Questioning Lying, Knowing, Desire, and Respect

“I am fond of pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals.”

-- Winston S. Churchill

How do I avoid offending someone with a strong opinion?

Make sure it is an informed opinion, and don’t call them a dumbass.

What is the cause of a person feeling bad all over and depressed their whole life? It’s very depressing to hear from a person who has never worked, does not want to work, and only wants to collect disability.

You may never find out. They have decided on their life's path. Stop communicating with them. They’re depressing. Better to strive for happiness always and in all things, and keep drama from your door.

What are the ethical implications of lying to your boss?

You’ve lied, so ethics is already out the window. Job hunting comes to mind.

What should I do when my kid gets angry with me?

Explain why you did what they're angry about. Tell them their attitude stops immediately, or the beatings will commence, and when the other parent gets home, more beatings will commence. My dad used to hang his hunting belt on the wall, as a reminder. It worked.

What do you get when you mix truth and lies?

Government.

“I predict future happiness for Americans, if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.”

-- Thomas Jefferson

Is satisfaction a thought or a feeling?

A feeling.

Is Money the true God of humans? If you don’t think so, how many humans would deny God if offered $1 million?

I wouldn’t want the karma that follows the denial. I would easily turn away the money than deny my future. There are way more hypocrites than we think there are.

What are the basic things that belong in your car?

A safe, defensive driver, behind the wheel. Everything else is a luxury.

What would you say to someone who claims they know everything but can't prove it?

They don’t, so they really don’t have to prove they don’t, which is what they'd be doing. The only people they might ever have to prove it to are the simpletons who actually think they might, even though they don’t.

The person who claims to know everything is sitting next to the person who is perfect. Both are full of shit.

What is a sense of right and wrong?

Wisdom.

“Right is right even if no one is doing it; wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it.”

-- Saint Augustine

How do you control the uncontrollable desire?

I don’t. It is uncontrollable. 

How quickly does time pass?

It depends on your frame of mind. Time is what it is, but if you like what you’re doing, it seems to pass quickly. If you hate what you’re doing, it seems to drag on and on. But, in reality, time is the same for both.

What is your opinion on people who are oblivious to their own hypocrisy?

They’re also liars, or just clueless. I’m going with “liars” for the win.

Is it rude to ask someone to pay you back?

Is it rude not to pay me back? You give what you get. Personally, I could care less if I sound rude to a deadbeat that isn’t paying me back.

What is your opinion on telling someone they're being difficult?

If they’re truly being difficult, I’m all for it. 

“The point at which things happen is a decision. Instead of focusing on yourself, focus on how you can help someone else.”

-- Germany Kent

How would you respond to, “I have the utmost respect for you.”?

You obviously don’t know me. 

How do you tell someone you don't want to be a maid of honor?

“Thank you for the consideration, but, no.”

What do you say to make someone look at you differently?

Something sexually inviting and deviant would probably do it. “How about I give you a robust pant-down spanking?" 

What is the polite way to say “no, I don't have the time”?

“No, I have enough on my plate as it is. Thank you for the thought, however.”

What is a good response to someone asking if you are a nice person?

In bed, or out?

“Intuitive responses are responses which originate from joy.”

-- Sylvia Clare

How do you deal with impolite or condescending servers?

Ask for a manager, and let their attitude reflect on their lack of a tip.

Should you tolerate disrespect?

Only if it is earned. You should expect to get what you give.

How do you tell someone they are going to inherit money?

“I’ve just decided you’re my new bestest friend!”

What is a polite response to “I respect your decision”?

“Well, knowing that just thrills me to no end. Thank you!”

What is a way to show respect without judging someone?

Don’t think the likes of you are worthy to judge them.

“I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university.”

-- Albert Einstein

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