Questioning Integrity, Life, Revenge, Honesty, and Strange

“If it is not right do not do it; 

if it is not true do not say it.”

-- Marcus Aurelius

What has integrity become?

Rare.

Dıск gives life, how can lеsbians not understand it?

I don’t think that lesbians really give a shit that Dick has the ability to give life, as long as Dick stays away from them. I think they really understand Dick, which is why they don’t want anything to do with Dick. Personally, I don’t want Dick either. Being a lesbian, I understand why they don’t like Dick. I would, also, much rather hang with the ladies. 

What is more dangerous than a lie?

Being caught.

How can you stop being too hard on yourself at work?

Put your full focus on doing your job. If you’re focused, you won’t have time to worry about minutia until you get home to your significant other. Let them worry about the minutia.

Which is grammatically correct: 'to be' or 'to be'?

Are they supposed to be the same? This isn't the question, after all, is it?

"To be, or not to be, that is the question:

Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer

The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,

Or to take arms against a sea of troubles

And by opposing end them."

-- Wm. Shakespeare, "Hamlet"

How do I make my neighbor take responsibility for her dog she kicked out in the freezing rain and now denies it's her dog at all?

Does it have a collar and a license? The license proves it’s her’s. Does more than one neighbor knows she owns the dog? Call animal protection and turn her in. Sounds like animal cruelty, to me.

What would you do differently after high school if you could go back and have a redo?

I would have married a much better woman later in life.

Is making the best of a bad situation just complacency?

You make the best of a bad situation after you’ve tried to make it better and failed. You have found that you have no control so why continue to worry about it? Better to stop whining and make the best of it. Complacency, as I see it, is when you haven’t tried anything to make it better, and simply decide that it is what it is.

Is everyone in their 40s right now like me bewildered that all the celebrities you grew up with are all older than you and are taking it easy, like you?

Wait until you get to your 70s and all the celebrities you grew up with are dropping like flies.

Is my life so difficult because I'm so dumb and forgetful?

Probably, but you can do much about educating yourself. I read, a lot. I also have a calendar at my desk to remind me of things I have to do. I check it every morning. But, being dumb and forgetful are simply consequences of not taking the time to not be.

Every morning watch the news or read a paper and form your own opinions. Make a list of things you need to do, so you don’t forget. Use a calendar for things you need to do on different days. But, reading, lists, and calendars are only useful tools if you use them.

By the way, if you were truly dumb, you wouldn’t be concerned about it.  You are in good company.

“Stupidity isn't punishable by death. If it was, there would be a hell of a population drop.”

-- Laurell K. Hamilton

Why am I having so much trouble figuring out how to follow back someone? Do others have trouble doing this?

If I knew what it was to “follow back someone” I’d be farther along in this question. 

How can I get revenge on my much older brother who turns my family against me, hurts me, screams and swears at me, and gets me punished as well as much much more?

I’d learn a martial art so you can protect yourself. He is an unhappy person, and he isn’t acting like your brother. Family doesn’t act that way. Your mom and dad donated genetic material, but that doesn’t make a person family. Karma will take care of him in due time. Meanwhile, stay away from him and ignore him and his attitude. At the first opportunity, put as much distance as you can between you. I’d recommend military service as a way to get the hell out of there. Military police is an option that will give you skills to protect yourself. Revenge, however, will just bring karma down on you, as well.

How do I become popular and well-known in and out of school?

Become a singer in a rock and roll band.

How can one find a purpose in life when one feels like they are living only for themselves?

Isn’t “living for yourself” a selfish purpose in life? If someone wants to find another purpose, they should try living for someone else, selflessly. Just a thought.

How can I feel happy and useful in my life again as a junior?

Get a job you are happy doing, or find some way to give selflessly of yourself.

“You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.”

-- Albert Camus

How can one live a happy and successful life without changing anything?

People make happiness too difficult. Happiness is a simple choice, and true “success” in life is choosing happiness. So, choose to strive for true happiness always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances.

Can you explain the difference between "to be" and "to have"?

To be rich, you will need money. To have money, you need to work.

How can you live a happy and successful life without planning anything?

So, you aren’t planning to live a happy and successful life? Why bring it up, then? Asking “how” is asking for a plan, which is what you don’t want. 

Is it okay for me to ask the female bubble worker to get laid with me?

What?

How do I take money from my rich new girlfriend?

You don’t. She’s probably tired of being used by selfish, gold-digging, leeches. How about just being her friend? She might find that refreshing, and you might learn something about her, and yourself.

“If you choose money over love, you will always be poor.”

-- Matshona Dhliwayo

Why do some people say "Excuse me for being honest"? What does this mean exactly?

“Excuse me for being honest. I know you’d prefer that I blow smoke up your ass, but that’s just not in my nature. And, I appreciate that you think everyone deserves a second chance. But, I honestly don’t think it would be a good idea to have a convicted serial rapist as security for the girl's dormitory. Just saying.”

Does working too much cause mental illness or depression?

Not if you enjoy what you do.

Which is correct, "mom" or "mother"?

Mother is the “correct” term. “Mom” is used as a term of endearment.

“My “mother” donated genetic material so I can exist.”

“My mom is a fun, party animal.”

What are some opinions on telling people to smile?

Good idea, I’ve been doing it for years.

What humble things have you done because you are poor?

The same “humble” things I do, now that I’m not. Being humble is not about how much wealth you possess. It is a selfless frame of mind where you don’t let your ego get ahead of doing the right things always, and treating people with dignity and respect. I have to work on this whenever I’m confronted by members of the League of the Perpetually Offended.

“It's okay to disagree with the thoughts or opinions expressed by other people. That doesn't give you the right to deny any sense they might make. Nor does it give you a right to accuse someone of poorly expressing their beliefs just because you don't like what they are saying. Learn to recognize good writing when you read it, even if it means overcoming your pride and opening your mind beyond what is comfortable.”

-- Ashly Lorenzana

What does it mean if someone asks if they offended you?

It means they must think they offended me. Is this a trick question? The only way they can offend me is by being perpetually offended.

How do you know if a guy is serious about his girlfriend?

Grab her ass and see what he does.

What does it mean when someone says they are "not into" partying?

They don’t like to party down, get shit-faced, eat party food, puke, and do it all again. Been there, and done that, for most of my military career. As I approach 70 years on this planet, I can honestly say I’m not much into partying.

Is pain a form of happiness or a road to seeking pleasure?

Both, if you ascribe to the philosophy of Donatien Alphonse François.

Why do you think trans women are so much better than you at well just about everything in life?

I have nothing against the LGBTQ+ community, but, taken at face value, is this question really valid? Even trying to qualify it with “just about” seems to make it even less valid if we insist on using "so much better."

“Gender preference does not define you. Your spirit defines you.”

-- P.C. Cast

How do scientists prove that we can't think without language?

I don’t need language as a baby to know I want to suck on that delicious nipple.

What is it like to be frequently viewed as a strange person?

I’ve never really thought about it.

What does it mean if you cannot make a living doing what you love?

You’re going to make a living doing what you don’t love.

What is the man's motive for talking to the other woman?

The first woman isn’t even on the ballfield, much less entertaining thoughts of first base.

Can life change drastically at age twenty-three?

Did someone get pregnant?

“At 23, I took the example

Of Moses and Jesus

And went 40 days without food.

In the end, Moses saw his god's glory,

Jesus overcame the devil,

I got a divorce...”

-- Eric Overby

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