This morning, I read these words from Jeremiah chapter 5: (The speaker is Yahweh, Israel’s God).
”An appalling and horrible thing has happened in the land:
the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority; my people love to have it so, but what will you do when the end comes?”
Truth has been front and centre in the news for a while now. The Trump era brought us face to face with the damage that lies cause in the public sphere. We’re surrounded by conspiracy theorists, and one in particular in the last week.
Musician Neil Young decided to take his music down from Spotify in response to vaccine misinformation on the Joe Rogan podcast. “It’s either me or Joe Rogan.” In the end Spotify seem to be sticking with Joe Rogan, and Neil Young kept his promise and his music is being taken down. (He’s just been followed by Joni Mitchell)
I’m disappointed that Spotify are allowing, and implicitly encouraging this kind of content, and we’ve just cancelled our Spotify account in solidarity.
I know that these are not simply black and white issues, but it seemed like the right thing to do.
Once more, it is the importance of truth that is under discussion, with not only podcasters but politicians very much under the microscope.
It seems that many people love a conspiracy theory. Maybe it’s something to do with the way that the usual authority figures have often let us down and are viewed as no longer trustworthy. I wonder where it will end ?
Maybe the words of the prophet Jeremiah, (slightly amended) from 2500 years ago ring true:
An appalling and horrible thing has happened in the land: politicians, podcasters and others have spoken falsely with their misinformation and outright lies; one consequence of this is that even some of our leaders think they can do what they like, and lie to cover up their mistakes as they rule by their own authority. Sadly, many people are attracted by lies and love to have it so. I wonder what will happen next ?
You Show Me Your Truth
Five Short Words 
The cat is well and truly out of the bag. “Reasonable” people, if indeed that is what we are, have to accept that other people now have the opportunity to broadcast their opinions no matter how unacceptable we may feel they are.
So what is to be done? Well firstly we use the same weapons, hence this tweet. Secondly, we accept other people have opinions but make sure that the alternative views and “facts” are heard as well. And thirdly, we restrict the oxygen given to these idiots (my words) by making sure that they are called out (well done Neil Young). Just a thought.
Sent from my iPhone
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Thanks Andy. There must be a point where a line has been crossed and the opportunity to use social media is withdrawn – as with Donald Trump and Twitter.
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