Everyone has an opinion about what is wrong with America. Almost nobody shows their work.
That is what the 4Q Scrolls are for. It is our method, and it is not complicated. We take one claim at a time, ask four questions about it, and publish the facts - including those that disagree with our proposed solution.
First, we narrow
We do not research “the economy.” Nobody can research the entire economy at once. We narrow our focus to something specific.
Issue - One of the eight primary problem categories facing our nation.
Topic - One of the topics that live within those issues.
Claim - A specific assertion within a topic - something that can be stated plainly and tested.
An issue is too big to argue about productively. A claim is the right size. It is specific and limited in scope. It can be explored and considered.
Then we ask four questions
Once we have a claim, we ask four things, in order. Each has a job. None can be skipped.
#1 - Meaning | What does the claim mean?
Before we can test a claim, we must consider what its advocates are saying - their version, not ours. This questioning phase results in a clear definition of the claim.
#2 - Evidence | Why is the claim true - or not?
Evidence questions research why its advocates believe it is true, and the facts that affirm or dissent from the claim. This questioning phase results in a list of Affirming, Dissenting, and Neutral evidence.
#3 - Impact | Who and what is affected if this claim became law?
A claim can be true, but not serve the common good of all Americans. This questioning phase provides facts and perspective on who and what the claim might help or harm.
#4 - Solution | What is best for the common good of all Americans?
Solution questions drive us to the key points of a viable solution that serves the common good. This questioning phase reviews the Meaning, Evidence, and Impact. The result is a proposed solution.
Four questions pursued diligently to serve one standard: Based on confirmed facts, what is best for the common good of all Americans?
Want to see it?
We are just getting started.
Check out our process in The Commons.
Do you like The Commons, but want more?
Volunteer: Help us expand our library of Issues and proposed solutions. Email info@simpleliberty.com with your full name and three ways you’d like Simple Liberty to serve the common good of all Americans.
We will train and support your work on claims that interest you most, and are aligned with our purpose.
Why we show our work
Because you should carefully consider claims, not instantly accept them based on assumption, personal bias, or being sold opinions and manipulated facts.
Be honest about your own biases - the experiences and grievances that shape how you read and react to facts and experiences. Others have theirs, too. Recognizing this in yourself is the first step to thinking clearly.
Our research (Evidence) is public - at publication, and as it is updated. You can read the meaning, check the evidence, weigh the impact, and decide for yourself whether our proposed solution follows.
If it does not, tell us. (Members can join discussions.) If you have a fact we missed, confirm it is fact - not opinion - and send it.
We will edit our Issues section - the meanings, evidence, impacts, and proposed solutions - based on new facts.
We have to do so, for us to stay true to our standard: Based on confirmed facts, what is best for the common good of all Americans?
Truth grows stronger when it is tested by people committed to finding the best way, doing the right thing, and demonstrating everyone matters equally.
We can do this
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