Q is for Question

Q gave me a bit of trouble. Quisling made the short list because we may have at least one of those in our government. But I thought a post about that would sound a bit conspiracy theory-ish—though if it walks like a Russian asset and talks like a Russian asset…..

I tried and tried to make Quantum work as a topic, working on the theory that it may take change on a molecular or atomic level to get things back to any kind of normal—and the idea that all things are related—if a butterfly flaps its wings in Oklahoma….but that post devolved into a lot of blather. Maybe somebody else will be able to do a better job.

Question seemed boring. I mean, we all know that we have to question everything, right? In the coming months, our country is going to be making a choice. And I am beginning to think we only have this summer to do that. I’m beginning to fear that if we don’t put the country back on course, we may totally lose our way.

We’re going to have to change hearts and minds if we want to change votes—always assuming we will have an opportunity to vote.

I know, I know. Debating with some of the zealots on the right seems pointless—it is, in fact, pointless in many instances. But a wise high school principal once told me that 5% of my students wouldn’t like me, and 5% would learn something they will need. The trouble, he said, is you don’t know which kid falls into which place.

The same is true for those who voted for this mess. Some are entrenched, but this is a teachable moment for many who are beginning to see that the policies they thought they were voting for harm people—sadly, it seems these people need to be harmed themselves before they understand– and the people they voted for were not being honest.

How do we make this teachable moment count?

Nobody wants to admit they’ve been wrong. All you can do is point them toward the light. They have to discover it themselves. A teacher friend liked to say that you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him read a book.

Plant the seed and hope it takes root. The ground is fertile right now for people who are losing money because of tariff nonsense, losing services and aid, seeing friends and neighbors suffer, fearing that their Social Security will end, or concerned that their personal information is now in the hands of –well, anyone who wants to pay for it.

Stop trying to win an argument. Focus instead on facilitating deeper understanding and critical thinking.

Consider Socratic questioning the next time you talk to a representative or get into a discussion with a neighbor in the checkout line. This type of questioning forces them to think a bit, to defend their position instead of vomiting up talking points.

And remember, you don’t have to win this debate. Actually, if you make them pause and think, even for a second, you have won. The seed has been sown.

Here are some examples of Socratic questions. It doesn’t hurt to explore these for your own beliefs, as well, to clarify and deepen your understanding of those positions.

Clarification Questions

1. What exactly do you mean when you say that?
2. Can you explain that idea in a different way?
3. What is a good example of what you’re talking about?
4. How does that policy actually work in practice?

Probing Assumptions

5. What are you assuming when you say that?
6. Are you basing that view on any particular ideology or historical example?
7. What would change your mind about this issue?
8. Do you think most people who disagree with you are misunderstanding something, or do they value different things?

Exploring Reasons and Evidence

9. What evidence or sources are you using to support that claim?
10. Why do you think that solution will work better than others?
11. Are there studies or historical cases that back up your point?
12. Could the opposite argument also be supported by facts?

Considering Alternatives

13. What are some other ways to look at this issue?
14. How might someone with a different political perspective respond to that idea?
15. Is there a compromise or middle ground between these positions?

Examining Implications and Consequences

16. What would happen if everyone believed or followed that policy?
17. How would that impact different groups of people?
18. Could there be any unintended consequences?

Questioning the Question

19. Why is this issue important to you personally?
20. What deeper values or principles are at stake in this debate?