Red Flag Phrases: A List

The following is the first-draft of a list of phrases that I’ve seen used on the internet, tv, and radio that automatically raise a red flag for me. I’m not saying that everyone who uses these phrases isn’t worth listening to, but most of the time that’s the case.

Add your own in the comments.

• “They’re all crooks…”
• “Liberals just want…”
• “Conservatives are…”
• “It’s just common sense!”
• “Hello, my name is Richard Dawkins”
• “South Park is really good satire”
• “That’s what they want you to believe.”
• “Do you know the truth about Scientology?”
• “ACORN!”
• “Government meddling”
• “Atlas Shrugged”
• “The Second Amendment” (without acknowledging “a well-organized militia…”)
• “States’ rights”
• “(political opponent) is a LIAR!”
• Lame, capitalized puns (“BUllSHit”, “TAXachussetts”)

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