Answering, for Its Own Sake

“I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman, 'Where's the self-help section?' She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.”

-- George Carlin (1937-2008) comedian, actor, author

How are you, and what do you do?

I am always fine. Any morning you wake up on this side of the dirt is a great day!

I am retired, for the third time, and taking care of my mother during this COVID crisis. I write, am a blogger on my site The Path, and volunteer as a chaplain at the regional medical center.

Why is it that so many people from the age of 30 to 70 wish they were in their 20s again?

They don’t remember how much they wished they weren’t in their 20s. If they’re 30 to 50, the question I’d pose to them is what didn’t you do in your life, at this point, that makes you pine for yesterday? Life is all about making choices, and they probably made some bad ones. The good thing about this life is that, sooner or later, it will end and we will be reborn into another life, subconsciously taking what we learned with us. Because of this, chances are, in the next life, you won’t make the same bad choices and you’ll revel in your later years and learn to be happy always. 

How good are you at your job?

This question was changed from its original meaning to something totally different. “Why are you doing a good job?” as opposed to “How good are you at your job?” If I can answer “why” I’m doing a good job, then I have automatically answered that I am, in fact, good at my job. I wish this site would quit changing the questions.

“...there are people who try to look as if they are doing a good and thorough job, and then there are the people who actually damn well do it, for its own sake.”

-- John D. MacDonald (1916-1986), writer, author

If you could, what are 10 things you could write down and give yourself? Things that you feel younger you would've like to know?

Learn to be happy always. Don’t go into debt, ever. Date redheads. Don’t get married until you live together for a while. Buy used cars and only get liability insurance. If the Air Force offers you Area 51, taker it. Learn to focus and do well in school. Invest IBM, then seel that and invest in AT&T, sell and invest in Microsoft, then sell and invest in Verizon. Retire young so you can enjoy the downhill ride. Time does not exist, God does.

Can we make our fortune by thinking smart and hard work, or does luck also matter?

Never discount a modicum of luck in any situation. Plan for the best, but watch your back. There is always someone working to make their fortune as well. If your “Plan A” starts to go wonky, be prepared with a “Plan B” to fall back on.

Why don’t I notice time passing? Two years could go by with me not doing anything toward my goals, and I don't even notice. How do I fix it?

First of all, don’t worry about time since it doesn’t really exist. Time is a human construct that gives structure to this life and causes much stress, as you’re experiencing. Better to ignore time and simply start working toward your goals. In order to “fix it” you have to take the first step, and then continue moving.

“If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things.”

-- Albert Einstein

Is it worth the effort to un-brainwash a conservative?

Absolutely! If a conservative has been brainwashed they’re now a socialist. Better they should be reprogrammed so they can remain an “all lives matter” patriot. However, truth be known, “un-brainwashed” is a term used for someone who was not successfully brainwashed. In this case, then, he is just fine.

Have you ever done your best and then got the least results for your efforts?

Fishing. Every time I go fishing, I do my best and get the least results for my efforts. I’ve come to view fishing as a time to relax and have a few beers. The upside is I don’t have to clean my non-existent catch.

John Cage said, "I can't understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I'm frightened of the old ones." Which ideas of the past or now do you find frightening?

Socialism. I fought to keep it out of my country for over 20 years of my military career. It doesn’t work, as proven through its history, and it still doesn’t work today. Socialism infecting my country frightens me, and socialists infecting my country are why I own weapons.

Why is there no true honor in expected recognition?

Are you expecting honor or recognition? Is what you did selfless, or did you do it for recognition? If you did it in expectation of recognition, how do you find that honorable? Live a humble life of selfless service, never compromise your ethics, and you will be recognized, in the end, by the only power that matters.

“Humility forms the basis of honor, just as the low ground forms the foundation of a high elevation.”

-- Bruce Lee (1940-1973), martial artist, martial arts instructor, actor, 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 a chaplain at the regional medical center.