A reality-check list

In the world of metaphysics, there are no real accidents and we always get what we ask for. In the world of politics, we often get poor results because we ask such poor questions.

The Greek philosopher Socrates had it right. Good questions can expose wrong thinking. That’s why I keep a set of questions handy to spring on politicians when they ask me for my votes.

My questions are both factual and philosophical. My factual questions expose ignorance. The philosophical ones expose immorality, including hypocrisy. I will not vote for politicians who are fundamentally ignorant about the role and power of government and immoral with its use. Here are my questions (and some reasons for asking).

1. How many constitutions does Indiana have and when were they ratified? (This is a factual question relating to whether politicians know even the first thing about our state’s constitutional government.)

2. Do you believe that government has the right to take 100 percent of what Americans earn and own? If not, what percentage is acceptable to you? (Our governments currently consume about 60 percent of our paychecks.)

3. Do you believe in forcing others to do things if those things are good for them? Do you believe in being forced to do things if they are good for you? Who should decide what is good for you and your family? (These questions expose whether politicians abide by the Golden Rule. Most support compulsory taxes, education and savings, as well as using force to jail others who merely offend them.)

4. Do you believe in taking other people's property if it is for a good cause? Do you believe in having your property taken if it is for a good cause? Who should decide what is a good cause? (These questions reflect whether politicians follow the commandment that prohibits stealing or instead the principles of Robin Hood.)

5. Do you take responsibility for everyone else's needs? Should everyone else be responsible for your needs? (These questions are about the role of government. Hint: Karl Marx would have answered “yes.”) Which needs?

6. Should you be responsible to pay for the consequences of other adults’ unhealthy lifestyle choices? Should other people be responsible for your bad choices? (These questions are about self-responsibility.)

7. Should Americans be required to ask government’s permission to work in their chosen professions? To ensure high standards, should government license lawyers, home inspectors and barbers? How ‘bout journalists?

8. Should government serve special-interest groups?

9. Do you know what is best for other adults and their children? (This question exposes delusion. Only deluded people presume to know what is best for you and me.)

10. Can you name any government programs that have solved the problems for which they were created? (There are thousands of programs to consider, but very few correct answers. Good luck.)

11. Should jurors be punished for refusing to apply bad laws? (This is a trick question. Under Indiana’s two constitutions, ratified in 1816 and 1851, jurors have the power to trump the wisdom of legislators. It’s good to remind politicians and jurors of this from time to time.)

Our political system is only as good as our political discourse. Our discourse is only as good as the issues we discuss. If we raise the standards of our discussion, we will raise the quality of our representative government. Let’s get started today.