Questions, Questions, Questions...

“I would rather have questions that can't be answered than answers that can't be questioned.”

-- Richard Feynman (1918-1988), theoretical phyicist

Why is everything about politics today, and how can I have a break from it?

Taking a “break” is not the same as ignoring and, therefore is much easier to accomplish. Simply don’t invite the drama into your space. If people want to broach the subject give them the “talk to the hand” gesture and explain to them that you’re not entertaining that drama at this moment. Or, just take some “me” time and get away from all of it for a while.

It is hard to escape the topic of the day. Everyone is buying into some version of bullshit and feel it necessary to spread the manure. This makes it difficult to separate truth from fiction. For instance, “Black Lives Matter” has no clue that the name itself is racist and divisive. It is no wonder we all seek some refuge from the neverending deluge of BS. 

Good luck, and strive to be happy always!

How do I find my mission?

Which one? Our path has many forks. One mission might morph into another, or it might end and you find another. For many, the “mission” finds us. It may have nothing to do with talent, something you like, or something you desire. You may simply have an “Aha!” moment, and you’re off! If you truly want to find a mission, stop looking for one. It will find you. 

What are you waiting for at 7 pm?

7:01. Am I supposed to be waiting for something else? I try to live for the moment. People might tell me they’ll meet me at a restaurant, and I’ll pick one that has good food. In this way I am not there for them, I’m there for the meal, If they show up, that just makes it better. If someone needs my help in the morning, and my morning is free, I will keep busy until noon and then go about other business. I lose nothing while I wait. If they call later, I’ll help if I can, but now I am otherwise occupied.

“Indeed, the only truly serious questions are ones that even a child can formulate. Only the most naive of questions are truly serious. They are the questions with no answers. A question with no answer is a barrier that cannot be breached. In other words, it is questions with no answers that set the limit of human possibilities, describe the boundaries of human existence.”

-- Milan Kundera, writer

Is not walking the path, the path itself?

Yes, it is. You can walk a path without any specific destination. A goal may present itself in due course but, until that happens, continue to be happy always.

What media do you use to make a life goals list to motivate yourself in the long term?

If by media, you mean information, I don’t trust any of it. I make my life goals by listening, asking questions, weighing the options, making a decision, reviewing, and changing my decision if applicable. Media is being controlled by people and parties with agendas, and right now “socialism” seems to be on the agenda. So much for good advice from the media.

What are the most ethical trends of 2020?

I find no ethical trends in 2020. We continue to batter the rule of law. Minority racists are screaming “Racism!” which makes little sense. Children with no idea of history and culture are tearing down statues in an attempt to destroy history and culture. People decrying the Second Amendment carry guns in demonstrations and riots. Police departments are being defunded and then called to respond by the very people defunding them. No. If one were to see an ethical trend in 2020, it would have to be… bad ethics. 

“A solid answer to everything is not necessary. Blurry concepts influence one to focus, but postulated clarity influences arrogance.”

-- Criss Jami, poet, philosopher

How do we get our lives in order so we don't have to focus on others?

“Put your oxygen mask on first, before assisting the passenger next to you.” You shouldn’t be focusing on others until you have your own house in order. How can you help others if you, yourself, need help? Better you should put all of your attention to cleaning up your own act and being happy always, before thinking you can assist anyone else.

Why am I nothing but dirt on the street?

Probably because you believe you’re “nothing but dirt on the street.” Stop buying into what you feel, what you hear, or what you feel about what you hear. Rise above it and strive to show you are more than what you think you are. What others see in us is what they tend to reflect back on us. Become more than what they see.

Life is all about learning to make good choices. What you are is a choice you make to be. Make a better choice, and learn to be happy always.

With all the events that happened in 2020, what kept you motivated to not give up?

Socialism trying to gain a solid foothold in our country by taking over the media and a political party. Socialism breeds because of ignorance. A Soviet KGB defector once said liberals are used to destabilize a nation so socialism can walk in and take over, then the liberals, thinking they will share in power, are put against a wall and shot because they know too much. I fought against socialist doctrine for 23 years. I didn’t give up the fight then and I most certainly will not give up the fight now.

“When I lay these questions before God I get no answer. But a rather special sort of 'No answer.' It is not the locked door. It is more like a silent, certainly not uncompassionate, gaze. As though He shook His head not in refusal but waiving the question. Like, 'Peace, child; you don't understand.”

--  C.S. Lewis , author, writer, theologian

Why do I have so many internal conflicts when I demand things?

Stop demanding things. Why are you demanding? Demanding is a poor way to get anything done as it needs animosity. You probably have internal conflict because you know what you’re doing is poor form. You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. Try being happy always, and see how that works out for you.

Why can't we escape reality, even if reality is cruel and miserable?

Reality is what we make of it. Our reality is all about learning the lessons this life puts before us so we can move forward in our next life and not have to endure remedial education by reliving this existence. We cannot escape these lessons, they are a necessary part of why we are. Your task is to understand the lesson, rise above it, change your circumstances, your reality, and become more than you think you are. First and most important, however, is learning to be happy always, regardless of your circumstances. Misery is a tough teacher, but it is a great impetus for learning. Being happy always removes the mental blocks keeping you from that learning.

Have cellphones destroyed the ability to trust?

No. Anytime you are not face-to-face in the communication process you risk not understanding what is being communicated. Even the closest of friends can misinterpret when they don’t see facial inflections, body language, and, in the case of texting, hear the emotional voice. Our ability to trust started going in the toilet with letters, radio, telephones, cell phones, and, now, texting. It is being destroyed by our inability to communicate face to face.

“To ask the 'right' question is far more important than to receive the answer. The solution of a problem lies in the understanding of the problem; the answer is not outside the problem, it is in the problem.”

-- Jiddu Krishnamurti (1895-1986), writer, philosopher

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 the 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.