Questions of Passion, Domination, Judging, and Psychosis

 

“It takes more than just awareness for us to change. It takes courage and humility and the willingness to occasionally feel like fools and laugh at ourselves.”

-- Bud Harris

What is your best example of "never put passion before principle"?

You absolutely must respect your own principles. Your chosen ethical principles define who you are to those around you. If you let passion rule your decision-making, you will find yourself looking like a fool more times than not. Better we should feel the passion and then fall back to principles before taking action. In this way, we can have both and enjoy the passion secure in the knowledge that our principles support our choice.

Do you make yourself laugh more than others make you laugh?

More times than not. Mom used to say I didn’t really need friends, I could entertain myself. She didn’t really know how right she was, though I really enjoy my friends.

Are more lofty goals just as easy as less lofty goals?

Loftier is always more difficult than less lofty simply because they are, by definition, loftier. All things being equal, mountains are mountains, but climbing a small mountain is easier than climbing the large one, simply because it is larger.

How can I assert dominance?

You’ll need a riding crop, handcuffs, and a submissive.

Why do people say not to judge others, when judging really amounts to no more than having an opinion?

I can live with this. Let’s change it from “judge” to “opinion” then. Thou shalt not have negative opinions of others. Your negative opinion is nothing more than your negative judgment of someone. It is semantics.

“Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment.”

-- Rita Mae Brown

Have you ever let go then felt good about it, whether it's things or people?

I let go of my ex-wife of 25 years. I thought I would kill myself. But, it turns out I was so much better for it. I was happier, my life became meaningful and fuller because I started enjoying it again. Now, I tend to let go of unwanted drama at the drop of a hat. Our happiness just isn’t worth the time we give to drama.

What do you call a female on the verge of getting old, and hooks up with an older wealthy man?

A gold-digging cougar.

Is compromise in the picture as House Republicans look to counter President Biden's political agenda?

Working across the aisle, what a concept. Joe Manchin wants to do it, so let's see if we can elect some new congressmen that feel the same way and not waste another eight years of accusations and senile dementia.

Reader comment:  A great comment sir, and thanks for your Air Force service to the nation.

My reply:  Thank you, for your support!

Did you ever get a request for a favor from a neighbor who never showed any respect or interest in you or your family? What did you do?

The guy next door. He asked if he could cut down a rotting tree the raccoons use. Wanted to bill me $2000 for a $500 job. I told him not to touch it. He cut it down anyway, when I wasn’t around, then billed me $2000. My legal team advised me to tell him to go f*** himself. I cleaned the language up and sent him a form letter concerning trespass, ignorance, and the fact that he wouldn’t be getting any money out of me. We do not talk.

Why do you not trust someone?

When I don’t know them enough to make a determination.

“For there to be betrayal, there would have to have been trust first.”

-- Suzanne Collins

So I really like this guy but he has no respect for me. He gets mad if I don't send nudes, he calls me racial slurs, even though I've told him multiple times it makes me uncomfortable. (we are the same race and were friends), What should I do?

And, you really like this guy? You must be submissive. I’m not sure who would really like being treated this badly, except for someone who is masochistic. Personally, I’d leave anyone who shows a lack of respect.

Is Islamic ideology a myth or reality?

Peaceful or radical Islam?

Do you know anyone who goes out of their way to purposely hurt people's feelings without remorse?

If I did, I don’t anymore. I try not to associate with people like this, and if I do it’s usually to chew their ass for hurting someone’s feelings with no remorse. This takes a special kind of ass and I have no qualms about calling them out for their actions.

Why do ugly-looking people think they deserve to exist?

I suppose, the same reason why people who ask these kinds of questions deserve to exist.

Why is our society particularly bad at forgiveness?

Because the judicial system, for the most part, doesn’t do the job they’re supposed to do. They tend to forgive bad behavior whereas society as a whole finds it hard to forgive stealing, assault, and the killing that follows. Bad at forgiveness? No, we’re just bad at accepting our neighborhoods turning into warzones because the law is too damned lax.

“Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names.”

-- John F. Kennedy

What are the biggest and most common mistakes when flirting and dating?

Dishonesty, moving too fast, and expectations.

How do you get through a breakup when you are the one who broke up with your partner?

Well, someone didn’t think this one through. Before you do something this rash, you should really consider if you can actually live without this person. The question of “love” was have been out in leftfield for you. So, getting through this breakup is about the sex you screwed yourself out of or is it something deeper?

Why, when men get the woman they want, do they stop complimenting her?

They tend to forget about divorce.

Do you agree that humans are perfect?

Humans aren’t “perfect” because there is no such thing as perfect. They can be rated as “excellent” but, certainly, not perfect, and there are damned few “excellent” humans, either.

Is God psychotic?

God can be whatever God wants to be. God forbid I dare stand in judgment lest He goes batshit crazy on my ass.

"You talk to God, you're religious; God talks to you, you're psychotic."

-- Greg House

 How do you pretend to be happy, excited, and proud of something you're not?

You’re an actor? Why would you want to, otherwise?

My crush broke up with her boyfriend and seems interested in me. How should I make the first move?

Just be her friend and let her make the move happen.

Would you take someone back if they slept with other people while your relationship was on a break?

It shows a definite lack of commitment. Taking a “break” doesn’t mean you screw like rabbits. It’s supposed to be a time for introspection. They didn’t take a break, they took advantage. Oh, and the answer is no.

Why do I still love her even if she hurt me so much?

You’re a glutton for punishment?

How would the world react if it turns out that Earth is heaven?

What the hell happened to perfection?

“The door to heaven is open to us at any time we are willing to accept that we are of absolutely no importance. The bars of our own hell - the “mind-forged manacles” as Blake put it - are our attempts to justify ourselves or prove our self-worth. Accept that none of this matters and we can see that heaven is all around us. It is there in a child’s smile, in the rain that waters the earth, even in the maggots that rise in new life from dead meat. All around us is evidence that life and love are eternal and unbroken by strife and suffering.”

-- Aussiescribbler

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