The Purpose of My Fear

Free solo climbing, also known as free soloing, is a form of free climbing and solo climbing where the climber (or free soloist) performs alone and without using any ropes, harnesses or other protective equipment, relying entirely on his or her ability instead. Unlike in bouldering, free soloists typically climb above safe heights, where a fall would always result in serious injury or death. In ordinary free climbing, safety gear is used to protect from falls, although not to assist the ascent.

-- Wikipedia, "Free Solo Climbing"

We learn some basic survival skills as we grow up, usually through conscientious parents who have learned valuable lessons, ofttimes through painful trial and error, and wish to save us from undergoing the same agony of defeat.  As with most animals, we are also taught these skills to ensure the survival of our species and, in particular, our own bloodline.  To this end we, as intelligent beings, have enacted laws and regulations requiring warning signs, safety gear, buddy systems, and the like; intelligent things which will keep us from harm.  Being stupid is simply a way for the weak minded to become easy prey at the bottom level of the food chain, or raw meat smeared on the lonely highway of oops.

Back in the day, well, back in my day, good parenting would have also taught a child something my elders referred to as "good common sense." We were usually taught this along with respect for authority figures, like the police.  You know, like when a policeman tells you to put your hands up, kiss the ground, or stand on one foot and bark like a dog, you do it... and then you go get a lawyer and sue him.  Nowadays, you're also hoping that everyone was filming for YouTube.  You can't have your day in court if you're too stupid to do what you're told and survive the encounter, and if you're that stupid, you probably deserved whatever happened to you, anyway.  This kind of good sense isn't that common anymore and, even if you can find it, it certainly isn't as good as it used to be.

Worse than a lack of good common sense would be the occasional aberration, the person who purposely deviates from what many consider a normal, acceptable, course of life - the innate genetic predilection toward survival.  This subculture of humanity get their thrills from cheating death; the more difficult and dangerous the task, the deeper the thrill; survival would seem to be a rung or so down on their priority list to that of death defying acts, thrilling feats, and exhilarating flights of derring-do.  Now, let's be clear, this has nothing to do with an occupation.  I'm talking about thrill seekers who risk their lives because they can, not because they're being paid to or because they feel any moral or ethical obligation to risk their life to save that of another.  I'm talking about the gamblers who get off on rolling the weighted dice in the crap game of life.  One thing you learn about gambling is the house usually wins, sooner or later, and fate is always there to collect.

Let's take a look at a few of the multitude of daily headlines which keep the great many of us humbled by our own sensible ability to withstand any urge to something just "because it's there": 

Experienced Rock Climber Falls to His Death in Yosemite Free Climb after Proposing to Girlfriend

Free-Solo Climber Falls to Death Near Boulder

Dean Potter, extreme climber, dies in Yosemite base jumping accident

Navy cites equipment malfunction in SEAL skydiver's death

2 die in sky-diving accident near Lodi

Skydiver dies after crashing into housing estate after parachute fails to open

A Free-Diver's Death: Tragic plunge to the limits

Diver dies after losing air supply 150 ft underwater while exploring German U-boat 

Common Fatal Scuba Diving Accidents

19 Important Bungee Jumping Death Statistics 

Add to these examples the usual surfing in shark infested waters, alligator hunting, swimming with piranha or filming Great Whites from a flimsy shark cage.  All of these run a close second to my personal favorite - marriage and relationships.  This doesn't even take into account the odds-breaker events, those things out of our sole control, like being hit by a car, train, meteor, stray bullet, or someone's pissed off spouse (this would be an aimed bullet, and I suppose marriage and relationships need to be repeated here, then, as well).

With so much out there that can kill us without our knowledge, why would anyone knowingly tempt fate and visit grief and heartache upon friends and loved ones?  Well, okay, marriage and relationships has more to do with survival of the species and rockus sex, so we'll give it a "cautionary" pass if one ops to do it just "because it's there."  And, I would think if you make the decision not to screw around with someone else's significant other, then you can actually negate the fear of a homicidal spouse along with all the drama and excitement which usually accompanies that lust dripping little mistake, which just so happens to bring us back on topic - the purpose of fear.

I'm a fan of the old sensible question, "Why would you jump out of a perfectly good aircraft?"  A more important question might be why you would let someone else pack your parachute.

“Climb if you will, but remember that courage and strength are nought without prudence, and that a momentary negligence may destroy the happiness of a lifetime. Do nothing in haste; look well to each step; and from the beginning think what may be the end.”

-- Edward Whymper (1840-1911), mountaineer, explorer, survivor

Noted British explorer, Edward Whymper, survived to die at the age of 71.  At the age of 24, however, during his return from ascending the Matterhorn, he watched in horror as a member of the team slipped, dragging four of the seven members off the edge.  Edward and two others anchored themselves, the rope tightened, then snapped, and they watched the unfortunates fall 4,000 feet to the glacier below.  For the rest of his life he carried this memory, this horror, of losing half his team simply to be the first to ascend a mountain.  It was a sobering experience which tempered his lifelong career, of mountaineering and exploration, with good sense. 

When asked why he wanted to climb Mt. Everest, climber George Mallory responded, "Because it's there."  As I've asked during this post, is "because it's there" really enough reason to risk your life and the life of others, in the attempt to bring pain and loss to those we love?  Hell, I'm not even sure it's enough reason to even consider the adventure, much less attempt it.  Perhaps with enough reasonable cause or purpose which demands someone take the risk, with proper outfitting and an "escape" plan for the task and any emergencies which might arise, one might then be able to see some point to it all.  My issue with it, is just doing this adventurous crap for the macho thrill of it, so you can constantly prove, whether you admit it or not, you aren't lacking in some quality or some worth.  I suppose those of us who rise above having to constantly prove ourselves, just don't understand.

What I do understand, more clearly than any other emotion in my life, is my own fear.  Fear gives most of us that moment of pause, that moment to consider the intelligence of our next move, whether the fight is worth it or if we might be better served to flee and survive to fight another day.  Fear has a purpose, and it serves most of us very well.  With all the stupid crap I have done during my misspent youth, it has kept me alive despite my tempting of fate.  Now, I am torn between respect and pity for those who tempt fate, but I seriously lean toward pity.

Mallory tried to explain this drive, this desire to experience and to conquer fear, “How to get the best of it all? One must conquer, achieve, get to the top; one must know the end to be convinced that one can win the end - to know there's no dream that mustn't be dared... Is this the summit, crowning the day? How cool and quiet! We're not exultant; but delighted, joyful; soberly astonished... Have we vanquished an enemy? None but ourselves. Have we gained success? That word means nothing here. Have we won a kingdom? No... and yes. We have achieved an ultimate satisfaction... fulfilled a destiny... To struggle and to understand - never this last without the other; such is the law...”

During the 1924 British Mount Everest expedition, Mallory and his climbing partner, Andrew "Sandy" Irvine, disappeared on the North-East ridge during their attempt to make the first ascent of the world's highest mountain. The pair were last seen when they were about 800 vertical feet (245 m) from the summit.

Mallory's ultimate fate was unknown for 75 years, until his body was discovered on 1 May 1999 by an expedition that had set out to search for the climbers' remains. Whether Mallory and Irvine had reached the summit before they died remains a subject of speculation and continuing research.

-- Wikipedia, "George Mallory"

George Mallory fulfilled his ultimate destiny.  Nice conclusion.

Editor's Note 

(re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card) 

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider another viewpoint.

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful, constructive, discussion in an arena of mutual respect concerning the opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 23 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with an Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, to wage his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as Chaplain Program Liaison, at a regional medical center.

My Sunday Thought for 092417: My Car is GOD?

"Regardless of their religious beliefs, people are worshiping more and more – just not in the manner you might think. They don’t worship by going to church, praying to God, or reading a religious text. They do it by opening Facebook."

-- The Visionary, “Is Facebook the New World Religion?”

Worship; seems pretty simple to understand, by its definition.  Per Dictionary.com, it is defined in religious context as, "Reverent honor and homage paid to God or a sacred personage, or to any object regarded as sacred; to render religious reverence and homage to; to feel an adoring reverence or regard for (any person or thing); worshiped, worshiping or (especially British) worshipped, worshipping; to render religious reverence and homage, as to a deity; to attend services of divine worship; to feel an adoring reverence or regard."  Pretty much the definitions most of us are familiar with, but do we really give Facebook such honor?  

As for me, Facebook simply represents an easy way to reach the masses, liturgical and otherwise.  Whereas I use Verizon, on my LG phone, as my service provider, and I use Microsoft on my HP laptop so I can connect to Cable One, then to Google, then to Facebook, all in order to communicate with everyone  more easily.  Yes!  It is for convenience!  So, which one of these tools I've just mentioned does some other "tool" want to anoint with deity status?  Well, Facebook, of course!  I'm going to repeat this, probably ad nauseam:  Don't be a fool; Facebook is also just a tool!

"As of this summer, the number of active users on Facebook has surpassed 2 billion, making it more popular than Islam (1.8 billion followers) and puts it hot on the heels of Christianity (2.3 billion followers). Going by the numbers, Facebook is now the second-largest religion in the world."

-- The Visionary, “Is Facebook the New World Religion?”

Numbers of users do not define a religion, or we'd all be making the Sign of the Cross and genuflecting prior to entering our much worshipped vehicles, then throwing our arms in the air while calling out "hallelujah" and planting a wet one on the hood after we safely exit the vehicle at our destination. Wait a minute... I already do all of that! Oh, crap! My car is GOD! Let us try to maintain some sense of reality, shall we?  I'll go out on a limb here, I could be wrong, but I think even the university educated millennials won't buy into this tripe, right?  (Nothing but crickets...)

As much as many of us seem to consider God a tool, God is not.  On the other hand, the internet has become a laudable tool for knowledge and, therefore, of good and evil.  Sound familiar?  Check out Genesis.  Perhaps there's a reason Jobs and Wozniak called their computer Company... Apple.  This, then, would steer my little tale right into the evils of the internet, which might even the atheists among us balk.  Anyone who considers giving a "tool" deity status so they can worship it might want to seek professional help, or have an exorcist look at their computer, or both.  As with any other tool, the internet and sites like Facebook can be used for good and evil.  "Used" means the tool is not alive and is, therefore, not inherently good or evil; it is the operator which determines the tool's use.

It would be like blaming a gun for killing someone, but that is a topic we've left for the inefficient tools we elected to Congress.

Most of us are, in fact, on the computer way too much.  It is also an, unfortunate, fact that computers run the world and, for now, we run the computers.  Where Facebook and other similar sites are concerned, maybe we would all be well served to try using our phones more or, better yet, meeting our friends for a libation so we can catch up and practice our face-to-face interpersonal communication.  Next time you're at a restaurant, see how many people sitting at the same table just can't seem to put their electronics away.  You can almost bet they're texting each other - across the damned table!

What we create are tools.  Why we create them is to make our lives easier.  Don't let our tools turn more of us into one.  We have enough tools walking amongst us as it is.  Perhaps we all need to practice not being the machines we use.  All of this is just a thought, My Sunday Thought, for this coming weekend.

I think it's time for a nice cold beer, with friends, at my favorite cigar bar.  Don't call me or text me, as my flip phone... will be turned off!

Editor's Note 

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card) 

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider another viewpoint.

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful, constructive, discussion in an arena of mutual respect concerning the opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 23 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with an Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, to wage his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as Chaplain Program Liaison, at a regional medical center.

My Sunday Thought for 091717: Each Step I Take

"If you can see your path laid out in front of you step by step, you know it's not your path. Your own path you make with every step you take. That's why it's your path."

-- Joseph Campbell (1904-1987), professor comparative mythology/religion 

Around 500 years before the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, Greek philosopher Heraclitus wrote, “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man.” It is also true that you can never go home again; I discovered such after I joined the military and then went to my 10 year high school reunion. I found it to be a sad occasion and never returned for another. It was sad to see the many classmates of which I had little in common, those who had done much with their lives and gone nowhere, who learned so much... and knew so little.  It hurt my heart.

Plato would say that a philosopher is one who seeks wisdom, and if I attain the wisdom which I seek I would be a sage.  I have found, in order to seek anything you must first understand what it is not.  In order to understand you must first taste of the forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge.  God states in Genesis 3:22, "The man has now become like one of Us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever."  

The way scripture presents the story of Eden, our "perfect" God... made a mistake.  Was God angered because we exercised free will which it would seem God intended us to have, or we would not have been given rules to follow, right?  How were we to truly enjoy God's gifts unless we understood the goodness of them?  It would then stand to reason; in order to seek truth we must first be knowledgeable of untruth.  In order to know goodness we must first know evil, and for kindness, anger.  In order to discover the light we must first discover the darkness, and to appreciate life we must first be intimate with death.  

For many of us, it would seem, the road to salvation lies through the valley of the shadow of death, for we must surely fall before we can rise above.  Who has faith which is stronger, one who states they have faith, or one whose faith has been tested through trial by fire?  There is much to be said for the old adage, whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger, even if being stronger means being seriously pissed off at what tried to kill you.

"We don't receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us."

-- Marcel Proust (1871-1922), novelist, essayist, critic

Wisdom is not the same as intelligence.  There is no such thing as "common sense."  I can certainly attest to running across my fair share of graduates from institutions of higher learning, those folks with multiple doctorates, who don't have good sense.  They are supremely intelligent, yet they look at life through the eyes of a pig staring at a wristwatch.  Homer Simpson is in good company, and I feel so bad for Homer.

Each step I take, my journey brings me to where I need to be, even if I don't know why I'm there.  I am constantly pressing the elevator button and arriving at a floor not of my choosing.  I have tested this numerous times, paid attention to the up, down, and floor choice, only to arrive at an alternate destination.  I have asked others if they experience the same only to discover how special, or cursed, I am.  I make a point of getting out on the floor to which I arrive, hoping to find an intended purpose which, so far, might be obvious to the power guiding me but still remains, for me, a miracle unseen.  So far the only intended purpose I see is to be keeping me off of my preferred floor.  I do not question fate, however; I try to go with the flow.

"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I intended to be."

-- Douglas Adams (1952-2001), author, musician

Life is like trying to dance to music without rhythm; the moment you think you have it, you don't.  It is better to take life as it comes, dance each moment a step at a time, and laugh at the humor of it all, even if that humor seems, at times, dark.  Celebrate life, even in death, and celebrate the loss of friends and lovers with memories, fond or not, of what went before.  Have no regrets.  Bad decisions are lessons to be embraced as the education they provide, but not to be dwelled upon at the exclusion of all else.  These are the memories of lessons, tests failed and accomplished, which make up who we are, and who we will become, in this life and in the ones to follow.  You can choose to see your existence through the eyes of a zombie, walking through life living, yet dead, or lie down and die, giving up.  Better that you should snatch yourself up and press forward.  

Life awaits those who see, understand, and desire the excitement of the game, the winning and the losing.  Life awaits those who continue to walk the walk, talk the talk, and continue to dance!

The journey between what you once were and who you are now becoming is where the dance of life really takes place.

-- Barbara De Angelis, relationship author, consultant, lecturer

Worrying over what has gone before benefits nothing any more than worrying over that, in the present or future, which you have no control.  It is a waste of time and energy better spent trying to excel in life and love.  If you truly think life is a waste of time, you have missed the very point of life.

It is all about the journey.  It is about the roller coaster ride of ups and downs.  I have lost thousands of dollars in the stock market, made it back, lost it, and made it back again.  What fun it is to laugh your way to the top and white knuckle it as you scream your way to the bottom and prepare for the next hill, and the next, learning with each rise and fall until, up and up, the ride finally get longer, steeper, and higher.

"No regrets. No looking back. Just hold onto life and move forward. We have no way of knowing what lies ahead...and that is what makes the journey even more exciting."

-- Bernajoy Vaal

Our journey through life doesn't end with our death.  Death is simply a release of our soul from the physical, tangible, form which anchored us, for the blink of an eye, to this reality.  Our journey has not ended any more than it did countless other times we have moved on.  Perhaps it would be best if we could simply remember, then we would realize how little importance we need to waste on time.  Maybe we could all start enjoying the journey from our birth and not worry about the massive amount of minutia which burdens most of us as we grow older.  But, that would defeat the whole purpose of the lesson, I suppose; learning for ourselves how truly simple and marvelous life is, always was, and will continue to be.

Am I a philosopher or just a guy that chooses to write about philosophical stuff?  Do I make any sense, or am I just writing bullshit?  I think whatever titles or labels we garner in life should be bestowed upon us by our peers.  We would be well served not to concern ourselves with such egotistical pooh as titles, labels, or prefixes and suffixes, unless it serves some greater purpose than our own.  Like the rest of life, this too will present itself down the road by those who require it of us, and when it is time.  Until such time, there is much life to live and much road to travel, one step after another, moving ever forward with the grace of God.

We have stories to tell, stories that provide wisdom about the journey of life. What more have we to give one another than our 'truth' about our human adventure as honestly and as openly as we know how?

-- Rabbi Saul Rubin

Editor's Note 

(re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card) 

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider another viewpoint.

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful, constructive, discussion in an arena of mutual respect concerning the opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 23 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with an Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, to wage his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as Chaplain Program Liaison, at a regional medical center. 

My Sunday Thought for 091017: This Is Physics?

"Everything is here and now, but in various states of visibility and invisibility depending upon the frequency that you are operating on, and that means the belief system, the definitions that you buy into most strongly.

Everything is energy and that’s all there is to it. Match the frequency of the reality you want and you cannot help but get that reality. It can be no other way. This is physics."

-- Bashar, a channeled extraterrestrial entity

Channeling an extraterrestrial entity ranks right out there with séances, remote viewing, life after death, out of body experience, anti-gravity, God, channeling spirits, and transporter technology - beam me up, Scotty!  Faith be damned, such things are still flying high out in left field waiting to be caught, or dropped, proved or disproved.  As much as my faith says I believe in a lot of it, I have to admit we can't make a scientific determination because we simply don't have a scientific method to prove or disprove that which defies common logic.  And even if we could, we would still view it with the critical eye of disbelief.  Scientific academia refuses to even acknowledge what they consider junk science, much less work to prove it.  Such work is relegated to agencies like the CIA.  

Some obvious observations simply confuse me, however.  For instance, take the quote from a "channeled" extraterrestrial, Bashar:  "Everything is here and now, but in various states of visibility and invisibility depending upon the frequency that you are operating on, and that means the belief system, the definitions that you buy into most strongly...  Everything is energy and that’s all there is to it. Match the frequency of the reality you want and you cannot help but get that reality. It can be no other way. This is physics."  This is pretty typical of the fluff most noted channelers might spew forth.   I take exception, however, to making a concrete determination that, "It can be no other way."  We always find another way, and then we look foolish for not leaving ourselves an out.

This all seems like fairly heady stuff if you need something to contemplate while you're relaxing on the porcelain throne after ingesting five or six fast food burritos.  My point of all this is, and I know you'd like me to find a point, if this rhetoric is what garners these people, these channelers, such a rich following, why attribute these philosophical tidbits to a channeled... whatever?  Why not simply own it?  Why risk credibility and ridicule by attributing things to the twilight zone?  Well, several reasons come to mind.  You're a con artist, you're insane, or you are really channeling.  It makes me consider how much we attribute to God, yet we have never heard a word, except from those we look to as "channelers" of the Word.

Lao Tsu wrote, "Thirty spokes share the wheel's hub; It is the center hole that makes it useful.  Shape clay into a vessel; It is the space within that makes it useful.  Cut doors and windows for a room; It is the holes which make it useful.  Therefore profit comes from what is there; Usefulness from what is not there."  Lao Tsu wrote the Tao Te Ching, 81 chapters, or 5,000 words, trying to explain the essence of Taoism.  Yet he also wrote, "The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao."  Such is the "essence" of truth.  One might say that it isn't what he's written which is useful, it's what he hasn't.  But he found no need to attribute this to anyone except himself, and no true master would, unless it was appropriate to do so.

Is Bashar an extraterrestrial entity channeling across dimensions from sometime in our future?  Hell, I don't know, nor do I really think it's important to the truth he may or may not be telling.  What we really need to be asking is whether what Bashar says can truly be no other way and, if so, is it, in fact, physics?  Well, I think I'll try to match the frequency of the reality I want and see if I can't help but get that reality.  I

I'll be really pissed if it works; I spend much of my early life memorizing pickup lines which netted my squat.  No one ever mentioned anything about matching frequencies.  Who woulda thunk?

This is all just something for ya'll to thunk... er... think about, as this is My Sunday Thought for September 10, 2017.

"You have to spin a good yarn 

before you can weave a great dream."

-- Paul the alien, "Paul" (2011)

Editor's Note 

(re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card) 

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider another viewpoint.

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful, constructive, discussion in an arena of mutual respect concerning the opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 23 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with an Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, to wage his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as Chaplain Program Liaison, at a regional medical center.

The Perpetually Offensive Hateful Offended

“Our democracy has no room for inciting violence or endangering the public, no matter the ideology of those who commit such acts,” the California Democrat said in a statement. “The violent actions of people calling themselves antifa in Berkeley this weekend deserve unequivocal condemnation, and the perpetrators should be arrested and prosecuted.”

-- Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), House Minority Leader

Even notable, and perpetually offended liberal, Nancy Pelosi finally had to call hatred what it is, though I haven't heard her socialist comrade in arms, Chuck Schumer, dial in on it.  Like President Trump's constant "campaigning," I would have thought "constant comment" Schumer would jump at any chance to "perform" for his media darlings.   

Schumer notwithstanding, It would seem the rich history of racism cultivated by the Democratic Party against the people of the United States is beginning to crumble under the weight of their own liberal violence which can no longer be ignored by the very people which seem to have fostered the creation of such groups. One would have thought the KKK would have taught Democrats a lesson about creating hate groups, but they have managed to sidestep the blame and try to pin that sad history and the current White Nationalism on the Republicans while, at the same time, excusing slave ownership by northern politicians so their own cherished statues can remain as a salute to... what? Do as we say, not as we do?  If slavery was so frowned upon by the North, the Emancipation Proclamation should have been written by the first Republican President, Lincoln, as the precursor to war and not three years after the start of it. This is what happens when we strive to create false history; we remain ignorant of history and, thus, the seeds of hatred remain as well.

“Let’s remember that this whole concept of ethnic nationalism is a left-wing idea. The Democratic Party invented white nationalism and the Democratic Party invented black nationalism... Interestingly today, the way that the progressive Democrats have constructed their multi-cultural totem pole, they encourage every form of ethnic nationalism except white nationalist,” he said. “Somehow the white guy is not welcome at the multicultural picnic.”

-- Dinesh D’Souza, author, filmmaker

The anti-fascist group, ANTIFA, is simply another fascist group.  This would only be surprising to university educated millennials who point to Texas when asked where Russia is on a map, and as an aside, has it occurred to anyone that the emblems for such fascist groups all seem to use black, white, and red or blue, in their color schemes for a logo or posters?  Even our own political parties, by accident or design, seem to get caught up in the subtleties of this visual propaganda.  I'd think this might be a "red" flag to us, except that the majority of us seem not to notice, or don't read enough history to connect the dots.

Now, right off the bat, we know someone will take offense at this graphic because Obama is grouped in with the likes of Argentine Marxist revolutionary, Ernesto "Che" Guevara.  Well, we also have him in the fine poster company of Bobby Kennedy, Angela Davis, and Fidel Castro - another Democrat, and two communists.  What makes us think this is a good thing?  What makes the shining light of freedom throughout the world, a U.S. President, think it is a good thing to be grouped in with those who would see us destroyed?  And yet, we seemingly ignore what could be construed as subliminal visual messaging, propaganda, by those who would foster the continued racism, divisiveness, and hatred by a minority of citizens, and the media, in our country.  We should never allow anyone, free speech notwithstanding, to besmirch the character of someone without absolute proof.  Free speech should not mean freedom to commit slander, character assassination, or lies upon another person, belief, or business, without substantive proof to back up the claim.  

Presidents Obama and Trump both have both had bad advice on two issues.  Obama's was the question of his birth, and Trump's was the question of his taxes.  Proof of both should have been presented as part of the vetting process prior to putting their hat in the ring, and not presenting information to the American public is always seen as being tantamount to an admission of guilt.   If they are allowed to run without proper vetting it is the fault of the country and, by extension, the citizens. Both tidbits of information should have been a part of vetting prior to running for political office, and any issues found after the fact should be the fault of the government's vetting agency, the people, as well as the candidate.

Trump has his taxes done every year; any problems would present themselves to the IRS if laws are not followed.  If he paid few or no taxes it is because we, the people and government, allow him that ability though the tax code.  I found it funny this same government which allows loopholes created such a stink over it.  But, knowing he has followed the code, and the law, why didn't he simply present what he knew to be true?  As a private citizen he is entitled to privacy.  It is why a federal agency should vet candidates prior to holding political office.  Obama should have presented his birth certificate the moment it came into question.  Why didn't he?  He is also entitled to his privacy, which is why a federal agency should have vetted this, as well.

For both of these candidates, privacy is trumped by the requirement for vetting.  Vetting ensures the American people you are a legal, law abiding, tax paying citizen of the United States.  Having said this, I firmly believe that once you become the vetted President of the United States, your ass belongs to the people and you have no expectation of privacy when it comes to you maintaining your post; politicians are employees and representatives of the people.  The President, and Congress, works for the people and the people have the right to scream foul and have recourse to make things right when it comes to their continued employment.  It would seem to most Americans that Presidents and Congressmen have worked tirelessly to make us forget their responsibilities of office.  

Is it any wonder the political parties are at each other's throats for control?  I think not.  Our country is a frigging mess because we the people have allowed them to run amok.  Why should this seem odd to us?  Are we the people, any better?  We continually allow a minority of offended people to dictate to the majority what we should feel and think as a country.  This is not democracy.  George Orwell's novel, 1984 was ahead of it's time, as was his novella Animal Farm, William Golding's Lord of the Flies, Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, etc., etc., all of which deal with the hateful, small minded perpetually offended, and the mindless sheep who buy into their constant bullshit.

Black Lives Matter, the Black Panthers, the KKK, neo-Nazi groups, all create hatred we would be well served to avoid, along with those racist sociopaths who support them.  We spend an inordinate amount of time concerning ourselves with the offended and hateful instead of working together to actually accomplish something positive.  Perhaps we need to come together and learn to live in harmony before judging others as right or wrong.  Don't we have more than enough problems in this country as it is, without finding yet more insignificant bullshit to be offended over?

Everyone thinks their opinion is right and more important than everyone else's, because everyone else is wrong.  It reminds me of religion.  There are 33,000+ sects of Christianity in the world, and growing; all of them think they're right and 32,999+ of them are going to hell.  Why can't we all just have our own opinion and leave everyone else to have theirs?

I am not a hateful person.  I am, however, perpetually offended by the perpetually offended, and that just perpetually chaps my ass.

Hablamos inglés como segunda lengua.  Please press "2" for English.  Welcome to the United States of America.  Abandon hope, all ye who enter here!

Editor's Note 

(re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card) 

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider another viewpoint.

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful, constructive, discussion in an arena of mutual respect concerning the opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 23 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with an Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, to wage his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as Chaplain Program Liaison, at a regional medical center.