Questioning Greed, Humor, Honesty, Cycles, and Crap

“Skeletal fossils don’t always tell you too much about the behavior of animals,” she says. “In addition to diet, [coprolites] can also tell you about what organisms might have been living along with the animal that defecated, and coprolites can also tell you about the conditions under which they were preserved.”

-- Karen Chin

What is the main cause of bribery and corruption?

Greed.

An act of charity wrapped up in dignity is possible. Can you remember any such acts around you?

Giving your paycheck back to the American people when you hold a public office in Congress, the Senate, or the Presidency, says as much about charity as it does about dignity. We should demand this from those who serve the higher calling. Maybe they’ll give more thought to term limits.

Why do I lose all my motivation after I cry?

Sadness is one hell of an emotion. After a good cry, most people would like to sleep. It takes a lot out of us.

Can a positive person be depressed?

Absolutely. I was so positive that people at the company I worked for thought I was on meds. I was trying to put on the best face I could during and after the messy divorce. If it weren’t for my thinking of other people, and others thinking of me, my depression would have won out. Any day on this side of the dirt is a great day.

How do I pass a group project the laziest way possible without being called out?

Personally, screw calling you out. I’d fire your lazy ass. But, that’s just me.

How do I stop reacting to other people’s stupidity?

Understand that “other people’s stupidity” ranks right up there with your own. We all do stupid things, we just think we’re above it. What? Yeah, I said it, but it makes no sense. Better to laugh at their stupidity, just as they’ve laughed at yours. We are all human.

“Can't you see that I'm only advising you to beg yourself not to be so dumb?”

-- Petronius

Is it acceptable to stand and laugh loudly at someone trying unsuccessfully to reverse park?

I do it all the time, especially when big “southern” men try to park their extended cab trucks, Hell, their wives do a better job.

I am 14, and I feel hopeless. I don’t want to be here anymore. My parents are not helping, I’ve tried hotlines, and I don't know what to do anymore. What do I do?

You’re 14, of course, it feels hopeless. What you need to do is understand life. Ta-da! This is it until you change it. It is what it is until it isn’t, and then it is what it is, again. If life sucks, change your life, and the new life will be better, but it will still be life. You can’t do damn it if you are not alive to work it.

Make the personal conscious choice to be truly happy always, regardless of your circumstances. It is your life. It isn’t the purview of hotlines, parents, or other people. You need to grab control of your life and own it. Make your life what you want it to be. Oh, it won’t be easy. Nothing of any value ever is. It is an uphill battle for which you are so prepared. So quite whining and get to steppin’. Any day on this side of the dirt is a great day! Why? Because the alternative simply sucks, and you won't be able to change anything then.

Have you known, that others don't like what's right, nice and positive to anybody?

Nope.

Why do I fear being judged for my every action?

We are being judged for our every action, and your question should be, “Why do I give a shit?”

Are you doing wrong? If so, whoever is judging you is doing so for a cause. If what you do is always right, however, those judging you need to look at their own issues before coming after you. Look at who presumes to judge you, and ask if they really matter in your life.

Why do I feel like I am losing self-respect whenever I talk about nonsense things? Kindly give me some advice, please.

Stop talking about nonsense things. Ta-da! An easy fix.

“Tis' the privilege of friendship to talk nonsense, and to have her nonsense respected.”

-- Charles Lamb

People keep saying, "don't let saying tell you who to be", but doesn't everyone do this anyway, even if it's something they want at the time?

If it’s something they want anyway, no harm, no foul. But, if saying is all it takes to bend your will, you have a weak mind. Be who you want to be, and if it is what other thing, so much the better.

Is 27 too old for clubbing?

Not if you’re still single. Now, 40 might be pushing it. 

I find working torturing and exhausting, but I need to work to survive, so I can't quit working. What should I do to feel better?

They call it “work” specifically because it is torturing and exhausting. It is what it is, until it isn’t, so bemoaning it is counterproductive. You have to make “work” something else. I’ve always looked for a way to enjoy what I do. It tends to piss coworkers off and make managers take notice. You need to find a way to have fun at work.

What characteristics would an honest politician have in our society today?

“Honesty” would be a breath of fresh air. Honest and politician should never be used together.

How do I stop caring about making friends and focus on my profession in college? I can't focus on my piano practice and kept having these kinds of unhelpful thoughts…

What is more important to your life, something you can have right now, or something that will do you more good in the near future? Friends will come, one way or another. But, I think friends that will be more helpful for you will be the ones you make while you focus on college.

“Whenever you want to achieve something, keep your eyes open, concentrate and make sure you know exactly what it is you want. No one can hit their target with their eyes closed.”

-- Paulo Coelho

How do you describe what you do in life?

I’m retired, a spiritual mentor, and a humble philosopher of life. A few will say I’m full of shit.

Do you think people that say "everyone needs someone" is wrong?

There are those that say they are better off alone. They say it, but I’m not so sure they mean it, deep down inside. We are, at the end of the day, social animals that crave companionship, even if for a short while, intermittently.

How can I break out of this cycle of negativity?

Start working on a cycle of positivity. You have to start in order to attain.

Is there such a thing as a child being too religious?

It would depend on their culture. Religion has so many hidden agendas, though. I’d rather see a child striving to be more spiritual than religious.

How can I stop myself from comparing my partner to others?

Try loving them unconditionally.

“The tip of the neighbor's iceberg often looks very nice.”

-- Roy A. Ngansop

What is the surprising fact that few know about Putin?

That he’s a borderline-insane narcissist? No, that’s pretty obvious. 

Is it right to say, "People who need help will get it"?

If the right people know about them and if those in need will accept the help, then yes, it’s right to say. 

Am I pressuring my boyfriend to have sex?

Are you?

Why do people say, “Don’t try to be better than me”?

They probably think they’re all that. But, real money has it that bettering than them is not going to be all that hard to do.

What is the value of a rarity?

It would depend on how many people want it, and how much they’re willing to pay to have it. If you find a rare piece of dinosaur crap, not many people will probably want to bid on it. The museums that don’t have a collection of crap, however, might be willing to bid on it. How high they bid, again, depends on how badly they want the crap and what dinosaur produced it.

“Things are called shit for a reason...”

-- Chloe Jun

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