Truth Over Noise

Here is my list of 8 Characteristics of People I typically will not follow or listen to (at least for very long!)--Maybe you can add a few?

The other day I was thinking about WHY I did not listen to many “radical conservatives” when it comes to politics.

Previously I have jotted down lists of the types of people I simply won’t pay any attention to so this week I thought I would take some time and explore my WHY.

First, I do not have a list of “liberals” I don’t listen to because in general I do not listen to that stream of media or religion; also, it is lazy to list out who we would not listen to anyways and far more productive to narrow down the field of input on our side.

Second, these 8 are a list of Characteristics of people I don’t listen to. In writing out this list I realized that I have a list of "people I don’t listen to based on what they believe. I might explore that a bit later on.

Third, I promise that at the end of this list I will share some specific people that I do not listen to—and, I would love for you to add to that list.

Enjoying the journey with you,
Les

MY LIST OF 8

1. Emotionally Manipulative: meaning, those who play on rage, fear or shame rather than reason, truth and clarity. These folks stir up division to drive clicks, votes or loyalty to their “brand” instead of to what is true, right and good.
   

2. Shallow or Sensational: They love splashy headlines and hype over substance and avoid nuance and complexity simply because it is less marketable.

   
   I would add with this Spiritually Hollow: When faith is reduced to slogans or political leverage it becomes powerless (except for politics and virtue signaling!); when people use Christian language without reverence for scripture and Godly living then I stop listening.
   

3. Ideologically Rigid: this type treats their political or theological Tribe as infallible and dismiss or attack opposing views without serious thought or real engagement.
   

4. Dishonest with Facts: They cherry pick data, scripture or story to fit a predetermined conclusion, ignoring context when quoting, preaching, reporting or posting.
   

5. Agenda Driven Over Truth Driven: I stop listening when I realize they care more about advancing a cause, building a/their brand or protecting their Tribe over pursuing truth, reality, even if it’s inconvenient.
   

6. Lack Moral Integrity: The person does not have to be perfect but must not live in a way that contradicts the values they preach or promote; or constantly excuse unethical and immoral behavior if it benefits their Tribe.
   

7. Performative Rather Than Substantive: I see this a lot in religious teachings where someone seems more interested in looking wise, deep or spiritual instead of actually doing the hard word to be wise, deep or spiritual.
   

8. Overly Tribal: When the person is defining truth based on their party, movement or denomination then I am out. This type often speaks as though the other Tribe has no redeeming value whatsoever.

And YES! Liberals, Progressives and/or The Other Side all do these things AND MAYBE they do it more than “Us” BUT…

Our time is best spent cleaning our own house and getting our families in order than it is shouting at another family and yelling about how messy their house is.

MY PEOPLE that Fall into These 8 Characteristics

• Candace Owens, commentator and podcaster

• Alex Jones, podcaster

• Tucker Carlson, political and cultural podcaster

• Ann Coulter, thinker, writer, speaker

• Peter Schweizer, author

• Marjorie Taylor Greene, representative

• Dave Smith, historian, podcaster and comedian
  

Who would you add to this list? AND, one rule here—It MUST BE someone from Your Tribe, from your Side and not from the “Other Guys” side.