Questioning Constituents, Liberals, Arguing, Abusers, and Love

 

“Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.'”

-- Isaac Asimov

What is the motivation for politicians to care about what constituents think?

Yet another term in office. Constituents vote them in. 

Why do those that have their own lives want to control other people's lives?

I control my own life and see no reason to control someone else’s life. There is so much more I want to do other than waste time controlling others. That was a part of my intelligence career, and I wasn’t crazy about doing it back then. I’ve grown passed that.

I want to defy the rules of life by not working and breaking away from the system no matter what the consequences are. Does that make me an idiot?

Yes.

Why do we sometimes think that people tolerate us even though they may like us?

I tolerate other people. If they tolerate me, well, they already have issues that I am tolerating.

What are the benefits of being tolerant or intolerant?

Stress. Being “tolerant” can produce much less stress than being “intolerant” does.

“In order to have faith in his own path, he does not need to prove that someone else's path is wrong.”

-- Paulo Coelho

To be considered a tolerant liberal, why should I tolerate other people's intolerance, bigotry, and hate?

If you don’t how do you plan on being a liberal?

What is the difference between a man who believes he is superior to all other men and a man who does not care what others think of him (showing no pride or low self-esteem)?

The man who thinks he is superior has a false sense of ego. The man who doesn’t care does not need an ego. He is at peace with who he is and humble in his life.

What is the difference between "god is all-knowing" and "god is omniscient"?

There is no difference. It means the same.

 Why do most people show a negative attitude towards marriage on Quora?

We’ve been married to the wrong person. I’ve been much happier living in sin, with my new partner, for the past 22 years.  Perhaps people should live in sin with their prospective partner, for a time, before tying the knot.

How can people, who always complain about everything around them (and themselves), learn to be more positive? What advice would you give to such people?

“Shut the hell up.”

“Complaining does not work as a strategy. We all have finite time and energy. Any time we spend whining is unlikely to help us achieve our goals. And it won't make us happier.”

-- Randy Pausch

What is a good comeback for when people say they are not arguing?

“Then, why are you arguing?” 

What is the meaning of judging people by the results of their actions and maneuvers in the context of effective truth?

If you judge them before they act you are ignorant of the possible results of their actions. Your judgment would not be very effective where truth is concerned. By waiting, you see the results of their efforts and have a better handle on how effective they were. Your judgment would be more truthful.

What is a good way to tell someone that they are not acting feminine enough?

“You really need to woman up.”

What happens when you're passionate about something but everyone else thinks it's stupid?

Screw them. Are you being passionate because of them? No. You are passionate because you want to be. Maybe everyone else needs to be passionate about their own life and quit paying attention to yours.

What quotes stand out?

Meaningful quotes. Quotes are only good if they have meaning.

Reader comment: "If you want peace don't start a war."

My reply: Very meaningful.

“Parents give you life. Only you can give it meaning.”

-- Frank Sonnenberg

Is it possible to ever be happy with your abuser still in your life?

No, because they will continue to abuse. Happiness will return when you leave the abuser and find real happiness in life.

When is "fuck you" not simple enough?

When pounding their face sends a better message.

How can I show a woman my penis without offending her?

To be safe, she should be a prostitute, a doctor, or your significant other. Your significant other still might be in question.

Are there no regrets for being the truth to yourself?

No. There can be regrets, but the truth will out sooner or later. Better to get it out sooner and deal with it.

What is the best way to deal with an elderly parent who is not willing to get better?

The elderly mind takes a singular path, and your ministrations may have no effect. My mother went downhill mentally. She was 90 and lost the will to continue, and I’m not sure she even recognized me. She went from therapy to “comfort care” at a nursing facility. She died shortly after. My only comfort is that the elderly must know better than we do when life should end.

“I think people would live a bit longer if they didn't know how old they were. Age puts restrictions on things.”

-- Karl Pilkington

What are some things that you should never teach your mom?

Sexual positions. It is just wrong.

Do you want to fall in love in your life?

I am almost 70 years of age, and I have fallen in love many times. Not as much as I have fallen in lust, but enough to know what true love is. Falling in love is not something you can force. It has more to do with mutual attraction, good communication, common interests, and solid friendship. Lust is so much easier. 

What can I say or do to encourage my mother to find her own place and move out of our home?

“Get out.”

What are some signs that a woman is grateful to you?

When she tells you. She could always initiate unplanned sex, but simply telling you she is grateful would be quicker.

What are some ways to show gratitude for all that our mothers have done for us throughout our lives? What would be the one thing she would like to hear from her children, and why?

“I love you.” It is all a mother ever wants to hear.

"Mama, you were given these children - you. No one else. You were given these children because you are who they need."

-- 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 view any more right or wrong than the other. Opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form their own opinions 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 offered. After over twenty years of military intelligence, I believe that 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 United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. Following his service career, he spent 17 years working with the premier and world-renowned Western Institutional Review Board, helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. He also served 8 years on the Board of Directors for the Angela J. Bowen Foundation.

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 a weapon for his war on intolerance... he chose the pen. He 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 personal, spiritual path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center. 

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony at: tolerantpastor@gmail.com