The advantage/disadvantage system in 5th edition simplifies certain aspects of the game. The following article provides math to calculate the probability of a second dice roll being less (or greater) than the first.

For a d20 there is a 0.475 chance that the second dice roll with be greater (or less) than the first.

One would need to calculate the numbers for stacking bonuses to determine which system provides greater odds of success.

Regarding the concept of advantage/disadvantage in 5th Edition. Here is an interesting article that discusses probability of a second dice roll being less than the first.
The example uses a 6th sided dice but a formula is provided that can be used for a d20.

They must have gained enough XP to gain access to a new rhetoric feat.

See subject and do what it says

Is posting violent, vile, malicious, sadistic, and derogatory comments towards individuals acceptable behavior? Sorry others cannot throw the 'I'm just being honest' card to excuse unacceptable behavior.

News broadcasts focus too much on delivering entertainment. The integration of social media and commenting services creates an environment in which consumers has too much of an active role in shaping the news. These platforms encourage narcissistic behavior and shrill comments which make little difference in focusing on the facts.

Makes me wonder if the increase in FOIA requests corresponds to the rise of the Tea Party? These folks are anti-government regardless of the agency.

Look around. There are differences between countries. Legal frameworks and governance matters. Just compare Mexico and the United States. Be honest with yourself and ask what country would you rather live in?

The government has every right to determine whom and what is coming into the United States. International visitors are asked to file paper work with the government to report a number of items (large sums of money, plant/food products, money making equipment, etc.).

Well said. If folks want to learn to program they are going to have to work at it.

The notion that common ordinary folks can't pick up programming today is ludicrous. The free software is available to anyone with a connection to the Internet. I taught myself Basic and assembly language at the age of 8 on an ATARI computer back in the mid-80s. Microsoft offers a free product called SMALL Basic that can be used to teach anyone to program.

Societies have rejected homosexual behavior for centuries. Why is there now a push to make this behavior acceptable now?

Recall the quote from a presidential election. Something like "I was against it before I was before it" or some nonsense like that.

Google claims the moral high ground of protecting privacy while at the same time maximizing profits by exploiting your web activity.

Companies like Facebook mine all of your posts for the purpose of targeting advertising to get you, or your friends, to buy products and services - that you honestly do not need

Companies are getting hacked left and right and your personal information and credit cards are getting stolen.
All of this is going on and yet Slashdot posters continue to assail government agencies? Amazing.

If NSA would have been involved in making TCP/IP would people have used it?

There is a lot of hate being spewed at the NSA these days. Totally ridiculous title that needs to be changed by a Slashdot moderator.