Questioning Guilt, Timing, Ego, Quotes, and Karma

“You have as many options as you give yourself.”

-- Kasie West

Why is it that we do other things in continuity, but when it comes to studying as a student, we just don't feel like it? I mean also feeling guilty at the same time but not doing the homework required to get desired grades!

No concept of reality. I was having way too much fun to waste time paying attention to subjects that didn’t interest me. When I got into college, though, I hit my stride. I could take those classes that held my attention, like psychology. Then, I got drafted and joined the Air Force. They put my psychology background to use in the Intelligence field. I stayed in for almost 23 years. 

Why are many people carrying grumpy sad faces? Why does the world fail to be a place for joy and fun?

Well, in the United States, many voters are realizing Joe Biden was a mistake.

At what point in your life would you focus on your one and only interest, knowing that you had to compromise the very friends, peers, acquaintances, beliefs, and morals for the sake of your pursuit of passion that made you happy?

When I lost the great value I put in my friends, peers, acquaintances, beliefs, and morals.

What is a norm society needs? How should people socialize with it? How should one be punished if one breaks the norm?

The “Rule of Law” and the punishments that come with not abiding by it. The “punishments” are laid out, but liberal District Attorneys won’t enforce the law they took an oath to uphold.

Why is it wrong for individuals who are smarter than their peers to take advantage of that and profit from them? Why not use the gifts you have to the best of your ability and succeed no matter what others think?

Selfishness. Mentor your peers and bring them along. Don’t be an ass.

I have a fear of my happiness and peace not lasting, and that makes me overanalyze and anxious when I'm happy, or avoid happiness altogether, what's your advice?

Strive to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. True happiness is a choice each of us should make for life. As a choice, it is sustainable as long as we uphold our choice. To do anything else would be counterproductive. Do what you enjoy and enjoy what you do. Keep drama and assholes from your doorstep. Learn to smile, smile often, and be selfless in all you do. All of this seems to work for me.

“A lot of people spend a lot of time chasing a lot of things that will never bring lasting happiness.”

-- Wayne Gerard Trotman

Why do all of the problems come at the same time?

Thank God! I’m not sure I could handle them trickling in like the drip of a bad faucet. I like to get them three at a time. I’m not a very good multi-tasker, but three seems to be my max.

What is your biggest struggle in talking to new people? Is this an important skill to have today?

People are just people. The only struggle is getting them to understand they're in the “Deep South” and that everyone is friendly. It is what we do. 

What can a person's answer to a question reveal about them?

Quite a bit, I think. Do they have a sense of humor? Do they ignore the League of the Perpetually Offended? Do they have the wisdom of years, are they shooting from the hip, or do they really have knowledge? Often, the people shooting from the hip are spot on.

How many types of stupid people are there?

Just one. He’s old and his tolerance for idiots needs work.

What if success is your only option and failure is not?

Then you attain your goal and have no idea what to do when you fail. Personally, I’d attain the goal, then go back and throw a wrench into the process and see what I can learn from the experience. Attaining a goal without any failure is pretty blasé.

“Making a choice requires more than selecting between option A and option B.”

-- Frank Sonnenberg

What are the main ingredients in your character that lead you to think you are smarter than other people?

My overinflated ego. Being always humble, I’m certainly not more intelligent, but I consider myself smarter than average.

Why do people complain about things more than in the past?

Joe Biden.

What is the importance of humility in martial arts?

Tempers your attitude; you really might not be all that. Be the light in finding a non-violent resolution. Try to simply walk away. “Coward” is the name of the person that can mop the floor with them, but chooses not to.

What are the most important life lessons that you've learned so far?

Strive for true happiness always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances.

Is it your fault for having good intentions but being taken advantage of?

Being selfless in your giving doesn’t mean you have to be taken. I consider this the fault of the giver for not paying attention. You can give selflessly, but the minute they try to take advantage, there are other people that need your selfless help. Go into selflessness with your eyes wide open.

“It’s when you get complacent that you get taken advantage of.”

-- Tony A. Gaskins

What are some of the most thought-provoking quotes or sayings that have stuck with you over time?

“Any day on this side of the dirt is a great day.”

Do older people wish their youth was more productive or fun? I think it is kind of a dichotomy. Generally, productive stuff is boring, and fun stuff is unproductive.

My youth was too much fun. I almost didn’t graduate high school, I was having so much fun. It would have been much better if I had put my nose to the grindstone and studied. Nothing interested me academically, but blowing it off was very unproductive. I’ve spent most of my adult life making up for it.

Why do some people constantly post selfies of themselves on social media almost every day? These people are middle-aged adults. Why do some people post excessive content? They also talk about their lives, like they’re on reality TV.

They probably watch too much reality TV or soap operas. They end up thinking this is normal when the rest of us could care less (unless the “selfies” are a bit risqué).

Author's comment: You’re probably right about that. Some people want to feel like they’re famous, it seems like. As for the "ladt oart"... lol.

Did you ever get revenge on someone who framed/blamed you for something you didn't do?

I’ve never had the need. I’ve been blamed, but the people they told came and asked me about it. I explained they were doing nothing more than t trying to shift the blame from those who were truly culpable. This is when having a good moral code of ethics pays off. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t. And, if it sounds like it’s bullshit, it probably is. Gullibility requires introspection.

What do you think the quote "don't wish your life away" means?

Don’t be stupid. Death is forever.

“Our goddess of the moon is gifted with magic, with power over the dead. She could banish the dreams, if she wished. She did not.”

-- Madeleine Miller

If someone does something wrong, will their karma be affected if they wish it upon another person?

Of course. Two wrongs not only don’t make a right, but it really pisses karma off.

I am 26 years old and still have 2 years of college. Not a good major and below a 3.0 GPA. I feel like I have no hope. What should I do?

Why are you still beating that “not a good” major to death? Dump it. At 26 you might find that “trade school” pays better in the long run. Or, you can continue college while you serve your country.

Do some people not have any friends, and if so, is it normal?

Some do, and it isn’t “normal” in society.

Why are friendships questionable as you get older?

Wisdom and knowledge. All the knife scars on your back have made you more careful of who you let into your life.  You keep your enemies closer, but you never forget they are enemies.

Can you wish for someone to disappear?

Yes, and karma will make you pay for it.

“Karma comes after everyone eventually. You can't get away with screwing people over your whole life, I don't care who you are. What goes around comes around. That's how it works. Sooner or later the universe will serve you the revenge that you deserve.”

-- Jessica Brody

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