Questions Concerning a "Free Lunch"

“Even the most ardent environmentalist doesn't really want to stop pollution. If he thinks about it, and doesn't just talk about it, he wants to have the right amount of pollution. We can't really afford to eliminate it - not without abandoning all the benefits of technology that we not only enjoy but on which we depend.”

-- Milton Friedman (1912-2006), economist

Where will the first free city be? Where it's a waitlist to live there, no monetary value other than how lucky to have lived there?

Keep in mind, there is no such thing as a free lunch.

What would be the opposite of a soulmate? Are they also important to experience in life?

I would think a “mortal enemy” would fit the bill and, yes, they are also important to experience in life. It is important to be able to recognize them for what they are and avoid them at all costs. You don’t need their drama in your life, as much as they’d love to share it with you, and you very well might not deserve it anyway.

Why do some people prefer to do nothing rather than something?

Why work when others will work for you?

Note:  This was my second answer to the question.  When it was put to me, I had to take back my answer because there wasn't enough information put forward to determine who the "people" were who preferred to do nothing.  I assumed welfare recipients, but it could be people who just preferred to do nothing, but still do work.  I didn't feel like stirring up the League of the Perpetually Offended unless I knew for sure.  Anyway, my original answer was this: 

"For the most part, they prefer to be government lackeys than productive members of society. They suck from the public teat like helpless babies, waiting for their government master to make them do tricks. Most find it so much easier to take a welfare check than to earn an honest living, and the only life most of their children learn from them is that it's so much easier to turn a blind eye to self-respect than to have any. They are the army of voters that have kept stepping and fetching for the same masters for years and continue to do so to this day. You cannot save them from themselves, only they can do that, but it takes work on their part. I wouldn’t hold your breath waiting." 

“Free time allows building of reputations — either as someone who is excellent at killing time by doing nothing or someone who can utilize the time by creating things out of nothing.

People becoming habitual to doing nothing, get nothing at the end.”

-- Shahenshah Hafeez Khan

What is the most emotional picture you've ever seen?

The true story, “Taking Chance,” with Kevin Bacon.

What is a misleading thing someone can say to make them seem better than they are?

I’m single.  We celebrate an "open" marriage.  I can't have children.  Yadda, yadda, yadda...

What did you value most when you were a child? Is it still the same today? Why?

Friendships, and yes, I still value them today. I can count my friends using my fingers, and my selfless friends using half of them. I’ve found, where I value friendship for friendship’s sake, most people place a determined value on friendship for a multitude of their own reasons. My friends are my friends, the only difference is their interpretation.  I was brought up better than that. I assume my selfless friends were, as well. 

“The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you. You just got to find the ones worth suffering for.”

-- Bob Marley (1945-1981), singer, songwriter, musician 

What is more meaningful—love or loyalty?

Loyalty. I love everyone, but loyalty is an ethical choice I make for those few.

I'm failing every class and I don't have any motivation. What can I do?

Apply for Welfare benefits. What’s one more?

Why do people keep asking if I'm okay?

Are you okay?

How can I show my love for him/her and know that they understand?

You might add telling them to the mix, that way they know why you’re showing them and won’t just think you’re being a tad clingy.

“My six-word love story: I can’t imagine life without you.”

-- Anonymous

How do I love a woman who is cheating?

You can’t unless you’re into that sort of thing, and even then it’s a bit out in left-field. It isn’t so much who she’s bringing home with her, as much as what.

Are there certain points in a relationship when it is hard to utter “I love you” after a fight despite feeling it?

Yes, indeed! About 20 years into a marriage that’s been failing for 18. You finally have to leave denial and realize what everyone else has been telling you is true. It’s over.

What is an expression for when people cannot make decisions without trying to know all the facts?

“Critically smart” comes to mind. People should never make choices or decisions without considering all the facts. A deal only good for the day will probably come around again. Don’t be forced into a decision by high-pressure sales.

“On an important decision, one rarely has 100% of the information needed for a good decision no matter how much one spends or how long one waits. And, if one waits too long, he has a different problem and has to start all over. This is the terrible dilemma of the hesitant decision maker.”

-- Robert K. Greenleaf (1904-1990), author, founder Servant Leadership movement

What does it mean to say that one is responsible for one's own emotions? Does this imply that one chooses what one feels?

Of course! Freedom of choice is sacred. You can choose to be miserable or to be happy always. The choice is yours. If you are a captive, you can choose to break under torture or you can choose to die a hero. The choice is always yours. The choices and decisions you make in this life will help determine your next life. Why? Choices and decisions are why we are here. It is what life is all about and the lessons we must learn. If we choose to control our emotions, we choose to be in control of ourselves.

What ‘Pearls of wisdom’ would you pass on to a stranger?

Be happy always! The alternative simply sucks.

How do you keep a satisfying home and family life?

Separate job from family. Make time for family. They come first which is why you have the job, remember? Support each other, because relationships don’t just go one way; there must be a give and take. Keep open the lines of good communication. This means everyone needs to learn how to listen and make cogent arguments. Be happy always! And, finally, honesty at all times, even if it isn’t good. One has to trust love, or what’s the point of the relationship?

“No one on his deathbed ever said, ‘I wish I had spent more time at the office.’” 

-- commonly attributed to rabbi Harold Kushner, author

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.