Questioning Teachers, Morality, Judging, Life, and Respect

 

“The self-righteous scream judgments against others to hide the noise of skeletons dancing in their own closets.”

-- John Mark Green

What are students' opinions on teachers being fired?

Most students are smarter. They’re better off doing self-study, especially where facts are concerned.

Do smart people know a lot of things?

We are a “jack of all trades” and a master of none. Intelligent people tend to be a master of one, maybe two, but chewing gum and walking at the same time presents one hell of a challenge.

Even if you were one, would you run around with a T-shirt on that said you were a social influencer?

No, I’m too humble to tout my own "abilities" in public, or I’d run around with my fly down.

Do you agree that the truth in itself is not an end to most people, as they will adapt what enables their social life and try to confirm it as the truth?

I love the way you phrased this. Yes, to most people. And, yes, they will try to confirm it as truth. But, the old adage still holds, “The truth will out.” The truth will always be discovered, the facts will always be known, and, to my way of thinking, the idiots that “try” will be seen as, well, idiots to those involved with their social life.

What’s something a friend told you that you’ll never forget?

“Your wife and I are having an affair.” Yep, hard to forget that.  I had connections in assignments.  He discovered there was an "empty quarter" in Saudi Arabia.  Who knew?

“Lies don't end relationships the truth does.”

-- Shannon L. Alder

What is the most objective moral principle?

That morality is universal and not up to interpretation. We all know what they are, so to define them is a waste of precious oxygen.

What does the research say about people who trust their gut instinct?

They live longer?

How do bullies react if you ignore them?

My experience says, violently. But, then, my mouth didn’t help me much, while I was trying to ignore them. 

Reader comment: Haha. I know exactly what you mean.

My reply: You learn when to kick, and where. I had no idea they would puke so hard.

Can people be made to believe anything?

Yes, especially during interrogation.

What should you do if no one likes you at work?

Are you there to be liked or to work? Guess who gets promoted? Do your job and be friendly, they’ll come around.

“If you just set out to be liked, you would be prepared to compromise on anything at any time, and you would achieve nothing.”

-- Margaret Thatcher

What do you call the person who knows everything about you but can't figure out how they know it?

A liar.

Reader comment: And a bozo.

My reply: Indeed. 

Should we judge ourselves for our mistakes and shortcomings in life?

Will it make us feel better? I doubt it. Own your mistakes and your shortcomings. Learn from your mistakes and work on your shortcomings. Do this and you move forward. If you have to judge, judge how far you move, and strive to move farther.

Would a woman with high self-esteem want a man who’s insecure?

Subservient man that she can dominate. Or, did I miss the point?

What is better than life, and why?

And, how would you know? You would have to die or whatever you experience is still part of life. And, if you die and come back, it is still part of life, since you’re back.

What are the effects of an obsession with avoiding failure?

You eventually fail. The longer it takes, the harder they fall.

“Book collecting is an obsession, an occupation, a disease, an addiction, a fascination, an absurdity, a fate. It is not a hobby. Those who do it must do it. Those who do not do it, think of it as a cousin of stamp collecting, a sister of the trophy cabinet, bastard of a sound bank account and a weak mind.”

-- Jeanette Winterson

What is your opinion on asking for free stuff?

If I ever have a need to ask, I will have fallen hard. I cannot imagine such a thing, so it will not happen. Strive to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. Never quit.

What do you say when something goes wrong at work?

Oops.

What, according to you, is the meaning of life?

Everything that has gone before, that which is now, and my thoughts of the next moment. All of this gives meaning to life.

Who’s the moron who came up with atheism?

Okay, let’s leave the name-calling to the atheists. Rise above it.

Is there such a thing as too many rules for kids?

Nope. Their ability to live life depends on them following the rules. Their inability is what drives the need for more rules. Too many rules? Then, pick and choose. Learn to live life according to societal standards. It really isn’t rocket science.

“It is the beginning of wisdom when you recognize that the best you can do is choose which rules you want to live by, and it's persistent and aggravated imbecility to pretend you can live without any.”

-- Wallace Stegner

How would you manipulate someone? 

A little pain, a little pleasure. The Marquis de Sade was pretty good at it, but it couldn’t keep him out of prison. Interrogation relies on it. But, people have to be susceptible to suggestions.

How has social media helped to create the societal issues we are experiencing today?

To a point. People need to get out from behind the computer and do some face-to-face socializing. We need to stop hiding where people can’t see us and own what we say. What I deal with, almost daily, the perpetrator would never have the temerity to say to my face. It all began with the phone call, but social media has taken it to the next level. Such is an issue social media has helped to create.

What are the signs you don't respect yourself?

I berate myself. Hasn’t happened in years.

How should one react to an attempted apology that is blatantly a non-apology?

Call them down on it. You want honesty, so lead with it. If you feel the apology is bullshit, tell them. They probably think they can get away with it because nobody has the “big brass ones” to call them out for it.

I recently joined a new company and got the least salary among my teammates while I have more related working experience. Am I wrong if I want to resign?

Are you on probation? Usually, a company has a "probation" period when you have to prove yourself and your “staying” power. You are the “low man on the totem pole” and your pay will reflect it. However, this should have been spelled out for you. Ask HR what their policy is. But, you took the job at the pay they offered, so the mistake was yours. Try not to keep repeating mistakes.

“Someone with an inborn knack for mathematics or music may be just as productive as someone who was born with lesser talents in these fields and who had to work very hard to achieve the same level of proficiency. However, we reward productivity rather than merit, for the perfectly valid reason that we know how to do it.”

-- Thomas Sowell

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, finally, a senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Western 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 the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

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