I’ve always loved the movie 10 Things I Hate About You. One night not long ago, I had an idea: what if I wrote something similar — not about a crush, but about someone who waves every red flag in the book? I tucked that idea away… until today’s WordPress writing prompt asked: What personality trait in people raises a red flag with you?

That felt like the moment to bring this out. And before anyone calls it “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” let’s be clear: that isn’t even a real thing.

What if I’m just an average citizen who’s fed up — not a little, but a whole lot? For the first time in my adult life, I feel the need, the duty, to respond. I was never meant for the world stage, but maybe I was meant to stand against it. Resist. Revolt. Revolt not with violence, but with words, with truth, with accountability.

So here it is. My response. My revolt.

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I hate the way you twist the truth,
I hate it when you boast.
I hate the way you steal the praise,
and claim the most, the most.

I hate your endless hunger,
and the cruelty you parade.
I hate the way you dodge all blame,
for every mess you’ve made.

I hate the way you call it strength,
when it’s just a reckless show.
I hate the way you fool some hearts—
but deep down, they all know.

But mostly I hate the way you lead,
with selfishness on view.
Because the red flags aren’t subtle at all…
and we all know it’s you.

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We’re asked what traits raise red flags in people. For me, it’s all of this — dishonesty, arrogance, cruelty, greed, denial, and corruption. A pattern too dangerous to ignore. Because when red flags pile high enough, they don’t just warn us… they become the storm.