My Choice? Lose Weight!

“To lose confidence in one’s body

is to lose confidence in oneself.”

-- Simone de Beauvoir (1908-1986), philosopher, writer, activist 

I am approaching 65 years of age.  Other than aches and pains brought on by my misspent youth, I feel twenty years younger, almost.  When I went to Mexico for a couple of years, I weighed an amazing 209 pounds at 5' 9".  When I returned, I had trimmed down to 165, despite my diet of tacos, beer, and tequila; I felt great!  I got on the scale at my doctor's office, last month, and watched the nurse slide the weights to 198.  I swallowed my "chubby" pride and asked the question to which I already knew the answer, "And, how much do you allow for clothes?"  Not nearly enough, it would seem.

Now, for me, losing weight has never been a big issue.  Throughout my military career all I had to do was curtail salt and alcohol intake and I'd lose 10-15 pounds in a week.  After the initial water weight loss is when the work came in, so I always kept my eye on my weight as I hate working out.  Well, it seems I haven't lost this ability to shed some quick water weight.  In about 10 days I've gone from 194 to, a somewhat slimmer, 180 pounds.  I always bemoaned losing the next 10 pounds as it usually gave meaning to the adage, "Revenge is best served cold."  Salads, granola, and smoothies - rabbit food and liquid energy, unless you have the money to pay for all the mail-order diet program food.  My fear is paying for stuff that looks like real food, but which my Sicilian palate would surely discern as crap.

“I try not to think on my feet because they have enough problem with my weight.”

-- Anthony T. Hincks, children's author

New theories on diet have found some interesting realities, an important one being that you can actually eat real food.

Okay, so one of the new realities is the same as the old, real food costs more - but, just a bit.  Bananas and frozen fruit for the smoothies, but eggs are okay with the occasional meat side.  Whole wheat pasta sucks, so I'm back to occasional semolina pasta in moderation.  Discovering how much you can do with cooking whole grain has been an eye-opener.  Chicken is in, as well as lean beef, again in moderation.  Pork is out, and this is like killing my best friend.  Salt is out, but garlic and onions are definitely in as well as copious amounts of cooked vegetables.  Two medium goblets of red wine per night replace the two or three bourbons or martinis.  Needless to say, I immediately, upon learning this, hit the Walmart in Slidell and bought a case of vino.  Again, being Sicilian, this too was no big deal.

"Mind over matter, will make the Pooh unfatter"

-- Winnie-the Pooh

So, all in all, a Sicilian can make this work with a bit of experimentation in the kitchen and a lot of willpower.  The willpower, in my case, comes in not going back for seconds and moderating the firsts.  But, why am I putting myself through this?

I'm not doing this because of rude comments, and my mom doesn't count which I'll explain in a bit.  What people say has little bearing on who I am.  It is about my heath and how I personally feel, physically.  My motorcycle accident in high school left my knees wanting, and I feel all of that as I get heavier.  And then, there is lying in bed, reviewing the day's activities and realizing you've interlaced your fingers atop a hill that prevents you from seeing your feet.  And, not to be indelicate, if you look down and think your manhood is experiencing shrinkage, calm down, it might be just the half of it.

“Sleep with the weight of the world on your shoulders, and you will surely suffocate.”

-- Anthony T. Hincks, children's author

If you've ever rolled over in bed and had your belly come under control of gravity, you might understand all this.  If your ass weighs more, the entire exercise is over in a heartbeat as the weight finds equilibrium when it comes to rest on your side.  If the belly weighs more, however, gravity will force continuation of the roll until your ass leaves the bed for the seemingly endless drop to oblivion, which takes about two seconds, two feet, and ends in carpet, thank God, and not wood flooring.

I find my mind and my weight are in a constant wrestling match, the lean military sergeant against the fat guy who thinks he's all that.  I can push and pull all day and the fat belly is still there.  Why?  Well, I've become comfortable in my skin.  That is, until I hit the floor, my pants get tight, and my "large" shirts start straining at the buttons.  Truth is, I look good coming and going, but not so much in profile.  And, about those rude comments, well, though she has my best interests at heart, my mom constantly says I look more like her brother, like every day.  Sam was a good man, a big man, God bless him, but I am not him.  It isn't about degrading comments, it's about treating yourself to the best gift you can give you - more and better life! 

“I'm 190 pounds of rock hard muscle, underneath 40 pounds of sturdy protective fat.”

-- John Swartzwelder, comedy writer (The Simpsons), novelist

So, I have decided, at 65, to add some years to my life and live it with a bit more healthy comfort and activity.  Yeah, but many of you would say that as you get older you deserve to let yourself go to hell in a handbasket.  What does that even mean?  The only way you go to hell in a handbasket is if you're ground meat, or jerky, and even then it's a mighty big freakin basket, even for jerks.  But, I don't see my grandkids that often so I have to gain more time to do so by milking as much distance out of this lifespan as I can.  It isn't that it's going to require a lot of work on my part; it just requires a lot of will power, a trait of which I have more than my fair share.

Toni Sorenson, a writer of books on Christian life, wrote, "The weight you lift is not nearly as heavy as the weight you carry." Now, even taken out of the Christian context of guilt, this is true in most instances.  Without lifting a finger I have been known to carry around 40 pounds of extra weight that I really don't have to, guilt for putting it on notwithstanding.  Being that heavy and lifting that much weight are the things heart attacks are made of, and I have made myself lightheaded on more than one occasion, of late.

I put it to those of you carrying around this physical yoke of addition weight, let's forget about what other's think or say behind your back.  If you're like me, their opinion means little because we're comfortable with whom we are.  Or, are we?  My knees hurt.  My back hurts.  My fingers hurt in the joints.  I get occasional massive muscle cramps, especially at night.  I've abused my body most of my life, and payback is everything they say it is.  This isn't about anyone else's opinion; this is about treating me treating me right for once.  It is about feeling better and, maybe even, living longer.  If you aren't suffering from some medical malady causing weight gain, then your health is your choice.  No one can make you treat yourself with some respect, only you can make the decision to do so; choices and consequences.  What do you say?  Are you with me?  

This morning I got on the scale at an even 180, down from 194.  It's been about two weeks.  I'll let you know when I reach my target of 170.  The first 14 pounds were easy.  If experience is any indicator, the next 10 are going to be the worst.  My treat upon hitting the target, however, will be a casino crab buffet.

Buon appetito!

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 and constructive discussion in an arena of mutual respect concerning those 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 a world renowned 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 lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.

My Sunday Thought for 060318: Utopia?

"Thomas More coined the neologism utopia for his 1516 work that launched the modern genre for a good reason. The word means “no place” because when imperfect humans attempt perfectibility—personal, political, economic and social—they fail. Thus, the dark mirror of utopias are dystopias—failed social experiments, repressive political regimes, and overbearing economic systems that result from utopian dreams put into practice."

--Michael Shermer, publisher, "Skeptic" magazine

"When imperfect humans attempt perfectibility - personal, political, economic and social - they fail."  This statement by Michael Shermer, publisher of Skeptic magazine, is evidenced by a sad history of "failed social experiments, repressive political regimes, and overbearing economic systems that result from utopian dreams put into practice."  When you read about these "experiments," from the outset it would seem they have all the righteous intent which the people would be apt to buy into.  But what is one person's "righteous intent" is another's personal agenda for riches and domination; righteous intent falls prey to ego and greed, and usually from the beginning... if not before.  But, why can't such an idea of "perfection" take hold in a righteous way?  Maybe because the universe requires "balance" in order to exist.

What is one person's utopia is another's dystopia; two sides of the coin we call balance.  If we all looked at the world as perfect, would we be able to recognize when it was not?  If you only live in light, how would you recognize dark as the absence of it?  There must be evil to know there is good.  There must be dark to know there is light.  There must be poor to know there is rich.  There must be up to know there is down, and there must be a "head" on one side of the coin so you so you have the choice of the "tail" on the other; without them the game might never start without an argument.  Balance is useful, but does balance require a freedom of choice?

The utopian ideal can only be achieved if we allow freedom of thought, but this "freedom" of thought would have to be controlled to ensure it is "correct" thought, so it really wouldn't be freedom.  The need for balance defies the utopian model.  Freedom itself denotes an agreed upon non-control of an individual's rights which will be determined by reasonable laws, which strike a balance agreed upon by the majority of a society.

“There is a tyranny in the womb of every Utopia.”

-- Bertrand De Jouvenel (1903-1987), philosopher, economist, futurist

Why does utopian philosophy become repressive?  Because the only way a society will ever agree on anything is if the premise, enactment, and enforcement, is dictated to the free thinking populace by a leadership.  Oh, and that would be a dictatorship, and we know for a fact those fail all the time.  Remember the coin?  Had the idea of chance been dictated and freedom of choice repressed, the lack of the coin toss might not be as agreeable as is fact that it's a time honored agreement by both teams as to who gets to choose how the game starts - kick or receive.   But, I digress.

The utopian ideal would seem to reflect all the tenets of socialism and communism, both with their own rich histories of failure due to repression.  And Marxism, that groundwork for socialism and communism, seems to bear out what I say about balance.

"Utopia is the process of making a better world, the name for one path history can take, a dynamic, tumultuous, agonizing process, with no end."

-- Kim Stanley Robinson, science fiction author

Marxism is philosophy, a social theory, which laid the groundwork for socialism and communist doctrine.  Marxism has morphed into multiple schools of thought.  One must remember that Marxism was simply an opinion, an idea put forth by two philosophers.  Followers of the theory have tried to enact it as social movements, movements in which religion is relegated to "the opium of the people."  My opinion is that these followers forgot to incorporate a system of balance.   

One might say Marxism is the antithesis of pure capitalism, and both can benefit from a healthy dose of each other.  The system might not fail if adherents would learn to incorporate the best of the old system with the best of the new, a lesson in balance only a few discover in time to stave off disaster. For instance, the socialist Soviet Union wanted their Levi blue jeans, and they removed the Berlin wall and downsized into the Russian Federation giving more freedoms and control back to the separate regions.  Communist China gave their people the ability to practice a little capitalism for the sake of their economy, and is now a rising economic powerhouse.  The problem with Marxist governments is they forget about the indomitable, richly robust, human spirit which cannot be held back.  We must be more than we are, not because the "state" says so, because we have to be. 

I love to discuss topics which are so totally over my head, and this oft times makes me sound like an idiot; yes, I am aware of it. This is a good reason for finding knowledgeable people to quote, like Barbara Foley, of Rutgers University, who offers this about Marxism, which I tend to agree with:

"But Marxism is not equivalent to everything that has been performed in its name. Marx’s work remains, to my mind, the most compelling framework for analyzing how the conflicting tendencies in present-day society contain the seeds of a more humane future."

-- Barbara Foley, Distinguished Professor of English and American Studies, Rutgers University

It would, indeed, seem to be all about finding a balance.  But, this is just my opinion, and I could be way off base and sounding, as I stated, like an idiot.  As always, I invite my readers to offer up any constructive comments and questions, remembering that my email is also available for those less comfortable with commenting publicly.  I retain the right to reprint any comments without revealing the source unless authorized to do so, or unless you're being a totally nonconstructive jackass (which has only happened once and, feeling generous, I even gave her a pass). 

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 and constructive discussion in an arena of mutual respect concerning those 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 a world renowned 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 lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.

On the Lighter Side: Caught On Film!

What do you do when you've run out onto a board 

only to discover it doesn't completely bridge the crevasse, 

and the cat behind you knew it?  

Why, you lift your tail and show em yur butt, of course!

The bigger they are, the harder they fall... right?  Sometimes you have to pick your battles.  This cougar has done a simply marvelous job of conquering it's true nature... for the time being, that is.  One shouldn't push a good thing too far, however.

I've looked like this more than a few times in my life.  This is when you look up to heaven and plead, "Please, God, I'll never drink like this again; either let me throw up, or kill me."

This is the look you get when small flowers scare the crap out of you.

I sighed with fond memories of slamming hot dogs, till I realized this little guy was slamming carrots.  Yeah, well, I slamming carrots now, as well.  So far, I've lost 14 pounds of hot dog fat.  From the looks of my little friend, here, it would seem too many carrots have the same effect.  I may have to go back to hot dogs.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I used to run five miles a few time a week and I looked just like this guy while doing it.  It was like begging for a heart attack while trying to squeeze all the oxygen out of each strenuous breath while you suck your gut in for all the good looking honeys you pass.  Have any idea how many girls jog around a lake?  I don't jog anymore.

I would never do this to a dog; it's embarrassing.  I know this because I figure this is what I'd look like on a swing.  Know how many girls go to the park?

I remember this. It's when you mistakenly drink opium laced liquor, while you're overseas in Turkey, and some chick named "Little" tells you the sky is falling. You're like, "Whaaat?" You get so upset at the prospect of imminent death, you mess your diapers.

I had a German shepherd and wiener-dog mix named brandy (yeah, don't ask).  She climbed in a dog food bag once, and then I picked up the bag.  Don't ever get in a bag when I'm around.  What happened next put her off ever getting in a bag for a bit.  Those of you who've been in the bag, fully understand.  And, yet, we keep getting in the bag.

It always seems that what we really want to have is just that far out of our reach.  All we're able to do is look longingly at it, and lick our lips.

I mean, really, just that far out of reach.  Ever notice that, just when we think we'll have it on the next lunge, some ass moves it another inch away?  This is simple cruelty.  It will serve them right if this little guy gets it off the table and onto the expensive rug, eats half of it, and then, in a sugar fueled pay-back, grinds the rest into the carpet nap by rolling around on top of the remains. 

There are certain things you learn around animals, the most important are those "tells" which are warnings of an eminent ass whipping.  For cats, the massive dilation of pupils is a great "tell" to be aware of, especially if there are two cats and you're on the floor looking up at them.  Run! 

PEANUT BUTTER!  And I have been known to try and get my tongue to the bottom of the jar, as well.  It was not a pretty sight.  Had I a tongue as long as this little fella, well, I'd have had much more luck... getting the butter.  This is where having an opposable thumb comes in handy; you can grip a butter knife and scrape out the dregs.

Yea, well, we all have something that's too damned little.  Would you like folks to make fun of your "short"comings?  I think not, because, heaven knows, I will look for them till I find them, and this will be the look you'll have on your face when I announced it to the world.  Yes, I would do that just because payback is so much fun.

Remember the warning about dilated pupils?  Remember, also, that those paws are spring loaded and will shoot straight out of that box so fast you will not even notice the needle-like claws extending prior to impact.  The humorous part of this will be you screaming like a little girl.  Been there and done this.

A warning about fat cats:  Fat cats will sucker you in, by fiening helplessness, just before they rip your arm to hamburger.  Really wanna scratch that tummy?  Uh huh.

Seldom does one catch the secret art of "cat kung fu" in practice.  I actually had a cat  do a backward flip and rake my bare chest so fast I didn't even register what had happened.  I remember whimpering in fear, and then looking down to see four, six-inch long, shallow scratches start to ooze my life sustaining blood.  The cat walked away with tail raised like a lance, showing me his butt.  How freaking rude was that?

This dog never saw the movie "Alien."  Push this cat too far and the dog will be wearing a "cat mask" and screaming for someone to please get it off.    I know this for a fact.  I wore a furry monkey mask and put my face in front of a Siamese cat to see what it would do.  I thought it was awake.  How was I to know cats can sleep with their eyes opened.  She woke up a freaked, and then I freaked.  It took two people to pry the claws from around my head. Luckily cats are not known for wrapping their tails around a victims throat.

Yep!  Been here, done this, more times than I care to remember.  Whereas my hangover was booze related, I'm certain this will be all sugar.  The bad thing about these little gays is that they can crap their weight in cake, or anything for that matter.  That's what they seem to do, eat and poop, and lick.  They are cute, though.

Again, what are we cognizant of?  That's right!  Watch out for the dilated pupils!  This youngster is just playing, but it's all fun and games until your new face earns you the nickname of Claude (re: Clawed).  Kittens tend to lose their little minds, if only for a second.  An explosion only takes a second.  Just saying.

 Oh, hell no!  If I stumbled onto this out in the woods, screaming like a little girl would be the least of my worries. I'd probably wet myself, as well, just before I ran like a gazelle back to the trailhead.  I seriously doubt that the trail would ever touch my feet.  I'd be flying.  This already creeps me out and I know its just a wet sloth that can only move at the speed of smell.  I would feel like an idiot when it finally sunk home what it is, but I'd be a live idiot.  And, I'd have set a new crosscountry speed record for seniors.

And... that it!  I hope you found these animal photos as funny as I did.  Animal and children can put a smile on my face whenever I'm feeling blue.  Just go online and search humorous images for animals or children and let the smiles begin.

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 and constructive discussion in an arena of mutual respect concerning those 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 a world renowned 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 lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.

Guest Post: The Butterfly Effect

“For the want of a nail the shoe was lost,

For the want of a shoe the horse was lost,

For the want of a horse the rider was lost,

For the want of a rider the battle was lost,

For the want of a battle the kingdom was lost,

And all for the want of a horseshoe-nail.” 

-- Benjamin Franklin

Note to my readers:  The following is a guest post written by Teresa Blaney, who, by her own admission, felt a need to get on her "soapbox" and address a concern.  While I neither agree nor disagree with her concerns, it sure does make one sit up and think.  What is the "red line" we mustn't cross when we begin mass use of new technology to make our lives better?  Does science even know?  And, if they don't, if they haven't even considered a "red line" of caution, should this lack of concern, in itself, be of some concern?  

I think most of us have been more concerned about cow farts and pig poop increasing methane in our atmosphere than wind turbines, unless they obstruct the view of our multi-million dollar beach house (methane obstructs nothing, but it does heighten our gag reflex).

This guest offering is humorous, but it also makes one think.  Thanks to Terry for allowing me to repost it from her social media page.  I hope you enjoy the read!

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Per Wikipedia: “In chaos theory, the butterfly effect is the sensitive dependence on initial conditions in which a small change in one state of a deterministic nonlinear system can result in large differences in a later state.”

In layman’s terms as I understand it:

The flapping a butterfly’s wings can influence our weather patterns. For example: severe storms, tornadoes, even hurricanes can all begin with but the flap of a single butterfly’s wings made thousands of miles away.

Now, having said that. Recently when I was flying to visit family, my flight took me up to Minnesota first before changing planes to go down to Miami, FL and then changing planes yet again to fly back north to Orlando, FL. As we were approaching the airport in Minnesota I looked out my window and saw miles and miles and miles of windmills. I thought, “Wow! This is really neat.” Uh, huh – hold that thought.

I just heard on the news this morning about a new “wind farm” that is going to be created along the coastline of one of our Great Lakes. Wow! This is really great, right? Then, in the very next segment of the news they started showing pictures of the weather forecast map for the U.S., Mexico, and Caribbean ~ and it didn’t look too good. They began to start talking about severe storm systems, massive flooding, tornadoes, possible hurricanes, etc. ~ OMG!

Something niggled at the back of my brain, so I did a little research.

Per Wikipedia: “A wind farm is a group of wind turbines in the same location used to produce electricity. A large windfarm may consist of several hundred individual wind turbines and cover an extended area of hundreds of square miles, but the land between the turbines may be used for agricultural or other purposes.”

Here is my thinking ~ and I would love for someone to correct me if I am wrong in my reasoning here. If the flap of butterfly’s wings can very possibly influence our weather conditions, which would include the formation of severe storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes ~ WHAT do we think the creation of hundreds, maybe even thousands, of “wind farms” popping up all over the U.S. will do? Right now, 48 of our states not only have wind farms already in use, but are in the process of constructing many, many more. Granted, I am not an engineer nor am I in possession of a PhD in physics, but somehow it just boggles my mind. It defies logic.

How ~ accepting what we think we know about the “butterfly effect” on nature and weather patterns… HOW could we possibly also think that by creating farms of windmills throughout the globe, that we are not negatively affecting and changing our climate in our zeal to “create clean energy” and “save the planet?”

Just a thought.

-------------------------------------------------------------

So, what does this have to do with a person's personal path?  Well, we should all be concerned about the health of our planet, no matter how minute.  Also, our attitudes and emotions, no matter how insignificant they may seem, can be the impetus for changing the attitudes, emotions, and lives of those around us, which may affect those around them, etc., etc., like a ripple in a pond.  We must always be cognizant of what we say and do to ensure we keep the ripples down to a small typhoon.

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 and constructive discussion in an arena of mutual respect concerning those 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 a world renowned 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 lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.

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My Sunday Thought for 052718: "Animal" House

"If the media and liberals want to defend MS-13, they're more than welcome to. Frankly, I don't think the term that the president used was strong enough. MS-13 has done heinous acts... It took an animal to stab a man 100 times and decapitate him and rip his heart out. It took an animal to beat a woman they were sex trafficking with a bat 28 times, indenting part of her body. And it took an animal to kidnap, drug and rape a 14-year-old Houston girl."

-- Sara Sanders, White House Press secretary

I usually open each post with a meaningful photo.  Not so, this time.  Even the images which I post for my Holocaust articles do not come up to the level of heinous gruesomeness, pure evil, inflicted by some elements of, well, humanity.  Including these elements as part of humanity would seem generous, and including them as members of the animal kingdom, an affront to nature.  Animals kill because they have to, not for some sense of pleasure.

Civilization grows and, with that growth, more land is needed to accommodate it.  Civilization encroaches on nature and forces confrontations as nature runs out of habitat.  We encroach on their habitat and, therefore, they are forced to encroach on ours.  Criminal elements also have a need and desire for growth, fresh hunting grounds in which to satiate their evil desires.  These elements move freely into society, invited by the laws and protection provided them by the very people they will feed upon.  Evil cannot tread where it isn't freely invited or, without invitation, we feel free to go.

Throughout the world society has developed protocols for dealing with deadly animals which encroach on societal borders in search of food and habitat.  They are usually captured and returned to the habitat from whence they came, caged, or euthanized if they are too dangerous and have killed a human.  The way we must deal with our current blight is no different than the way we deal with any "animal" which threatens us.

It is an unfortunate reality that this is the way civilized humans have to deal with those not willing to conform to laws put in place by civilization for our own protection.  Unfortunately, these particular "animals" are enjoying their new, fertile, hunting grounds, and have made it very clear they have no intention of leaving.  They do not hide.  They do not run.  They do not have to, and herein lies our problem, the problem of our own making - elements of our society protect the rights of criminals to fulfill their immoral, horrific fantasies, at great cost to civilization in lives, money, and security.

The Ripper:  I belong here completely and utterly.  I'm home.  It's you who do not belong here.  You, with your absurd notions of a perfect and harmonious society.  Drivel.  The world has caught up and surpassed me.  Ninety years ago, I was a freak.  Today, I'm an amateur.  You go back.  The future isn't what you thought. It's what I am.  Do you know that you can purchase a rifle?   It's legal.  These people encourage-- 

H.G. Wells:  Stop it!

The Ripper:  It's catching, isn't it?  Violence.

- Jack The Ripper, "Time After Time" (1979)

We have had many psychopaths throughout history.  By in large they act alone.  Psychopaths now seem content to hunt in packs.  They now have a culture of their own, a society of cruelty, torture, death, and pure evil.  If you're wondering if there is a hell on earth, the answer is yes.  They try to hide in groups like ISIS, cloaking they're activities under the guise of "religion" which only serves to compound they're evil with heresy.  The criminal element has evolved, out of preservation and necessity, into a societal culture of evil.  Their culture demands control, and this kind of unquestioning control is best achieved through abject fear.

We live in an "animal house" outwardly protected by animal control officers more chained to the rights of the animals than the safety of the society they are sworn to protect, because we allow laws which form the very chains which prohibit them from protecting us.  As usual we are our own worst enemy.  Instead of eradicating the disease, we allow it, by law, to fester among us.  We allow society to decline, and evil to grow.  Are these sociopaths human?  Yes, but only in the strictest scientific definition.  I would be concerned that they might be simply a reflection of the darkness capable within each of us.  My fear is, very much, the latter, evidenced by the way we allow them to grow and spread as if they're just a nuisance in the garden.  Perhaps they reflect our inner desire to stop tending the garden, to destroy a civilization we no longer have a desire to tolerate and be a part of - ours!

"To be clear, even members of MS-13 are not "animals." Every human being has dignity, even the worst criminals, even murderers. The main danger of the "animal" language is that it begins with criminals, and then is applied to entire classes of people (i.e., migrants, Tutsi, Jews)."

--James Martin, Jesuit priest, author

Do these groups operate with a misguided sense of dignity?  Jesuit priest, James Martin, says no.  Well, let's look at the definition.  Dignity is the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect.  It is a composed or serious manner or style, and it is a sense of pride in oneself, self-respect.  It would seem James Martin is correct, by definition, when he says, "Every human being has dignity, even the worst criminals, even murderers."  Righteousness and morality doesn't enter into the definition, and how sad is that?

We can stick our head in the sand and ignore what's going on around us.  We can listen to the bleeding hearts who find excuses for excusing the horrors being perpetrated upon us, or we can voice our displeasure with inept leadership and the perpetually offended in our own country.  For the majority, the ongoing terror is someone else's problem, however.  So, what can we do?  As with my posts concerning the Holocaust, this quote from Rev. Martin Niemoller concerning his internment in a Nazi concentration camp always come to mind:

When the Nazis came for the communists,

I remained silent;

I was not a communist.

When they locked up the social democrats,

I remained silent;

I was not a social democrat.

When they came for the trade unionists,

I did not speak out;

I was not a trade unionist.

When they came for the Jews,

I remained silent;

I wasn't a Jew.

When they came for me,

there was no one left to speak out.

--  Martin Niemoller (1892-1984), Lutheran pastor, theologian

So, what can we do? If you aren't part of the solution, you are the problem and you might as well make a questionable fashion statement and get a creative full-facial tattoo prior to joining whichever terror group you opt to support. Or, more attractively, you can vote and throw your support behind those in authority trying to keep us safe.

But, then, this is just another "My Sunday Thought" in a long line of my humble offerings to those who seek a path. Am I wrong? In all probability, I'd have to say yes. This is, after all, just one opinion, a thought which momentarily sent a chill through my grey matter, and as quickly, and with some relief, was gone.

What are your thoughts? Feel free to share anything constructive, as a comment or by email.

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 and constructive discussion in an arena of mutual respect concerning those 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 a world renowned 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 lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.