channel isn’t about South Africa, and he’s moved away, he often will comment about how the country is melting down. I did a bit of digging and found out tha… --- ## [Aging While Female](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aging-while-female/819734)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2018, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aging-while-female/819734 "2018-08-29T01:00:22Z")
Madonna turns 60: The painful lessons she taught us about aging while female ISTM that Madonna, and the sympathetic writer of the article, miss the point in attributing unease with Madonna’s continued persona to ageism… --- ## [Elizabeth Warren has introduced legislation to Give Workers More Control Over Corporate Decisions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elizabeth-warren-has-introduced-legislation-to-give-workers-more-control-over-corporate-decisions/819733)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2018, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elizabeth-warren-has-introduced-legislation-to-give-workers-more-control-over-corporate-decisions/819733 "2018-08-28T21:39:08Z")
Ignoring the impossibility of this passing, is this a good idea? I have some sympathy for the ideas, especially the first three. Regarding the 4th one, I have to wonder what happens if a large corporation’s charter i… --- ## [WWII...resolved, lend lease was critical to keeping the Soviets in the war](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wwii-resolved-lend-lease-was-critical-to-keeping-the-soviets-in-the-war/820421)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2018, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wwii-resolved-lend-lease-was-critical-to-keeping-the-soviets-in-the-war/820421 "2018-08-28T20:16:46Z")
This thread is based on this YouTube video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25ACv\_4Sj7Q), called Did the Soviets win WW2 due to US support? It’s a bit of a misleading title, since the video itself also delves into the B… --- ## [I think Timothy McVeigh's actions were not an entirely unreasonable reaction to Ruby Ridge and Waco.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-timothy-mcveighs-actions-were-not-an-entirely-unreasonable-reaction-to-ruby-ridge-and-waco/820081)
**Author:** [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Replies:** 155\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2018, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-timothy-mcveighs-actions-were-not-an-entirely-unreasonable-reaction-to-ruby-ridge-and-waco/820081 "2018-08-27T23:18:57Z")
As suggested by by our esteemed HurricaneDitka in ATMBhere is your chance to explain. Since you can’t be bothered with the pit, you don’t get any apology. Now please, WTF do you mean? --- ## [Asteroids vs Volcanos (Dinosaur extinction)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/asteroids-vs-volcanos-dinosaur-extinction/819551)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2018, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/asteroids-vs-volcanos-dinosaur-extinction/819551 "2018-08-27T22:07:54Z")
From the Atlantic: The Nastiest Feud in Science: A Princeton geologist has endured decades of ridicule for arguing that the fifth extinction was caused not by an asteroid but by a series of colossal volcanic eruptions. B… --- ## [And Now Chris Hardwick \[domestic abuse allegations\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-now-chris-hardwick-domestic-abuse-allegations/816153)
**Author:** [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Replies:** 1078\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2018, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-now-chris-hardwick-domestic-abuse-allegations/816153 "2018-08-26T03:43:49Z")
Apparently an abusive asshole. --- ## [Why do conservatives so strongly oppose the idea of climate change](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-conservatives-so-strongly-oppose-the-idea-of-climate-change/819713)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 265\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2018, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-conservatives-so-strongly-oppose-the-idea-of-climate-change/819713 "2018-08-25T14:54:56Z")
I just watched a great movie Chasing Ice. It was ostensibly about climate change. (That aside, it’s a beautiful film - watch it!). There were a number of news clips of Beck, Hannity, etc fervently denying climate change … --- ## [Millennials and Democracy.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/millennials-and-democracy/819866)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2018, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/millennials-and-democracy/819866 "2018-08-24T22:23:25Z")
I heard something on Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO, that I actually find rather hard to believe. Most people of the World War II generation think it is important to live in a democracy. I can understand that. But not… --- ## [Landing a plane on the freeway](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/landing-a-plane-on-the-freeway/819508)
**Author:** [@Karen\_Lingel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Karen_Lingel)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2018, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/landing-a-plane-on-the-freeway/819508 "2018-08-24T03:12:15Z")
This is two questions, really. How many innocent people is it acceptable to kill while trying to save your own skin? If you land a plane on the freeway, do you get a ticket or any kind of punishment at all? --- ## [Should governments mine Bitcoin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-governments-mine-bitcoin/810807)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2018, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-governments-mine-bitcoin/810807 "2018-08-23T18:36:35Z")
There’s this story from Tampa, Florida. A state government employee used government computers to mine for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for his personal enrichment. It appears that he used taxpayer money to purcha… --- ## [A case against some Christian schools](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-case-against-some-christian-schools/819964)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2018, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-case-against-some-christian-schools/819964 "2018-08-23T18:10:32Z")
In particular, Christian schools that use the Accelerated Christian Education(ACE) curriculum. If you wish to have your child go to a Christian-based school you have every right to do so, but you should know if the scho… --- ## [Is Making Intelligent Computers Such a Good Idea?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-making-intelligent-computers-such-a-good-idea/819379)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 174\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2018, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-making-intelligent-computers-such-a-good-idea/819379 "2018-08-23T17:07:30Z")
I actually posted this on the discussion of a science website. But it bears repeating. Some day, computers are going to become more intelligent than people. It is just a matter of time, an ‘when’, not ‘if’. I think they… --- ## [Weinstein accuser accused of sexually assaulting a minor](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weinstein-accuser-accused-of-sexually-assaulting-a-minor/819900)
**Author:** [@Warm\_blood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Warm_blood)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2018, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weinstein-accuser-accused-of-sexually-assaulting-a-minor/819900 "2018-08-23T13:24:56Z")
Asia Argento, Who Accused Weinstein, Made Deal With Her Own Accuser So she allegedly sexually assaulted a former child actor she had known a long time and previously worked with a few years back when he was 17 and she w… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=85) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=87)