Talk politics.

With some issues, you aren't affected at all, or maybe just minimally affected. Without (much) skin in the game - you can either remain indifferent, or form an opinion based on everything that has made you who you are up to this point.

As for the issues that do affect you, for the most part - we tend to favor what benefits us. Almost always, only almost though. Is this selfish? Maybe - but also natural.

Despite that, we still pretend to be shocked if a politician votes for something that makes them rich(er). Here in internetland, I bet every one of us has used the argument 'I bet you wouldn't believe X was good if X had negatively affected you!' (to which a great, but losing, retort would be 'No shit').

If you tell me what you believe, I won't doubt you - but are you a person of conviction? Can you really say for sure, without the experience of having what you believe screw you over?


Have you opposed a tax bill that lowered your taxes, or supported one that raised them?

Have you opposed a healthcare plan that lowered your premiums/deductibles, or supported one that raised them?

Do you still like the idea of a high estate tax when you're a primary beneficiary? Or, do you think people should be able to pass on - penalty free - what they want to who they want - even when the boss's inexperienced kid gets promoted above you?

Have you supported amnesty despite a loved one being harmed by an illegal immigrant, have you opposed it despite befriending/falling-in-love-with a Dreamer?

Is a war still just as noble of a cause when a deployed relative misses making their routine weekly call?

Is a soda tax a good idea even though you enjoy the refreshing taste of an ice cold Dr. Pepper?

Those are hypothetical questions - just a little somethin' to get the brain juices flowing. Unless they do apply to you, in which case - go with it.

Tell us a position you have that has affected, is affecting, or has the high probability of eventually affecting you negatively.