"The question is" or "A question is"

I guess more and more people are finding that the questions and comments of other people about a subject modify or extend one's own thinking.  I have been training myself to notice when somebody says "The question is…" to mentally change what I hear to "A question is…"  It seems that using the modification "My question is" would work, too.

It is rarely the case when only one question can be raised about a comment, a direction or some other subject.  One trick that people sometimes try when attempting to persuade others or deflect a discussion in a direction they prefer is to use the words "What about …?"  So, if high sugar prices are being talked about, I might try to get talk about education to switch to the irritating high prices if I say "What about sugar prices?".  I would be hoping that there is enough worry and interest in the price that the subject of education is shelved.