The Three Gates, Ego, and Politics

BREATHE!

Someone noticed that I’ve gotten more restrictive on my page regarding certain attitudes I consider not to pass the Three Gates. People who are dishonest, deluded, or cruel. And it is true. Most of this is my concern for my readers: people are stressed to the max, to the point where some speak in terms familiar to suicide hotlines. Others seem to feel total despair for the human race.

I consider it my duty to provide a safe space, to the best of my ability. It isn’t avoidance of tough subjects. Anyone can PM me with a conversation at any time. But I’m more selective about who I expose my audience to.

I keep a list of people who repeatedly violate the Three Gates but are subtle enough not to be actually rude on my pages. I’m aware of what they are doing — they aren’t interested in communication with me, they want to preen for those who read and follow me. And if I say “discourtesy” is my standard, all they have to do is phrase dishonest or deluded or even insulting things “courteously” and they slip into the gray zone.

I see them. Believe me I do.

Conspiracy theorists are entering that territory. Within the last week I identified a reader who is simply a snake. They promote conspiracy theories, and when confronted by contrary facts simply doesn’t respond, pauses an hour or two, but then goes right back to promoting lies to people who didn’t see the facts.