Navigating Hypothetical Questions: Where Impossibility Meets Relevance

When it comes to hypothetical questions, my stance is not as adversarial as you might think. However, certain types of hypotheticals can be deeply frustrating, especially those that veer into the realm of the impossible or highly unlikely. There are effective ways to approach such questions, and understanding the nuances can lead to more constructive discussions.

Two Categories of Hypothetical Questions

Hypothetical questions can be divided into two categories:

Probable or Plausible: These are grounded in facts not in dispute and reasonable circumstances. For example: 'If the Mueller Report had disclosed evidence of collusion between the Trump campaign and the Russians, would it be grounds for an impeachment?' Here, the context and facts are clear, making the question straightforward and less prone to annoyance. Improbable or Ridiculous: These refer to highly unlikely or nonsensical scenarios. Such as: 'If 100 Navy SEALs were to attack 1,000 Spartans, who would win?' This type of question is not only ridiculous but adds little value to a conversation.

The second category often sparks annoyance, and it's these that I tend to downvote or report. Why? They can feel like a waste of time and effort, particularly when the responses can be dismissive or condescending.

A Case Study: The President Orders the Army to Attack Congress

This is a peculiar kind of hypothetical question that hits a weird 'sweet spot'—close enough to reality to be uncomfortable yet not far-fetched enough to feel playful. For example, the question, 'What if the President ordered the Army to attack Congress?' is deeply uncomfortable because it raises questions about the potential abuse of power, yet it's not so fanciful that it can be easily dismissed.

Examples like these make me deeply uncomfortable, and I don’t know or care why. The nature of the question can also be trollish and annoy others.

The Response Strategy

When faced with such questions, my response tends to be more serious, given the gravity of the hypothetical scenario. For instance, I might say:

‘That won’t happen. Here is why… If the President wanted to have absolute power so he could have Congress under arrest as a group without trial, let me tell you about FEMA and its powers in any “emergency” that is declared. Congress can end the emergency at their leisure, assuming they are physically in the building. If FEMA deputizes the FBI and the Police, including SWAT teams, and kicks down Congressmen’s doors all in one night, then the President is merely enforcing an emergency declared by SomeoneElse.

In this scenario, I address the legality and constitutional implications rather than indulging in fictional scenarios.

The Yin and Yang of FEMA Powers

FEMA, with its near-limitless emergency powers, presents a disturbing yet fascinating scenario. Historically, FEMA has been used for disaster relief, but the expansion of these powers is concerning. The potential for abuse is significant, as seen in the speculative example of ‘The Federal Emergency Management Administration Seizing Control of the US Congress with an Eye to the Formation of an Empire.’

This hypothetical scenario is not just a wild idea: with FEMA's current powers, such an outcome is within theoretical possibility.

A Futuristic Perspective

Imagine a future where the President uses FEMA's powers to seize power, leaving Congress powerless. The next paragraph might read:

It happened. Sucks. Now I gotta go to work. This evening is my parents’ anniversary. Poor Congress. Life goes on.

This scenario is not a gift from the gods of fiction, but a troubling path down which our nation could veer. FEMA's expanding capabilities are a tool that can either serve the public good or be wielded for more sinister ends. The potential is vast, and so are the consequences.

As absurd as the scenario is, it underscores the importance of vigilance and thoughtful discussion about executive overreach.

Closing Thoughts

While engaging in hypothetical questions can lead to interesting discussions, it’s essential to consider the realism and potential consequences. The Trump administration may indeed have shown a willingness to push the boundaries of executive power. However, the idea of a military coup against Congress is an extreme and unlikely scenario, but not one that should be dismissed outright. By understanding the potential and risks inherent in such scenarios, we can engage in more meaningful and informed discussions.