The Question... Where Am I?

"You know, we have to come together and that is why I am running as a proud Democrat for the Senate."

-- Joe Biden, on his run as 2021 Presidential Candidate

USA Today excused Joe Biden's gaff, above, as being taken out of context.  They stated the full contextwas this: 

"You know, we have to come together and that is why I am running as a proud Democrat for the Senate," Biden said midsentence before the video cuts off.  He then goes on to say: "When I ran as a proud Democrat for vice president and running as a proud Democrat for president." 

Nice catch, Joe. The excuse holds no water, though, and USA Today did him, and themselves as journalists, no favor by trying to excuse it.  He says "running" as a proud Democrat, not "I ran" as a proud Democrat for the Senate.  He caught his gaff and immediately backpeddled to cover for it.  And how many times has he stated he was somewhere other than where he really was?  Like in a different city?  Or, even in a different state, which I will not argue.  "The red button lauches the missiles, Mr. President, it isn't the hot line."  Just saying. 

What’s the most insane thought you’ve had this year?

A man with onset Alzheimer's would win the Presidential election. I just hate me.

Why can't people accept the fact that all weren't meant to be rich or have high degrees you aren't always responsible for how your life turns out why not accept people for who they are? And not what they think they should be or become?

It’s pretty true that those who are able, do, and those that can’t, teach. Even those who do, however, might not succeed. When I was in the military, I had a doctor, a Ph.D., introduce himself as Doctor so-and-so. I introduced myself back to him as Master-Sergeant Villari. 

He asked me if I had a first name, and I was going to be a smartass and say, "Master-Sergeant, and I assume yours is Doctor?" But, instead, I replied by asking him if he had one. We stared at each other for a moment and then both of us smiled, but he did offer his name first, which was big of him.

Another doctor asked me many questions. I asked why so many questions and he said he needed to determine if he was willing to take me as a patient. When he was done he agreed to take me. I said, "Not so fat, Doc. I haven't determined if I want you for my doctor, yet."

We tend to lead with what we earn, in this case, our “titles.” We tend to forget that others feel they have stature in their own professions, as well, and occasionally feel they, also, deserve recognition of that fact.

Are those with titles successful? I’m sure some feel they are. But, are they truly happy in their success? I consider anyone who has attained true happiness is more successful than many who think they’re successful and haven’t. Maybe we should treat people we meet like they’re the ones who will save our “full of ourselves” life in the next moment. They very well might.

How much do you agree or disagree with the statement, “Life as a professional: social duty”?

It was my “social duty” to become a professional member of the military, to protect and defend my country, but I don’t see how one might think it’s their “social duty” to be a professional welder unless their welding is serving the greater good. Are you welding to help others, or are you welding for the big bucks? Why we do what we do has much bearing on “social duty.”

“Without patriotism, that is, a sense of responsibility towards the society, a creature is not human to begin with.”

-- Abhijit Naskar, neuroscientist, author 

How do I know if my girlfriend I just met a couple of months ago is cheating on me?

If you have to ask the question, it might be time to find a new girlfriend. Relationships are all about trust. When the trust becomes questionable, the relationship is in trouble. Confront her with your concerns, and gauge her reaction. Be prepared with an answer for the ever-popular comeback, “You don’t trust me?” 

How can a person just choose to do what she wants in life when people around want to play shock every time they see that person?

If what she chooses to do is legal and moral, she needs to ignore the people in shock around her. They are not supportive and, therefore, do her little good on her path through life.

What does it mean when a guy’s ex-wife texts him & says “I know what started our problems 11 years ago”?

She finally embraced her outward desire to be with other men?

"When a spouse says to the alcoholic, "you need to go to AA," that is obviously not true. The addict feels no need to do that at all and isn't. But when she says, "I am moving out and will be open to getting back together when you are getting treatment for your addiction," then all of a sudden the addict feels "I need to get some help or I am going to lose my marriage." The need has been transferred. It is the same with any kind of problematic behavior of a person who is not taking feedback and ownership. The need and drive to do something about it must be transferred to that person, and that is done through having consequences that finally make him feel the pain instead of others. When he feels the pain, he will feel the need to change...A plan that has hope is one that limits your exposure to the foolish person's issues and forces him to feel the consequences of his performance so that he might have hope of waking up and changing.”

-- Dr. Henry Cloud, self-help author

How can I deal with my age?

You better learn to deal with it soon, time is short in this life. But, then, time doesn’t really exist except as a human construct. When this life ends, we continue onto the next realm where our existence continues, or we are reborn here to learn the lessons we could not or were too stubborn to learn. Best to deal with your age maturely - learn to be happy always. Once you do this, go out and mentor others. 

What is the right career path for me?

I wouldn’t think “Career Counselor” would be a good choice. It depends on what you find interesting.

Do you agree or disagree that humans are the biggest hypocrites living on this planet? Why or why not?

I can’t speak for extraterrestrials, and I’m not sure animals have a concept of hypocrisy, so I have to agree that humans are the most hypocritical living on this planet.

“We are all hypocrites. We cannot see ourselves or judge ourselves the way we see and judge others.”

-- José Emilio Pacheco (1939-2014) author, essayist, poet 

What happened to make you think, 'I'm better at this than I thought I was'?

A couple of thousand games of expert-level Freecell and Majong without a loss. 

Are people more likely to do the right things when aware of the choices?

It is dependent on how greedy they are. Greed drives some of us to do the wrong things. We know, deep down, we’re doing wrong, but we feign denial when called down on it. Better for us all to just do right always and suckup the consequences.

What would you want to say to yourself one year in the future?

Merry Christmas!

"I am exactly where I'm supposed to be. The people in my life are exactly where they're supposed to be and those who are no longer in my life are exactly where they should be."

-- Unknown

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.