Questioning Sex, Bullshit, Omnibus, Control, and Fears

 

"There are a number of mechanical devices which increase sexual arousal, particularly in women. Chief among these is the Mercedes-Benz 380SL convertible."

-- P.J. O'Rourke

Should someone's relationship and sex life be used as a way to judge their character?

Only as far as their character is controlled by their relationships and sex. One’s character is subjected to so much more than this. You can experience the joys of being submissive, yet be a great leader at work, just as you can be the dominant sexual partner and, yet, be meek around your friends. One attribute does not necessarily speak to the others.

Why am I worth fighting for?

Those incapable of defending themselves are, at least, worthy of a champion.

What is the most effective way to be part of a community or group of people which let me grow as a person and help to improve myself?

The question answers itself: Become a part of a community or group of people that will let you grow as a person and improve yourself. There is no more effective way.

What are some factors that can make a person lazy or motivated?

Need, and a lack of. 

Why are people wasting precious time on their electronic devices (like I’m doing now)?

Because they have no concept of “time management” in their life. I am on the computer to answer these questions for a couple of hours in the very early morning, then I’m off to do my other chores. one has to manage their time or they waste much of it. I learned my concept of time management in the military.

“Your time is way too valuable to be wasting on people that can't accept who you are.”

-- Turcois Ominek

Do you go to the store and buy the same thing that everyone else does or are you self-aware of what you need and only buy what is needed specifically for you or do you stick to what is referred by the professionals or do you listen to advertisements?

Why in the world would I buy Tampons? I’m a guy. I buy what I need. I buy what works. I cook, so I buy the food required for the meal. I don’t get locked into what people say. I buy German steel when I need a knife because it keeps an edge. Non-stick pans are crap, so I use my “seasoned” iron pans. I question everything.

What is an activity or project that you currently or previously participated in that serves your community? What motivated you to participate in this project?

I purchase food and supplies, as finances allow, to assist the Baptist soup kitchen in town.

Is being highly successful just a result of a good purpose and strong will?

No, it also has much to do with funds, knowledge, and perseverance in the face of failure. You need funds to move forward. You need to know what to do with that “good purpose.” And, if you can’t persevere when that “strong will” cracks, all will be lost.

Reader comment: I’d add that support from others is key. We’re fond of calling people “self-made” millionaires/billionaires, but no one is truly self-made. Someone provided meals, a roof, and exposure to the right contacts, and technology. Bill Gates was fortunate enough to land in a school that taught early computer programming. And how is Kylie Jenner self-made? I quit real estate not only because I could not afford it (months without income plus brokerage fees) but because I noticed all of my successful peers had either a spouse that was working or a business partner to help them. I had neither.

My reply:  Good point. 

What role does trust play in determining whether or not we act with courage?

If acting with courage puts life at risk, especially mine, trust plays an important role in the decision.

Why don’t I get literally everything, anything, all things, something, and whatever I want and expect? What is the difference between wanting and expecting?

Both have their roots in selfishness. You want and you expect, and life deals you sour grapes. Such is the power of karma. What you need is more important to your life. What we all need is to choose true happiness over our wants and expectations. We all need to strive to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of our wants and expectations, and regardless of our circumstances. This is true success in life.

Or, you can continue to want and expect “literally everything, anything, all things, something, and whatever” you want and expect. Good luck with that.

“The world says: "You have needs -- satisfy them. You have as much right as the rich and the mighty. Don't hesitate to satisfy your needs; indeed, expand your needs and demand more." This is the worldly doctrine of today. And they believe that this is freedom. The result for the rich is isolation and suicide, for the poor, envy and murder.”

-- Fyodor Dostoyevsky

What's the delay in the negotiations at a standstill on the omnibus spending package?

Common sense, which many recognize as not so “common” anymore. I prefer to say some members are looking for “good sense” when it comes to blowing massive amounts of cash when taxpayers are already hurting.

What do you think is the key element to a good wish?

Understanding it’s just a wish.

Do you think that making a wish is worth the effort? Why or why not?

It’s just a wish, so there is no effort involved. If one wants to expend effort, one would be well served to work toward making their “wish” become reality.

Does not wanting to work make you lazy?

If you’re taking time off from work to climb a mountain, probably not.

Why do people tend to avoid those who have been rejected?

They dare to judge the judged, just as the others have dared to judge. Better they understand the judgment passed, research for themselves who is right and wrong, and reach their own conclusion. Those who have judged would be well served to clean their own house, lest they be judged in kind.

“A best friend is the only one that walks into your life when the world has walked out.”

-- Shannon l. Alder

How do I respond to someone who says "f#&k you?"

“Too late, as usual.” "You really want to lead with that?"  “So, you do actually like men.” “Always with the threats.”  “If only you were capable, and if only I were gay.”   

How much do you feel is actually in your control?

Everything revolving in my world. If it isn’t, I chuck it out.

How do you stay calm when you lost something (key, credit card, etc.) and you are searching for it?

Is being something other than calm going to find it for me any faster? I stay calm and retrace my steps, call my phone, check the credit card charges online, and so on. I usually come up with the item.

There are so many things we don't know. How do we solve this problem?

Learn.

What is it that happened to you that you still regret to this day?

I married the wrong woman and waited 25 years to realize the lost cause of trying to keep it together. I regret wasting my time and allowing someone to use me for that long.

“Don’t waste your time in anger, regrets, worries, and grudges. Life is too short to be unhappy.”

-- Roy T. Bennett

Do you think that some fears are beneficial and can help keep us safe?

Absolutely! I fear free climbing, and I’m still alive.

Do you agree with the quote "life is not what you have but who you have"?

Not necessarily. I had a life when I was married to the wrong woman for 25 years.

What should I do in order to know his/her interests?

Ask them. It means you have to indulge in interpersonal communication, God forbid, but the information will come from the horse's mouth to your ears. 

Are there any benefits to being wise?

Wisdom is the greatest benefit. Not looking stupid, unless you desire to do so, Is another.

What causes teenagers to get angry without reason?

Raging hormones, and a lack of emotional control.

"Inside every ANGRY CHILD is an emotion they haven’t been able to comprehend, and inside every ANGRY ADULT is that child."

-- Unknown

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