Questioning Awards, Freedom, Quotes, Revenge, and Maturity

 

“As I mentioned before, exposure to true information does not matter anymore. A person who was demoralized is unable to assess true information. The facts tell nothing to him. Even if I shower him with information, with authentic proof, with documents, with pictures; even if I take him by force to the Soviet Union and show him [a] concentration camp, he will refuse to believe it, until he [receives] a kick in his fat-bottom. When a military boot crashes his balls then he will understand. But not before that. That’s the [tragedy] of the situation of demoralization.”

-- Yuri Bezmenov (1939-1993), former Soviet KGB agent

Why is today’s generation so entitled? You are not entitled to anything that you don’t earn or go through directly.

It would seem some are “entitled.” Students had the college remove a professor because his class was too "hard" for the whiners to pass. Now we have stupidity dictating policy. Kind of like our current political atmosphere.

In what ways can society enable or encourage ignorance?

Teacher unions can demand that parents have no say in children’s education. Society can push for socialism. Society can demand mass media lie constantly. And your vote only counts if you vote how they tell you to, or they’ll call you names. Oh, wait, this is all happening in the United States, so move here and experience it, first hand.

What are some reasons why people might not want to be happy?

Do they enjoy wallowing in a pit of misery? I’m sorry to sound so cold, but, the alternative to happiness simply sucks. I have a hard time thinking of why anyone would willingly not want to be happy. True happiness is a simple choice we have to make for our lives. It only requires us to strive for true happiness always and in all things, regardless of our circumstances. Happiness is our only true success in life and, as a personal choice, it is also sustainable until that choice changes.

What is something you're passionate about, that brings you pure joy?

Women with great legs. What can I say? I’m easy.

What are your thoughts on getting old? What was something weird about aging for you personally, if anything at all?

It happens, to those of us that don’t die young. I wasn’t prepared to feel all the aches and pains of my misspent youth, however. My body is a tangible history, for me, of everything I “learned” not to repeat in life.

“Most people don’t grow up. It’s too damn difficult. What happens is most people get older. That’s the truth of it. They honor their credit cards, they find parking spaces, they marry, they have the nerve to have children, but they don’t grow up. Not really.”

-- Maya Angelou

What psychological reason do people wish to remain anonymous online?

Safety. The fear that someone might take umbrage at what they say and hunt them down for retribution. Or, they’re ratting out someone they know. This is the reason I don’t deal with gossip. Too many people I know are digging themselves a hole they can’t climb out of.

What is the role of the artist in society when it comes to promoting freedom?

Their art needs to reflect the freedom they’re promoting. If it doesn’t, what is the point?

What is the most powerful way to manifest what you want, whether it be love or money?

I have to work for it. Nothing, of any worth, comes to you by waiting. And, if by chance it does, the value of it is so much less than if you had to work your ass off to get it.

If you found the magical power of making people happy, what would you do with it?

Make people happy. Is this another one of those trick questions?

How do you feel about the obstacles and responsibilities that come with old age?

Simply more lessons provided by life that are meant for me to learn. As I approach 70 years of age, I have learned to smile at these, and the lessons that are offered. Such is life.

“People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, make them.”

-- George Bernard Shaw

What is the most remarkable quotation of the year 2022?

"Do you know how much it costs to make that insulin drug for diabetes? … It was invented by a man who did not patent it because he wanted it available for everyone. I spoke to him, OK?" — Joe Biden

The “man” died in 1941.

What is your biggest achievement in the last year?

Taking care of my aging mother.

What are the principles of bedroom closet?

This sounds like another "not enough context" question, but I'll answer it, anyway.  It depends on the size of your house. Dad and I built a couple of houses. If you have the room, a walk-in is great, if not, I'd design one a bit larger than you currently need, just in case, and have shelves above for the storage area you’ll need it for.

What does it mean if I like to pick at fabrics and rip them up? I pick at the carpet, socks, blankets, etc.

You need to get a life… or a real hobby. This isn’t it. 

How do I become less of a dumb American?

Move to Europe or Japan. Where education is concerned, you’re in the toilet of the world. Schools, as a general rule here, don’t educate, they indoctrinate. I had to educate myself by reading.

“It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it.”

-- Oscar Wilde

Does fortune really favor the bold? We can exclude being stupidly bold.

Fortune favors the prepared. The bold step off into a fresh cow patty. Shit happens. 

Why are some people more negative toward strangers than they are toward people they know?

This is another of those, “you’ve answered your own question,” questions.

Because they are strangers, they know nothing about them, unlike the people they know. Hence, they might sound negative when, in fact, they don’t really know what to make of them yet. They might feel it's better to be suspicious until they find out.

How do you show a big effort for your enemy?

You don’t. You smile knowingly, and let them sweat.

What are some signs that someone may be manipulative? Is there any way of knowing besides their behavior toward you?

I’ve noticed, in my almost 70 years of life, that manipulators manipulate all the time. They just can’t help themselves. So, it isn’t just their behavior towards you, but towards everyone else, as well.

What are alternatives to seeking revenge?

Waiting for karma.  If you seek revenge, karma will have to work two evils.

"While seeking revenge, dig two graves - one for yourself."

-- Douglas Horton

What do you think of mature people who won't email or call you but will use platforms or texting like WhatsApp but yet want your business?

Show-offs. I’m approaching 70, and I’d rather call you, or email you. I’d text you, but, what a pain in the ass. If they want your business, tell them how to contact you. This is simply showing off that they are using “new” tools, not realizing that normal people see them as the “old” tool showing off.

Are you afraid to say your opinions because people will attack you for it?

Bring it.

How can any party address or stop crime in America, which means taking all guns off the street, which is constitutionally impossible?

They can start supporting the Rule of Law instead of finding ways to delete bail. In lieu of that, “martial law” is always an option.

Is the culture of loud, verbose, and rude outbursts during traffic altercations that are often portrayed as being the norm in Hollywood movies a correct depiction of traffic culture in the US?

No, but it is the correct depiction of the current U.S. Congress.

What quote(s) do you feel like sharing today?

I like sharing this one:

“The useful idiots, the leftists who are idealistically believing in the beauty of the Soviet socialist or Communist or whatever system, when they get disillusioned, they become the worst enemies. That’s why my KGB instructors specifically made the point: never bother with leftists. Forget about these political prostitutes. Aim higher. They serve a purpose only at the stage of destabilization of a nation. For example, your leftists in the United States: all these professors and all these beautiful civil rights defenders. They are instrumental in the process of subversion only to destabilize a nation. When their job is completed, they are not needed anymore. They know too much. Some of them, when they get disillusioned, when they see that Marxist-Leninists come to power—obviously they get offended—they think that they will come to power. That will never happen, of course. They will be lined up against the wall and shot.”

-- Yuri Bezmenov (1939-1993), former Soviet KGB agent

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