Questioning Ethics, Humor, Want, and Prison

 

“Constantly exposing yourself to popular culture and the mass media will ultimately shape your reality tunnel in ways that are not necessarily conducive to achieving your Soul Purpose and Life Calling. Modern society has generally "lost the plot." Slavishly following its false gods and idols makes no sense in a spiritually aware life.”

-- Anthon St. Maarten

How can we fight disinformation and misinformation without censoring people? 

Make it illegal to deal in it. If it isn’t a “fact” then it should be prefaced with a disclaimer that the information has not been vetted. If politics and the media would start holding themselves accountable for the bullshit they spew, the common people might just follow suit. It is a difficult task when the President and his party lead the pack in obviously lying to the population at every turn.

Have you experienced a conflict that brought about change?

Yes, and we keep giving the countries back to the enemy. What good is change if it isn’t sustainable?

If a bad person can do a good thing, does that make them good?

It’s a start. Right now it means a bad person has done a good thing. If they stop being a “bad” person, they will have garnered a better title. All this “good thing” means, is that they might have slipped up and accidentally done something good. Being a good person is a mindset and a way of life, not a one-time endeavor.

Is it possible that whatever I'm thinking about us thinking about me simultaneously?

I would like to think so. It’s kind of kinky.

Is it ethical to refuse to award on the basis of a personal relationship?

Yes. If the reward is warranted, the award should be given. However, some accommodations should be made whereas another manager or two is involved in the award process in order to provide some semblance of ethical propriety.

“No matter how big a company is, one has to always look at business basics.”

-- Tarun Sharma

If anybody does something wrong, why do they say it is not funny?

They aren’t part of the audience. The initial reaction to a “pratfall” is humor. If they hurt themselves, the secondary response is one of concern.

How do I deal with people with different world views?

Why do you feel the need to “deal” with them? If their personal “worldview” is peaceful, it is their view and they are welcome to it. Some political views seem benign but are really all about overthrowing a country or its Constitution. This is where voting comes in, and learning to use a firearm, should things go south and another civil war breaks out.

Should you risk being in the company of someone who makes you uncomfortable doing an activity you enjoy? Do the psychological effects of the "activity" outweigh the effects of being with a negative, possibly harmful individual?

Never put yourself in harm’s way for the sake of some selfish desire. Better to find another way of enjoying the activity.

How would setting goals and accomplishing them be a bad thing in today's world?

I can’t think of a reason unless the goals are unacceptable at the time, or are contrary to society’s rules of law. But, this would hold true at any time.  Accomplishing "good" goals is never a bad thing, but there is always a time and place for everything to come to fruition.  Timing can have an effect on the reaction to an accomplished goal. 

Why does nobody want to argue with me?

What does arguing really accomplish? A cogent discussion would make much more sense.

“Arguing with anonymous strangers on the Internet is a sucker's game because they almost always turn out to be—or to be indistinguishable from—self-righteous sixteen-year-olds possessing infinite amounts of free time.”

-- Neal Stephenson

I have a business that runs automatically online. Which place should I live with happiness and friendly people?

Come to the Gulf Coast of Mississippi and find a nice quiet coastal town.

What are the most ridiculous examples you've seen someone defend their point of view with the argument "It's not the same" when their own logic is used against them? 

Stupidity. People will deny that their own stupidity is the same as some other person’s stupidity. To them, what they did was perfectly normal. To everyone else, however, they were just as stupid as any other. I’m one to own my own stupidity. It can be the same, and yet different than another person’s attempt at normalcy. 

What is the one thing that you want in your life?

It would be rude to discuss it in mixed company.

Why do some people have a more developed imagination? And is imagination good in the spiritual life?

They were brought up in a well-rounded household, where imagination was nurtured, not stagnated. As far as the “spiritual life” is concerned, I’m not sure you can accept the “spiritual” without a good dose of imagination. It is “paranormal” and must be looked at with a mind that thinks out-of-the-box.

Which areas of ethics interest you the most?

Honesty and loyalty. 

“Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil.”

-- C.S. Lewis

Does focusing on other people's failures make your own life successful?

Failure is nothing more than an opportunity to learn. If you focus on their failure in order to learn as much, or more, as they do from it, your life might move forward with the added information. Success in life, however, is a simple choice to be truly happy always and in all things regardless of your circumstances. This “sustainable” happiness is life’s true success.

Can one afford to be quiet and gentle in prison? Can he afford to be weak in there?

No, no, and hell no.

What are the keys to extreme productivity?

Desire, competence, perseverance, and need. You have to desire the outcome. You have to be competent in what you are to do. You have to be able to persevere in the face of overwhelming odds. And, there must be a need for extreme productivity, or it will be all for naught. 

Can a Crip and Blood be cellmates yet still respect one another?

Yeah, let’s go with that.

All people are equal and have their unique talents and skills. In this case, why is it that some people get a lot of validation, meanwhile others do not? Why do most people admire certain talents, while others are only admired by some?

People are all equal if they see themselves as such. People also have their own unique talents and skills. Some are better at their talents and skill than others. As a person, they are equal. As a talent, maybe not so much. I admire those who sing, because I can’t hold a note, nor can I memorize a plethora of songs. However, I have my own talents that I lean on to even things out.

What we are or do can be judged by others on their merits. Who we are, however, is totally up to us. If anybody judges us for being who we are, it says more about them in the long run.

“Education helps you to be what you really want to be.”

-- Debasish Mridha

Is it okay to realize after a while that you are not trans? Won’t people look at me weirdly?

People may look at you weirdly either way. The best thing to do is what you want. Who you are is not the purview of others, it is your choice and yours alone. You are on a journey down your path. Occasionally, we take a detour that doesn't pan out. Nobody is perfect, and if they judge you it simply bears this out. 

What do you fear most?

Dying alone.

What's the most dangerous thing you use in your everyday life?

Any circular saw with a motor driving it can be a tool that can maim or kill if you don't constantly focus on your work.

Where are all the good people?

Cigar bars. Haven’t met a bad one yet.

How do you fight the urge to “do something fun” over teaching yourself something?

You can always do something fun. Learning, however, doesn’t always occur when we want it to. Which is more important to your life? 

“Self-education is a holy mission.”

-- Lailah Gifty Akita

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. 

I fervently 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