Questioning the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

 

"Take off your gun and put on your pants."

-- Man With No Name

Why do bad things happen to me when I haven't done anything?

You haven’t done anything? So, you haven’t tried to mitigate bad things happening to you? I say this because “stuff” happens. It happens all the time, to everyone, good or bad. What happens, therefore, is not as important as how well we handle it.

Bad things happen so we can learn from the lesson. What we learn here, in this life, will follow us into the next, and the next, and so on. If we don’t learn the lessons we may, very well, have to relive this life until we do. Think of it as making your own hell on earth. Better not to dwell on what happens but, rather, learn the lessons so you can mitigate them if they come along again.

The other thought is that this could be karma from a past life catching up to you. You may have learned nothing before, but this is some “homework” you left unfinished.

Again, it is what it is, and what it is… simply happens. We have to deal with it and move on down our path.

Where and when did the saying "it's always something" originate?

The Alamo? 

What is success according to you?

True happiness. Anything else is simply attaining a goal, but, if you aren’t truly happy during the process and in the attainment, what’s the point?  People spend their entire lives chasing a success that is right in front of them - happiness. What they're really chasing is a goal. All they have to do to attain success is make a conscious choice to be truly happy always and in all things.  This is true success.  choose  

What's the greediest decision an individual can make?

When you’re an able-bodied person and you choose welfare instead of pulling your own weight in society.

What do you think is the definition of a happy retirement?

I am living it! I receive enough retirement to live comfortably. More importantly, I have chosen to strive for true happiness always and in all things. True happiness, regardless of your financial status, is true success in life.

“I can’t wait to retire so I can get up at 6 o’clock in the morning and go drive around really slow and make everybody late for work.”

-- Unknown

What impact has your condition had on your decision to choose someone as a partner?

Luckily, I didn’t choose her, she chose me. I simply chose to stay.

I went through a divorce that put me off trusting women for several years. I made a vow to never marry again, and have held to that for 21 years. This would be my “condition” that drives partnership decisions. I have chosen to stay with my current partner for about 17 years.

Why don't people keep their vows?

What’s the penalty?

Which do you personally hold more valuable, your self-respect or respect from others?

Self-respect. I try to hold to a personal code of moral and ethical values. I’m not perfect, by any means, but I strive to stand by my code. I really don’t care what others think of me, because they usually have more issues than I do and have to look up “ethical” in the dictionary. I figure, If they “respect” me, they must know something about me.

What is something that people have always had high hopes in even though they can never see or touch it, they can only make predictions about it?

God.

If vengeance can lead to more vengeance and forgiveness can lead to taking too many advantages then what is the right way?

The “right” way is to do what’s right. Vengeance accomplishes nothing but keeping karma busier than a one-armed paper hanger. What is right is to be selfless in everything you do. Forgive, yes, but don’t expect anything in return. Your forgiveness is an inexpensive gift, so it is properly given in all humility. The recipient has the choice to accept it or not. It is what it is.

Reader comment: I feel I am a step ahead of forgiveness. I don’t take offense to what other people do, so why take it personally. I just figure that is who they are and I am not the only one they do it to. I might roll my eyes and thing dumb shot, but that is as far as I let it go. As such, no offense, no need to forgive, definitely no need for vengeance and no need to waste my time on it.

“Where does seeking justice end and seeking vengeance begin?”

-- Paula Stokes

In 250 years, what will people be nostalgic for?

Sex… and childbirth.

If you didn't have to work, what would you waste your time on?

I never waste my moments. Every moment is precious. If I’m fishing, I’m also relaxing and, if I’m with a friend, I’m also visiting. I’m “multitasking” in the moment. If my hands are free because the fishing pole is in a holder, I could be whittling a piece of wood. So, I’m fishing, relaxing, visiting, and creating art, all in the same moment. Never waste your precious moments.

Is thinking about a promise the same as making a promise?`

No.

What gives joy and adds no sorrow?

As a grandfather of two, the look of wonder in a small child’s eyes when they see something amazing, like a butterfly. Their sense of wonder makes me smile and gives me much joy.

What’s your first reaction to someone being bullied?

See if the bullied will stand up for themselves.  If they don't, the bully will woe the day.

“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse, and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.”

-- Desmond Tutu

 Is it okay if an older guy offers you money in exchange for a sexual favor?

No, and it isn’t okay if a younger guy does it, either. You are a prostitute, either way. Legally, depending on where you are, it may be okay, but ethically and morally you still have issues.

Would you rather always be late or always be early?

I am always early. Military training is hard to break.

What part of life have you fulfilled?

Almost 70 years of it. When I die, barring any unfulfilled moments, It will be 100% fulfilled. My 25 years of marriage, was a learning experience, albeit frustrating, therefore, I found it to be, also, fulfilling.

My boyfriend won't let me talk to other guys. I have to for an assignment in groups for my major required class. What should I do?

Find a real boyfriend. 

How do you deal with collaborators who do little or no work?

A “collaborator” is “a person who works jointly on an activity or project.” If they’re working “jointly” they must be sharing the load. If they aren’t, then, they really aren’t “collaborators” since they do little or no work. I deal with them by giving them little or no credit when the job is done. Their pay, if any, should also reflect this.

"Individual commitment to a group effort: That is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work."

-- Vince Lombardi

My IQ is 180. Should I spend my time bragging about it on Quora?

If your ego requires it. Can you chew gum and walk at the same time? Well, that puts you ahead of most geniuses. Better you should exercise some humility, though. Everybody has faults, and yours will not only stand out but they’ll also be sought out, usually by the perpetually offended. They’ll just love you.

Is reading an action?

Yes. (Short question, short answer.)

If my dad is black and my mom is white, am I biracial?

The definition is iffy. You are better referred to as multi-racial. I recommend you look up the definitions of both and draw your own conclusion.

How can I ask for more positive reinforcement?

“If that’s all you have, lie to me!” 

Is it weird to get naked with my step-aunt?

I don’t know, is she hot? She isn’t related by blood. Some would lie and say it is, but this is one area I’m a bit more liberal in.

"If it feels good do it. If you got a problem, blame somebody else."

-- George W. Bush

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