Questioning Values, Reality, Honesty, and Bias

 

“I have yet to see a piece of writing, political or non-political, that does not have a slant. All writing slants the way a writer leans, and no man is born perpendicular.”

-- E.B. White

Why do people need to promote their values?

To get ahead in the business world, or stroke their own ego.

What kind of lagoon did the creature from the now infamous cult 1954 film come from?

The “Black Lagoon” was probably a misnomer. I think that movie took place on a river, an estuary, not on a “coastal” lagoon. I guess “The Creature from the Black Estuary” doesn’t have the same ring to it. Latin American laguna muddies the water even further, and since, as I remember, the movie is set in that part of the world, not being on the coast would make sense down there.

Why is it that our society has become so judgmental, harsh, and disgusting?

We are people, after all, don’t be so judgmental.

Don't you think that instead of talking about someone behind their back that it may be more effective to tell them straight to their face so they knew what the problem was so they could fix it or just let them be stupid & blame them?

I’ve always been one to confront an issue. Talking behind their back will solve nothing and the problem will continue or exacerbate. Better to get it out in the open instead of blaming them for no one stepping up.

What made you answer a seemingly illogical or nonsensical question online? What else?

It was an opportunity to show my smartass. What else?

“Are you always a smartass?"

"Nope. Sometimes I'm asleep.”

-- Jim Butcher

How do you spot a thoughtful person during a conversation with a group of people?

They are paying attention without saying much if anything. They listen, which can be more important than saying anything.

What would you do if you got to hear you are continuously being deceived by any point of interaction with people, knowing it will never heal and thus having a wrong perception of reality?

I would ignore who told me this. After almost 23 years in military Intelligence, my perception of reality is pretty solid. I’d be more apt to change someone else’s perception of reality… if I cared to cross that line.

Why can't bullying be eliminated in social life?

There are many levels of bullying, from the subtle to the cruel and overtly obvious. The subtle would be difficult.

According to you what are the 5 most important and essential rules to follow in order to live a happy and successful life?

1. Understand that if you’re truly happy, you’re successful, so strive to be happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances.
2. Keep uninvited drama from your life, and don’t invite it in if you have a choice.
3. Stay out of debt (think invited drama).
4. Share your life with those who truly love you.
5. Work at a job you love to do.

What makes a person seldom wrong?

Wisdom.

“Our love of being right is best understood as our fear of being wrong”

-- Kathryn Schulz

Why do we act the way we do?

We are a cornucopia of humanity. How are we supposed to act? If we all act a specific way, how boring would that be?

Is exercising honesty a tough process?

Not if you’re an honest person. It will be tough for the dishonest.

How can being consciously aware of being politically correct lead to cognitive exhaustion?

Because one side of the coin feels that everything is wrong. The League of the Perpetually Offended wants to see faith, history, finance, government, and inalienable rights, crumble at the base of their new world order. Tired of being tired? Then, stop being politically correct about everything, especially your personal opinion, and declare “No more!” Realize that they, the perpetually offended, are so a minority in this great country.

Is it socially advantageous to give wildly inconsistent answers to questions that have social ramifications attached to them?

No. It shows a “wishy-washy” person that has no concrete opinion on anything.

Why do bosses feel so threatened by me trying to help? The head boss' boss sent me to another office recently for more training because I'm a shift lead with potential, but every time I try to ask questions to help improve things, bosses get mad at me.

Ask the “head boss” if this is a normal reaction from management to people asking questions to help improve things, or are you a special case? They might find it interesting.

“I’ve seen too many leaders misunderstand leadership. They divide, instead of unite. They avoid their role in collective purpose.”

-- Richie Norton

Can a person just easily say whenever he/she commits an evil thing, "respect my opinion because this is my life; everyone is entitled to his/her opinion?"

Yes, and you have the right not to associate with them. They have committed an evil thing, and you have rights as well. You have a right to your opinion that they suck and you don’t need to be around them when the authorities come to arrest them, or when one of their victims claims vengeance against them and whoever is with them.

How do I learn more about how to break the bias?

Have a good sense of personal ethics — deal in facts, not bias. To break the “bias” you must hold to the honest facts, print the facts, and use the facts against those who are biased.

Why is it so difficult to stand out from the crowd?

Let loose a loud, long, and juicy fart. You will stand alone. It really isn’t that difficult, you need to have an outgoing personality. The problem with standing out from the crowd is making yourself a target for the League of the Perpetually Offended, and they will be offended. How dare you want to stand out.

People attain public office and wonder why they ever got into politics. They become hard in order to deal with the constant onslaught of crap being thrown at them. I am content to stand behind those who want to stand out, pushing them ever forward into the fray with cheers of, “You can do it!”

Better to let loose a fart.

How would you finish the sentence "Family is..."?

…life.” 

“When everything goes to hell, the people who stand by you without flinching -- they are your family. ”

-- Jim Butcher

Why do people try to test me by telling me lies?

Jealousy. If you fail it makes them feel better about themselves. I have no problem letting you feel as if you’re better. One day you will be, and you will also not care. Be who you are and revel in life.

What types of things do happy people avoid?

Drama.

What kind of people will never be successful?

Those who choose not to be. Success in life is a simple choice to be truly happy always and in all things regardless of your circumstances.

What’s the thing you fear the most?

Dying alone.

Why is there no appreciation and value for the person who is considered a failure or not successful regardless of his age? I despise the system and the societal class.

What other people think is not as important as what you think. If you have made the personal choice to strive for true happiness always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances, you have attained true success in life that many others only hope for.

I heard that people who work sewer systems in India are the lowest of the “class system” there, and yet, the higher classes will not dirty their hands by doing the work themselves. When the lower class rises up and refuses to do the work, change is in the offing. Pay, respect, higher status, and recognition for what you do to keep society running, are all possible due to a little revolution, now and then.

“The moment you clasp an infant to your heart, you realize that nobody is born into a caste.”

-- Rabindranath Tagore

 

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