Questioning Weapons, Self, Shoes, Revenge, and Quotes

“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.”

-- Albert Einstein

Why should I learn from other people's mistakes?

You don’t have to. You can make the same mistakes and learn from your own pain. If you learn from other’s mistakes, it may save you a bit of grief. But, if you’d like to have the same robust experience, knock yourself out. People around you will be wondering why you didn’t learn from the other tool.

What does it mean when a guy says you dress modestly?

You don’t show enough leg or cleavage, for his taste.

Why can't men take ‘no’ as an answer?

Plenty of men can take no for an answer… if you put it in context. “No! It’s infected!” Or, “No! That’s not lemonade!” Or, “No! I’ll call the cops! I’m serious.” It isn't that "no" doesn’t mean much to men, but we would like to have it in context. It helps explain why don’t want us to do something. Remember, we’re the thick bricks that touched the oven when Dad told us not to… and got burned. I didn’t, but my son learned several painful lessons by not listening to me, and I learned lessons about the importance of "context."

How do you deal with unintended consequences?

“Oops! Sorry about that. My bad.”  

How do I ask my boss to give me more tasks?

Advise your boss that you think they are “underutilizing you” in your position. Your boss will ask what you mean. This is your opportunity to ask for more tasks to fill “dead” time.

Is it okay to be two types of Christian at the same time?

There is only one type of Christian. There are many denominations, but they are all Christian. I attended Methodist service with my Mother and attended Catholic Mass with my Dad. I was invited to a Baptist service when I was in Sicily, and they knew I was non-denominational. Does it really matter? Because it doesn’t seem to matter to the people I’ve met.

"God has not called you to "fit in."

-- 1 Peter 2:9

What could be causing my boyfriend's recent distant behavior towards me?

Uh, oh. Someone might be tasting forbidden fruit. Maybe not, but, at this point, you really don’t know. I always work my way up from the bottom. Without any evidence to the contrary, I’m bottom-feeding.

Is it weird that I don't care that I made someone feel physically sick from poop jokes?

Yeah, it shows a lack of empathy. How would you like it?

Which is better to say: 'I understand' or 'I comprehend'?

The definition notwithstanding, I see it this way: “I comprehend what you’re saying, but I don’t understand why you feel this way.” In the same way, you can comprehend the problem, but you may not understand why the problem persists.

Do you believe "common sense" still exists?

Oh, hell no. Good sense has replaced it because common sense isn’t that common.

What are some ways to prevent unintended consequences?

Think it through before you act, and always act honestly and ethically. The consequences, then, may not be honest or ethical.

What are the consequences of faking your knowledge?

You will be caught, sooner or later. Probably sooner.

“False knowledge is worse than ignorance.”

-- Lailah Gifty Akita

Should America ban military-style assault weapons?

Not in today’s world. I’m ex-military, live in a “Stand Your Ground” state, and conceal carry. Nuff said.

I think so far you are sexy. Can I make you feel it?

Too late. 

Why does Western media not tell the truth for everyone?

Western media answers to the money that pays them to report what they are assigned. There is only one Western media outlet that continuously reports the truth.

What are you most afraid of, and why?

Dying alone. It scares the crap out of me. I want to be around people when I cross over.

I am too honest and I don't know when or how to lie in a situation. How badly can this turn out for me?

You should never lie in any situation. It may turn out badly, but you will have held to your righteous values. You need to develop a good, moral, code of ethics that you can stand by unto death, if need be. This is how you will be seen by those around you, and how you will be remembered. Hold your head up high, and do what is right.

What does it mean when a guy says he can't wait for his girlfriend to come over and hug him?

He has wood.

“The world is little, people are little, human life is little. There is only one big thing — desire.”

-- Willa Cather

How are we able to think about "self" when we want to?

Because we have free will, regardless of who is in charge, we have free will. No one can prevent you from thinking about yourself when you desire to do so.

How can I tell if my girlfriend is having sex with someone else?

Have you been diagnosed with an STD?

What does it mean when someone says, "It's hard being an artist."?

They mean it’s hard to make a living as an artist. Being an artist is pretty easy if you have the talent, But, making a living doing it, well, they don’t call them “starving artists” because they eat too much. I have sold art overseas, and I can say it was a one-time sale. It is a tough crowd.

What is the difference between "I've lost" and "I have lost"?

“I’ve” is the shortened “I have.” No difference.

Can asking too many "why" questions be perceived as rude and annoying by others?

It isn’t as much “rude” as it is annoying. Besides the fact it makes you look ignorant. It might be better to ask a good friend in private, so you don’t give people something else to gossip about.

What does my guy mean when he says he needs some time?

You need to be looking for another main squeeze, as well.

“Oh, it was meant to be. It just wasn't meant to last.”

-- Kate McGahan

 Is it okay to wear your own shoes on a plane?

I would hate to put on someone else’s shoes. You can lose toes that way.

How should I react when my boyfriend calls me names just like my ex-husband did, and he knows that that's a trigger for me?

Leave him. He is all about playing games when you seem to not like those games. If he likes to pull you trigger, it’s time to fire the gun. Leave him and find someone who will respect you.

Reader comment: If your boyfriend calls you names, especially when he knows it's a trigger for you, it's essential to address this issue. Communicate your feelings and concerns calmly and assertively. Let him know how it affects you emotionally and ask for a change in his behavior. If he continues to disrespect your boundaries, it may be necessary to reconsider the relationship. Your emotional well-being should always be a priority.

My reply:  Better answer.

How important is it for people who care about each other to be honest with each other?

Absolutely necessary.

Can you explain God's infinite nature (omnipotence, omniscience)?

No one can. Oh, they can give you their thoughts on it, but nobody has met God, so how can they explain God? God will remain a mystery to those who have not come to accept God. God is what He is. Like he says in scripture, “I am.” 

If a boy calls you pretty when you’re a guy, is he trying to hit on you?

Maybe. He might just being honest. Better to ask him.

“Sex and "sexual orientation" are being shoved at kids everywhere. It was not this way in past decades, and I believe this is another cause of more stress in kids.”

-- Linda Harvey

Why have I not gotten revenge on my bullies in school?

Probably because you’re not a bully. Bullies in school are to be pitied, not bullied. If you didn’t stand up for yourself, you didn’t get the ass whipping that would have entailed. I know this from experience. If they haven’t got a clue yet, they have probably smoked themselves to death. Karma will take care of any issues you think you left on your plate. 

Are deductive rules within models such that they either conserve the axioms, project to a subset of axioms, or extend the axioms when used?

Probably.

As atheists, how would you define our relationship with god?

Let’s go through this one more time. Atheists do not believe in God. If they don’t believe in God, how in God’s name can they define a relationship with God? If a man hasn’t been to bed with a woman, why would you ask him what it’s like? It makes no sense.

What is the reason we perceive time as passing?

Here I forgot all about it, But, no. You had to bring it up.

Is it offensive to call someone a retard, dumbass, and/or idiot? What are the implications of using these words?

You are judging them. As such, what you say says more about you than them. However, I’m a self-admitted hypocrite. I call a spade a spade because I have no filter. If you act like a retard, dumbass, and/or an idiot, I call you one. It is what I do. 

"If A, then B." What is the word that means A?

This. If this, then that.

“In case of dissension, never dare to judge till you've heard the other side.”

-- Euripides

Do you have a favorite inspirational quote from a doctor?

From my proctologist, “This is just my finger, relax.”

Why does determination appear to be arrogant?

Arrogance is “an attitude of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or in presumptuous claims or assumptions.” It would be hard to see “determination” as being arrogant unless they are arrogant to begin with.

What does the saying "Silence has no sound" mean?

It means that silence has no sound. Is this another one of those trick questions?

Are honest, sincere, and hardworking people not required in today’s world?

Socialists would try to make you think so, but wait until they’re in charge. You’ll be working your ass off. Better you get a clue and start being an “honest, sincere, and hardworking” person, that pays attention to indoctrination from the left.

What does it mean if someone says "I have cancer"?

Their longevity clock has sped up.

Why do we love to suffer?

I do not love to suffer. A person who loves to suffer needs to meet my ex-wife. Who comes up with this drivel, and then makes people believe it?

Author's comment: I mean, in a stoic way, suffering for the Honor of the tribe.

My reply:  If I have to expect to suffer for the “honor” of the tribe, then the tribe needs to rethink its paradigm. Heroes don't suffer, they give it all for Mom, Suzi, and apple pie.

“To love is to suffer. To avoid suffering one must not love. But then one suffers from not loving. Therefore, to love is to suffer; not to love is to suffer; to suffer is to suffer. To be happy is to love. To be happy, then, is to suffer, but suffering makes one unhappy. Therefore, to be happy one must love or love to suffer or suffer from too much happiness.”

-- Woody Allen

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 while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion in an arena of mutual respect concerning those opinions offered. After twenty-three years of military intelligence, I believe that engaging each other in this manner, and in this arena, is a 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