pol
I have one political test I give people at random who attempt to engage (more like bait) me into discussing pol. It's an easy question to debate if you know tax policy. "What impact do you think net operating loss carryforwards would have if they were eliminated for small businesses?"
Low-effort leftism and Trumplandia's brains turn into jelly when trying to process this question--and the Google certainly doesn't help since you have to read a lot of IRS regulation before responding.
pol
@trayofbees
Is this relevant when talking the details of small business tax policy, or is it a litmus test to determine if someone is able to discuss more foundational things, such as the purpose of government and the source of rights? I'd be hesitant to discuss small business tax policy because it's been a while since I ran a small business, but would discuss the other topics.
pol
@SecondJon A classic horizon idea would be something like "I think Bankruptcy law should be reformed. Student lending should be dischargable in bankrupcy."
The person thinking in the now: oh wow that's great!
The humanities department chair, who thinks in the future: Oh. My. God.
pol
@trayofbees
OK I see it, a way to understand quickly where the person is coming from. It is it to decide whether to engage at all? My hope is that through friendly, honest discussions about ideas and policy, even at a high (or should I say more foundational?) level that is more accessible to the everyday man, we could spread ideas : first, the idea of constructive discourse on substantive ideas, and then if course those ideas themselves.
pol
@SecondJon It's a litmus test. I bring up intricate policy like NOL carryforward, EIC, negative income, moral hazard, etc. to see how much econ the person really knows.
Sometimes I'll bring up a "horizon" idea which is simpler but it tells me if someone's thinking in the moment or they're thinking about the future more.