Questioning Responses, Orders, Truth, and Respect

 

“Bribing was a subtle and even gracious art. It was considered in better taste to bribe indirectly. For example, one could offer a generous donation to a 'charitable' cause, chaired by the official's wife; or sell him a piece of property at a fraction of its actual value; or buy something from him (e.g. a painting) for a sum far in excess of its value.”

-- Richard Pipes

Can people who emotionally invalidate others be charming too?

They can be as full of shit as the next person, absolutely.

What happened when you got a job for someone you know?

Never happen. I will get them an interview, what they make of it is up to them. It is their life, and they have to live it. You can assist and mentor, but they must do the work if they are to attain their goal and sustain it.

What’s a great response to: “that’s the way we’ve always done it”?

“Change is the only true constant in the universe. Let me show you a better way.”

What are some ways to identify a corrupt official in China?

If they are communist or socialist, regardless of country, assume they’re all corrupt. They didn’t become an “official” by playing nice. Turning in grandma might give them a leg up, and a bribe is always appreciated.

Why is it wrong to take bribes?

You get paid to do a job. If you take a bribe you get paid twice and for someone else’s benefit. This is not fair to everyone else. Taking a bribe is the first step toward other illegal activity, which is why business, state, and federal offices have rules prohibiting the taking of bribes. Bribes and the like can put you at risk of blackmail, and blackmail is how classified information is disclosed to foreign countries.

“bribery: (n.) invisible grease that makes politics go round and round.”

-- Sol Luckman

What does it mean when someone says "don't take me wrong"?

Stand by to take something wrong.

How do you handle someone who doesn't want to follow your orders as a leader?

If they don’t have a damned good reason, I remove them as a leader. Not following orders can get people killed. If they don’t follow orders, they’d better be saving a life.

What does it mean when someone says, “I’m not wrong, you’re just an idiot”?

They’re wrong, on two counts.

Why do politicians and other leaders so frequently say things in public that are later revealed to be lies or that contradict their previous statements?

People are generally too stupid to know, especially when the biased media backs up their bullshit.

What can you say to someone who is always right?

“You aren’t.”

“The more a person needs to be right, the less certain he is.”

-- Meir Ezra

What are the reasons for one to be unwilling to provide answers or explanations for their betrayal and abusive acts?

They probably can’t, being guilty as charged. Any answer or explanation would sound like so much bullshit. Better for them to just be quiet and not act like a traitor or abuser.

What's the bitter truth of our society?

Do you have a particular one in mind? 

Do you believe someone can be truly selfless?

Being truly selfless would negate taking care of yourself. Airline safety brief: “Put on your oxygen mask first before assisting the passenger next to you.” If you don’t take care of yourself, how do you expect to take care of others?

What is normal at 2 pm but terrifying at 2 am?

Things that go bump.

I flipped off a few people for making fun of my voice. Should I apologize to them?

They acted immature and you thought two wrongs would make it right? Yes, apologize to the immature for your own immaturity. They might learn something, and you will be a better person from the experience.

“I flipped him a gesture that he wouldn't need sign language to understand.”

-- Rick Riordan

Why is it that every time I find a path to success, it becomes illegal?

Stay away from any path that involves pharmaceuticals, firearms, sex, gambling, or alcohol.

Do people argue in general about the same stuff over and over again?

Especially if they’re married.

Why were manners and etiquette created?

I’ll give it a shot in the historical tush. I’ll take this back to the Greeks, Romans, and many other ancient cultures. I think it was to separate the “haves” from the “have-nots” in society. The “have-nots” got a clue that in order to get a job in a “haves” household or business, they had to learn to use good manners and etiquette. Education didn’t hurt, either.

 What truths have you realized about people?

Life is all about making choices. They are, for the most part, what they choose to be. People are a crapshoot.

Why can't people just leave Donald Trump alone and shut the f&@k up?

The League of the Perpetually Offended. They were offended at Trump, they’re offended at Biden, and they’ll be offended at all the taxes the current administration is going to saddle everyone with. There’s nothing to do for them, as they are a necessary evil that keeps half of us honest.

“The American way of life is being dismantled by a group of bitter, deceitful, vengeful activists who have never built anything in their lives.”

-- Charlie Kirk

What is a good response to the saying "the grass is always greener"?

“No, it isn’t. California has a watering moratorium.”

“Ignorance is the beginning of wisdom,” Socrates claimed. When you do not admit your ignorance, what are the consequences? Illustrate this with your experience.

I have always admitted my ignorance. Anybody who doesn’t is either in denial or lying. There is nothing perfect, only excellent, and there are many levels of excellent, depending on how ignorant you are. Ignorance is the beginning of wisdom, but even the wise man continues to learn during this life and into the next, and the next, and so on. Strive to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances.

What does it mean when someone says they have no respect for you?

You’re kidding, right? 

Is it considered a lack of intelligence when you ask/write a question and someone turns it or makes it into something else it was never intended to mean or ask?

Lack of intelligence of the person not writing an understandable question, or the reader not being intelligent enough to understand a perfectly good question? It really isn’t clear, but, it could be both, a bad question and a bad answer.

What is a good response to someone saying "you have no reason to be anxious"?

“It’s not your leg they’re cutting off.”

“To hear the phrase "our only hope" always makes one anxious, because it means that if the only hope doesn't work, there is nothing left.”

-- Lemony Snicket

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