Questions of Change, Control, and Honesty

“All were expecting to die, and every day of their life was a day of suffering and torment. All had witnessed terrible crimes, and the Germans would have spared none of them; the gas chambers awaited them. Most, in fact, were sent to the gas chambers after only a few days of work, and were replaced by people from new contingents. Only a few dozen people lived for weeks and months, rather than for days and hours; these were skilled workers, carpenters and stonemasons, and the bakers, tailors and barbers who ministered to the Germans' everyday needs. These people created an Organizing Committee for an uprising. It was of course, only the already-condemned, only people possessed by an all-consuming hatred and a fierce thirst for revenge, who could have conceived such an insane plan. They did not want to escape until they had destroyed Treblinka. And they destroyed it.”

-- Chil Rajchman, The Last Jew of Treblinka

How would you relate Maslow's hierarchy of needs in your life?

I had to remind myself what “aesthetic needs” were. Using the “7-level” model, I’m probably up to “self-actualization” needs. Though, I'm happy with where I am. There are a couple of things I would like to do to continue my growth in another direction, but taking care of my mother has put that on hold, probably until the next life. I am fine with that. I have realized my “personal potential” and, for this life, I have become what I am capable of. I am fulfilled.

I have moved on to my need for “transcendence” in life. My values have not centered on myself for some time now. As we get older our values do change, whether we admit it or not. My faith is what it is, as is life. I strive to be happy always and seldom do I ever slip from this path.

I often visit the edge of the abyss, standing there for some time, contemplating the infinity that stretches out beyond it. Occasionally, the abyss does stare back. I don’t fear it anymore. I just smile and return to contemplation. Life is what it is until it isn’t and, then, it is what it is… again. Change is what we look forward to. Constant change. This is a good thing.

How have you altered your career aspirations to accommodate planning for children and family life?

I was in the military when all this happened, and I had already set my mind on a career with it. You really don’t alter any career aspirations once you’ve made that decision. It is what it is.

I have a friend who is cheating in exams for sure, but my school wants proof that this person is cheating. How do I prove that they cheat? The person in question is threatening my 1st place in class Please I need help so can someone answer this?

I would think this is the school's purview, not yours. If the school doesn’t care, it says much about the ethical quality of the school. 

“When people cheat in any arena, they diminish themselves-they threaten their own self-esteem and their relationships with others by undermining the trust they have in their ability to succeed and in their ability to be true.”

-- Cheryl Hughes

What questions can you ask to know more about how a person thinks?

Are you a republican or a democrat? Socialist or conservative? Man or woman? Working, retired, or on welfare by choice?

When has ignoring someone worked for you?

I ignore members of the League of the Perpetually Offended constantly. It makes me very happy not to get baited into one-sided “discussions” with foul-mouthed idiots.

I want a girlfriend. Why?

I can think of many reasons, none of which are good from a “relationship” point of view. In this new age of redefining male and female, there are now many other reasons, also questionable, for a solid relationship. The best person to answer this question is you, You’re the one with a desire for a girlfriend, so ask yourself why you want one. I have a feeling your answer is probably better than ours.

“If you have a girlfriend and still can’t get laid; you better get a boyfriend”

-- M.F. Moonzajer

What are the things we need to know about a relationship?

Any relationship, good or bad, needs to be predicated upon honesty. Without honesty, there is no solid base for a relationship.

I thought society was beginning to hold the President accountable for their actions after years of Trump being criticized constantly to this very day. Why are those same people who held Trump accountable, not doing the same for Biden?

Holding your breath for an honest answer?  That isn't socialism's strong suit.

How does one overcome the urge to cheat on a test?

Know the material. This isn’t rocket science, and if it was… you’d know the material.

“When students cheat on exams it's because our school system values grades more than students value learning.”

-- Neil deGrasse Tyson

Can criticism make you change from what you believe in or what you're doing?

What I’m doing, I’m doing, and what I believe I believe. If the criticism is on my technique, from someone I respect the opinion of, then I will listen and, if I find their critique is valid, I may change per their sage advice. My belief is a bit harder to change unless you can convince me with a cogent argument. But, like the atheists just saying God doesn’t exist without presenting proof, would be like me trying to convince atheists God does exist, without presenting proof. The difference is, I won’t call them names and berate them.

What is the definition of a clash of ignorance?

Two ignorant people arguing over something neither of them knows anything about?

What simple or small change in the USA election system would you implement that you think would make a major difference? Why?

Have a multinational U.N. commission oversee the election to ensure there is NO fraud. They say there was no “widespread” fraud, but they never said there wasn’t any fraud. If there was a fraud how in God’s name do we know for certain it wasn’t widespread? The fact I find myself recommending the U.N. get involved makes me sick to my stomach, but this is evidence of how far we have fallen as the "premier democracy" in the world. Very concerning.

"Electoral fraud is illegal interference with the process of an election. Electoral fraud can take different forms—including in-person voter fraud, fraudulent activity involving absentee or mail ballots, and voter suppression—and can occur at different points of the election process, from registration to the tallying of ballots.

There is debate surrounding the extent to which various types of electoral fraud occur. John Fund and Hans von Spakovsky—with the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank—wrote that "the media aren’t doing our democracy any favors by summarily dismissing the existence of voter fraud – like the almost 1,200 proven cases in the Heritage Foundation’s election fraud database – while questioning the very need for accurate voter rolls."

-- https://ballotpedia.org/Electoral_fraud

Are you afraid of not being able to learn more about different topics?

If the socialists have their way, learning will be a process of indoctrination. You’ll learn what they need, not what you want. You become what is best for the “state,” not what is best for you. The evidence is what’s going on currently with the cancel culture, Critical Race Theory, and teacher unions.

I am never having kids (no question, don’t even try to talk me out of it). Will I regret this decision?

Certainly not now. But, as you get older, nearing retirement, you may begin to regret not becoming all you can be. And, your progeny may have some positive effect on the world stage.

My son has made this decision. They are having way too much fun, and I respect that. But, he is the last of our branch of the lineage. He may come to regret his decision, later in life, but it is not my place to judge him.

What are the two things I can't control about you?

You can’t control my faith or my freedom of choice. This, basically, means you control nothing. You may think you’re in control, but this is just what you force upon me, it has nothing to do with controlling what I really feel and think. I will die before that happens.

“You cannot control a situation, but you can learn to master it.”

-- Bjørn Aris

 

 And... the short answers:

Which halfway common piece of technology is, in your opinion, not appreciated enough or ignored completely?

Rice cooker.

Can I use a massage chair every day?

If it’s working for you, why not? You did say chair, right?

What do you do when you are misunderstood as manipulative?

Laugh. I am so not.

As a United States voter, what lessons have you learned?

United States voters are idiots.

Who are the three people who have been the most influential to you?

Lao Tsu, Jesus Christ, and my mother.

What is the most important mindset?

Happiness!

How is "fend for yourself" bad advice for today's youth?

As opposed to “rely on someone else”?

Author's comment:  I find it is better to read the entire article as opposed to answering a headline. It’s only 10 minutes long…enjoy.

My reply:  And… there was an article?  I find it better to ensure the article is attached to the "headline" before I reprimand someone for not reading it.  Just saying.

Author's reply:  Sorry Tony, it looks like you answered prior to me posting the link to the article: Fend for Yourself is an Old Way of Parenting 

Note to my readers:  A short answer?  It was supposed to be.  Best laid plans...

How do people learn the best?

Failure is the best way for us to learn.

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”

-- Maya Angelou

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 volunteered as a chaplain at the regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony:  tolerantpastor@gmail.com