Sacred Symbols+, Episode 248 | How 'Social Terrorists' Came For John Gibson

Colin, slight pushback on your point towards Insomniac attracting more conservative talent here in NC. While NC as a whole leans more right, Insomniac's studio is situated in Durham on the line between Durham and Orange counties. Those counties are amongst the most blue in the state, have historically been left leaning, and see some of the most northern and west coast transplants in the triangle area due to the abundance of nearby tech and medical companies situated in Durham

Seany Mac

Yeah, I'm not saying abortion should be illegal, but friggin' quite celebrating it! Celebrities saying their success is due to them aborting their "mistake" is sick. Ghoulish. It should be a private, personal decision, not a badge of honor.

It's really horrific shit.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you!

Colin Moriarty

Thank you for listening.

Colin Moriarty

If you’re pro choice, I implore you to go watch an instructional medical video of an abortion. The baby gets dismembered, horrific

Alec Davis

Thanks for the interview Colin, I am not one to agree with his stance either but these are the type of interviews I keep coming back for. Wish him well and appreciate your kindness and thoughtfulness behind these episodes!

Cleveland Bledsoe Jr.

Really interesting discussion and time flew by. Disagree with his views in the tweet and absolutely hate the term Social Terrosim but super interesting regardless and glad to have heard and learnt his story.

Michael Robinson

Thank you.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you for listening.

Colin Moriarty

Awesome interview. I'm fairly left wing, and very much disagree with the opinion behind the tweet. But thats where it should have ended. He should not have been fired. Its not even anything that should be newsworthy in a normal society.

Dennis

This was an interesting episode. I am of two minds: No one should lose their job like this but at the same time it's twitter.... what else did you expect (Chris Ray Gun voice). Also, the social terrorism term seems a bit extreme. I am rooting for Gibson and I think he will be fine in the end.

Mitchell Lundsberg

I don't blame anyone for being armed.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you for your kind words, and for your support.

Colin Moriarty

Death threats? I would tell them to bring it on. I always have 2 guns on me.

Taylor kazemba

Colin at the forefront of journalism as usual. Doing the work that anyone left of Bill Maher absolutely refuses to do. Thank you Colin for giving Conservative Gamers a voice. You don't know how much we appreciate you. Your Playstation coverage is unmatched and your ability to put aside your own differences of opinion and having an open platform is so incredibly under appreciated.

Chris King

He shouldn't have lost it all for this, no.

Colin Moriarty

Awesome. I really liked Maneater a lot.

Colin Moriarty

A shame he has been character-assassinated. Basic human rights for a woman would include being able to decide whether or not to risk her health or life to carry a fetus like this to term: http://medgen.genetics.utah.edu/photographs/pages/trisomy_13.htm. Just one example of many

Epac

Great episode. I didn't realize Maneater and Killing Floor 2 were from the same people. I loved both those games. Got the platinum for both (Maneater twice). I hope this guy goes back to making great games.

Mark Horner

Those cases are really hard to win.

Colin Moriarty

I had never heard the term before. I think it's interesting.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you for listening.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you.

Colin Moriarty

Colin - you’re the JRE of video game podcasts and I’m here for it. Keep bringing light to the dark my friend. Cheers!

The Devmeister

I want to thank everyone @LSM for all their work, in particular for this episode. What a horrifying tale from a simple tweet stating a stance on a matter that is shared by so many people worldwide. I feel like this kind of stories need to be told, it needs to be shown the irreparable damage that can be done to people by media outlets and social media blowing this out of proportion. Regardless of political, religious, etc. beliefs, it shouldn't mean a person doesn't deserve to have a living, to have a job, to have their privacy. People can and do disagree on a multitude of political and etc topics, but it should be obvious that we can all live together civilly (apparently it's not obvious). Also, the argument "oh, but he's well off, so that's OK", is just utterly ridiculous, for some reason that tripped me off even more: he is well off because of his work, not because he was somehow profiting from his beliefs or exploiting people with his beliefs, wtf. Again, I appreciate everyone @LSM for bringing this episode about. Cheers all and have a great Holiday Season.

Manuel Nascimento

This was a great conversation. I gotta say though, the idea that him not suing the media outlets that quite obviously ruined his life and committed serious Libel, I don’t see that as saving him from the darkness of vengeance. It’s not like he’d be going scorched earth with his former coworkers, but seeking justice against institutions that have been allowed to perpetuate these social terrorists and assist them in committing these horrible acts.

Connor Bright

Just fully finished the episode. Great discussion. The only think I’m left pondering is if “Social Terrorism” is the kind of rhetoric that’s worth using. One one hand, it gets a point across pretty quickly, but on the other, it feels like it’ll escalate the sorts of tensions that fuel hostility on both sides and not work towards the peace Colin talked about promoting. Just something to think about. Overall though, I’m really glad these kinds of conversations can be had.

Jared R

Depends on the area that you live in I suppose. The South conservative Christianity is still the norm.

Wayde

Maybe people shouldn't have to stay in their lane.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you for your support.

Colin Moriarty

Is it better than being dead? Or not having choice in being allowed to make that decision for themselves? It’s selfish

Michael Thew

He lives in an area that has heavy religious lifestyles he isn't a rebel

Wayde

It is interesting to hear him say he is a rebel for being Christian. I’m from Wyoming and around here being a Christian or a Conservative is probably the least rebellious thing you could possibly be. But I acknowledge that things are probably a lot different in other places and parts of the country. Even though I disagree with him, this was a fascinating interview and I appreciate him for voicing his opinions and not being silent.

Aphelion

While I don't agree with his view point on abortion since it's anti freedom. I don't think politicians or anyone outside of doctors and individuals effected should make those medical decisions. He shouldn't be crucified for believing what he believes though. Granted in today's age people really should learn to stay in their lane unless absolutely necessary. Unfortunately he choose not to stay in his lane and paid a steep price

Wayde

Amazing podcast! Amazing discussion! Thank you Colin for this quality content and having the deep and real discussions! This is why Last Stand is awesome 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

Rob Rodriguez

The abortion thing will always been a touchy subject. My current gf was born into a hectic situation. Dad in and out of prison and mom with extreme mental issues . Given away to the state at 13 but prior in and out of foster care eventually taken in by her half brothers mom. Obviously living with that has had adverse affects on her that she still deals with. It’s hard for me to say abortion is good or bad but plenty of people that have no business having kids are creating broken people. You can probably say the majority of people in the prison system are from harsh child upbringing that just keeps extending to the next set of people. Some people are lucky that come out of foster care fine but it sure as hell ain’t pleasant

Brandon H

A white Christian rich man can't be the victim of something? Weird take.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you.

Colin Moriarty

Certainly. But should it have?

Colin Moriarty

Imagine playing the victim as a white Christian rich man…..the constant victim hood card played of modern day conservatives is really weird and reminds me of Dems in the 1980s

Shane Geis

Thank you. <3

Colin Moriarty

Yeah, it's irrelevant. We don't agree, we know that. So we move on!

Colin Moriarty

He is!

Colin Moriarty

Thank you for listening.

Colin Moriarty

Could be. I don't presume to know, and I'm sure he's NDA'd about all business shit, which is why I didn't broach it.

Colin Moriarty

Gotta sort it all out. =)

Colin Moriarty

Thank you!

Colin Moriarty

I would absolutely love for you guys to talk again. Someday I imagine you hosting a panel of opposing views/ideologies and just talking about a game together and really blow peoples minds.

Bambi_Cobblestone

So funny 😂

Anthony Palerino

Great interview, great guest. I’m so glad that this didn’t end up being an abortion debate as it could have. As you say, Colin, that’s not why you brought him on there. I’m looking forward to a time when it’s normal for people to express different non extreme opinions and for there not to be a huge effort to destroy these people’s lives

Sam

Interesting listen. Seems like a nice guy.

NeO JD

Absolutely killer episode. I’m adding “social terrorism” to my lexicon.

Cory Knudsen

Let me preface this by stating that no one should lose their job or livelihood for simply stating that they are 100% ProLife (even though I disagree with that stance). I believe the general Twitter outrage was typical cancel culture nonsense. But as for the action his partners and company took....could it be that they used it as an excuse to get rid of him? Seems odd that people were celebrating....and he admitted to being an asshole and hurting people before. Maybe he didn't deserve it for the "official" reason, but maybe he deserved it for other reasons? I have no clue. Just playing devils advocate. But kind of gave me the vibe of possibly being difficult. Still a scumbag move by Tripwire any way you slice it

Ryan Zimm

Lol I got yor back my friend!

Peter Pham

Excellent episode Guys

JustAnotherDean

As someone who went from being in college to become a Christian minister to being someone who’s very much not a Christian anymore, this episode is proving to be a bit hard to listen to. It’s triggering some things 😂

Jared R

Christian rebels .. lol 😂 🤣😵💀

Miguel Siguenza

You right! My eyes fucked 🤣 my b

Paul Sabo

An amazing discussion! This is real journalism!

Isaac Hodgson Downs

I haven’t listened yet (plan to, just haven’t had time) but in reading an article, I think it seems clear that the reason for being pushed out not only stems from his opinion (which of course he is entitled to), but that voicing that opinion damaged or severed ties with existing partners, thus causing potential financial hardships for his company. Look forward to listening, though.

Tyler

I'll leave it up to you guys to make your own decisions. I don't see it that way.

Colin Moriarty

Much appreciated.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you.

Colin Moriarty

This has always been a weird take. Why is it anyone's inherent responsibility to deal with someone else's choices?

Colin Moriarty

Thank you.

Colin Moriarty

=)

Colin Moriarty

Well I definitely disagree with John in most cases. But going off the picture he is clearly a big fan of Gundam. That I can relate.

Paul Sabo

What an episode Colin-get this on the free feed eventually,more people need to hear this story. Well done you killed it

E_DOUBLE

I’d love to see everyone in this thread who owns a pro-life stance open their wallets to help the many inevitability impoverished children born out of their dogma.

XnXblkout

Thank you for having Mr Gibson on to share his story. So refreshing to hear the other side of the argument. Can’t wait to see what he does in the future .

Brer Rabbit

Colin, that interview was powerful. I have a glimmer of hope that these types of conversations will move the country out of the extremes that we are seeing these days.

Omar Rosa

This guy is on the way wrong side of history judging by his Twitter feed, a great interview Colin.

David Kramme

It's absurd. It's out of control.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you.

Colin Moriarty

Great interview Colin, bravo.

Luke Douglas

Thank you for listening with an open mind.

Colin Moriarty

I read his tweet and the replies and I just couldn’t get over how out of sync the reactions were to the initial tweet. Is that kind of response really warranted? I don’t think so. The effects on his life as a result of a tweet speak to the outsized influence of Twitter that you often speak of. Great interview as always, keep it up!

RYAN EICHLER

I do think a part of why his tweet got the ire it did was because he was in support of a bill that created a bounty system for going after and suing people that assisted others in getting an abortion. It's one thing to be pro life but it's another to support a bill that rewards people for ratting out others who engaged in activity you disagree with. I think the civil lawsuit private right of action component was behind a lot of the furor. However, I will be charitable towards Mr. Gibson and assume he is not in favor of this absurd bounty component of that Texas bill. Hell even if he was explicit and said "I love the Texas bill including the ability to sue people who assist in obtaining abortions" that would be an odd thing to tweet but he shouldn't lose his livelihood. My snark regarding the Texas bill aside, this was a good conversation and I hope Mr. Gibson lands on his feet. We need to do better as a society of fostering a free speech culture. The legal protections of the First Amendment are almost worthless if the society is doing all of the censoring the government would have done anyway.

Mike Po

...what?

Colin Moriarty

Thank you for your support.

Colin Moriarty

Discussions like this are one of the many reasons this patreon is so valuable. Thank you for being you, Colin.

Joe McPartlin

Why is the Last Stand Media Name blue now and not orange?

Have you considered considering considerations considerately considerate

Then you must hate the really pro-life, who think conception is what counts. But we agree: He didn't deserve what happened.

Colin Moriarty

My problem with him was that he supported the heartbeat bill in Texas which bans abortions if a heartbeat is heard which can be as early as 6 weeks. Many people don't find out if they're pregnant until they're late on their period which can be up to 5 weeks or so; That gives women in Texas very little to no time to make a decision. He didn't deserve to be cancelled though.

Jorge Aponte

Thank you for your kind words.

Colin Moriarty

I don't think it's the 'ultimate' form, but it is a form of rebellion. Kind of full circle, really. What's funny is that people who are in a position of complete cultural dominance -- social, political, and economic -- think they are in any way, shape, or form The Resistance.

Colin Moriarty

"Christianity is the ultimate form of rebellion." had me dying of laughter. Anything to make yourself feel like you're still a badass rebel.

Straith

Wow! Had to stop mid podcast to just comment. So far, this episode really hit home for me because I too had a similar experience being a party to an abortion. It will forever weigh heavy on my mind and I can only imagine how much it weighs on hers. I consider myself a liberal and pro-choice but growing up religious in the south,I respect and highly value the pro-life side as well. Thank you, Colin! Your continued candidness about your personal life and views allow people on both ends to empathize with each other.

Justin McGeorge

It's always good to be open-minded, regardless of your tendencies. Thank you for listening.

Colin Moriarty

Can't wait to listen to this. I really appreciate these different types of episodes, yet pertinent with the gaming industry. Politics in general is exhausting to me. Not bc it's political per se, but bc people speak about it in binary terms. I'm both democratic and republican and I'm both pro life and pro choice. I would like to think most people are that (but I'm not so sure now). When people lack the empathy to understand the otherside, it worries me. The lack of cognitive progression in human society is alarming. Listening to Colin over the years have made me more open minded. I was hard left, now I'm in the middle. Love the show! Keep on keeping on!

Peter Pham

<3

Colin Moriarty

Thanks for listening.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you for that.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you. <3

Colin Moriarty

Compromise is essential; neither side will get what they want.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you.

Colin Moriarty

Colin, as much as I love all of your gaming content I truly do believe that THIS CONTENT right there is what separates you from the rest. No bias, no ideology, no agenda, no money in your pocket from outside influences...just plain old common sense. Appreciate you man!

Remington James

What happened to him (and you) with this cancel BS was completely fucked. Thank you for interviewing him, it was an interesting discussion.

Geoff

So happy to see him out in the public again, people tried to ruin his life for an opinion. There’s thousands of gaming podcast out there and this is the only 1 with the courage to do this episode. Proud to support this patreon and promote it amongst friends and family.

Brian

Awesome interview. Completely disagree with him but he’s just a guy with his own beliefs and it’s great to finally have differing voices being interviewed because what happened to him was asinine. Great stuff as always my man.

A Hind D

Fantastic Interview

Trevor Myers

America desperately needs to compromise in regards to abortion. We would likely be able to make our society a much better place for all if we stop with the bickering over a morally divisive issue.

CrazedRaccoon

Thank you for your support.

Colin Moriarty

Huge respect for this episode so far. It’s astonishing that we’ve come to a point in culture where differing views causes such massive divides. From folks like David Jaffe to Vince Ingenito to John Gibson and anywhere in between; completely different people and for different reasons that have been on Sacred Symbols+ and have been treated and interviewed with respect. Thanks for the show, Colin

Gino Fedele

Thank you for listening.

Colin Moriarty

Correct. There's no doubt that the woman is a main player. What about the baby? It all seems incredibly callous to me, just the way it's discussed. Abortion is fucking dark. It should be treated as such, EVEN IF IT'S NECESSARY.

Colin Moriarty

Wow! I’m going to listen to this now. As a devout pro-lifer I am glad to hear his story and thank you for allowing him to share his views even though you may not agree with all of them.

Anthony A.

I’m pro choice for similar reasons for you, and the main thing that bothers me is when other pro choice say it’s the woman’s body or it’s not a baby. Like I think it’s necessary to have a choice but let’s not pretend this isn’t a baby forming and would be born. It’s like they are trying to make themselves feel better about it. Great episode so far Colin.

Tyler Floyd

Then this one isn't for you. <3

Colin Moriarty

I appreciate the variety of guests and topics Sacred Symbols covers but the political topics are a bit too draining and depressing for me.

Brannon H

Thank you!

Colin Moriarty

Thank you. He and I don't agree on this issue, but I am happy to hear his story and come to his defense, because it's absurd.

Colin Moriarty

<3

Colin Moriarty

Shhh. The adults are talking.

Colin Moriarty

*insert "oh boy" from Me , Myself and Irene GIF here*

Josh Gamez

no more culture war pleeease

Andres

Great job Colin getting John to tell his story. This is why I am a Patron. You're willing to give people a chance regardless if you differ in opinion. I too am Pro Life and differ in certain opinions from you but I will always respect you. I really appreciate all your efforts.

Yiorgos

Glad to see you got him on!

HomesteadNovice