Why Don't I Comment?

“Let me never fall into the vulgar mistake of dreaming that I am persecuted whenever I am contradicted.”

-- Ralph Waldo Emerson, poet, philosopher

My father always told me, "Opinions are like assholes, everybody has one."  I learned, early on, just because you have an opinion it doesn't make you an asshole, so you don't have to be an asshole when voicing your opinion.  Personal opinions are just that, your own personal opinion.  State your opinion, with all humility, and move on.  No one has to agree with it, and no one should be expected to.  If you need to have your ego stroked, unfortunately, it says much about who you are... to everybody but you.

I was recently asked why I don't comment on what other people write.  I have enough trouble dealing with arising from what I write.  I am my own worse critic and years of evidence proves I have no reason to expect I won't be just as tough on others.  I tend to walk that fine line between being critical and being a rude asshole.  This is one reason why I always follow my posts on this blog with this "Editor's Note":

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 an alternate 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.

I've had to point this "footnote" out to many people who get their "panties in a bunch" while vehemently disagreeing with what I write.  I'm never disappointed when the League of the Perpetually Offended have their habitual hissyfit over something I've written.  They are perpetually offended, after all.  These are a segment of readers who find it nigh impossible to "agree to disagree."

As the lead chaplain at the local medical center, I often have interaction with folks who think I'm there to change their minds or their faith.  They are taken aback when I begin my talk and state that I really don't care what their personal beliefs are.  A person has to find their own belief, their own faith.  It is not my place to say they must believe a certain way.  Atheists, for instance, have their own belief set.  They seem to define their atheism to suit this personal belief paradigm.  This is no different than theists.  Unless you're a lemming simply following the crowd, striving to belong somewhere before you find yourself running off a philosophical cliff,  I think we all want to be special in our own way.

Do I think atheists, or others, are going to hell for their beliefs?  No, because I don't believe hell exists in the traditional sense.  For myself, as another sinner trying to get it right, as long as everyone tries to lead a moral life, who am I to judge?  I don't believe a loving God, positive energy, condemns us to eternity in a "hell" because we question faith.  As a person of faith, all I can do is wish for people, those who wish to lead a peaceful, moral existence, everything they expect in life... and in the hereafter.  If you believe in nothing and have faith in nothing, then I wish for you the nothing you expect so you will not be disappointed, not that you will ever know.

What I do believe, however, is that "evil" does exist.  I believe the weak minded can be turned from the positive to the negative and that, when we die, we will find ourselves, by our own choice, in a "hell" we create for ourselves or, if our minds are so very weak, we will become demons of our own making, as well.  This has nothing to do with religious faith.  It has much to do with, once again, becoming one with the universe which demands balance.  We will simply have no choice.  We will be honest with ourselves about our actions during this adventure and choose how to set everything straight, if necessary.  Then again, perhaps positive souls will simply flow to positive energy, and negative souls will flow to negative energy.

“The essence of the independent mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks.”

-- Christopher Hitchens, author, journalist, social critic

We all have to walk our own positive path.  We also have to find that path, ourselves.  No one can find a path for you.  Remember that negative energy attracts negative energy.  When you discover your path, don't be perpetually offended while walking it or you may find yourself walking alone.  Practice tolerance and acceptance of other beliefs.  I always remind folks, if you're going to comment, try hard to make it a constructive comment.

English author and humorist Douglas Adams wrote, “All opinions are not equal. Some are a very great deal more robust, sophisticated and well supported in logic and argument than others.”  I humbly disagree.  Everyone has an opinion and everyone thinks theirs is right.  In this way, all opinions are equal.  Unless an opinion is a fact it will always be just one person's own, personal, opinion.  A proven fact as no longer an opinion unless, of course, someone doesn't believe the irrefutable proof.  The world is flat, after all, and we all know it.  The moon landings were accomplished on a sound stage in Hollywood, and the earth is the center of the universe.  Anti-gravity and faster-than-light travel are impossible and there is no such thing as God.  It is what it is until it isn't, and then it is what it is... again.

“Fools have a habit of believing that everything written by a famous author is admirable. For my part, I read only to please myself and like only what suits my taste.”

-- Voltaire (1694-1778), writer, historian, philosopher

I don't comment on what other people write, because it is not my place to judge what they write.  It is their opinion.  If they ask for my opinion I will be happy to give it if they're mature enough to accept that it's just my opinion.  Few of us are this mature.  We constantly look for a chink in someone else's armor so we can feel "one up" on them.  Do they really want my honest opinion, or do they want me to stroke their ego?  When I ask for comments and opinions I only ask that they be constructive.  My fervent hope is, what they have to say will be of some use, or have some meaning, to those who read it.  

My readers who have asked me specific questions, or for advice, usually get a fairly short response.  I do this to stay on point and not obfuscate my response.  If something requires more than a sentence it usually becomes the impetus for another post on this blog.  Obfuscation is also why I don't often respond to comments my readers provide.  Again, to what end?  They have acquiesced to my request to leave a constructive comment... if they so desire.  They know my mindset, and now we know theirs.  Viola!  If you want more honesty and complication than this, you have to kiss me, buy me dinner, and promise me a happy ending.  I'm not cheap, but I can be bought and, besides, I'm cute.  Okay, maybe not so much the latter.

“It's okay to disagree with the thoughts or opinions expressed by other people. That doesn't give you the right to deny any sense they might make. Nor does it give you a right to accuse someone of poorly expressing their beliefs just because you don't like what they are saying. Learn to recognize good writing when you read it, even if it means overcoming your pride and opening your mind beyond what is comfortable.”

-- Ashly Lorenzana, author, escort, "sex worker"

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 an alternate 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 22 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 the premier, world renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved 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, and wages 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.