Questioning Privacy, Morals, Smiles, Answering, and Thinking

 

“All human beings have three lives: public, private, and secret.”

-- Gabriel García Márquez

Is it wrong when people get paid for talking about your private life?

It is wrong, yes, but I don’t think it is illegal, not in the U.S. unless they slander you.

Why is it that, in this generation, you can identify as literally anything, even if it's something non-living, like a chair?

We accept that most people are dumbasses. They have the right to identify as whatever they want, even a pile of crap. Personally, I enjoy identifying as a human being. But that’s just me. 

What do you know a lot about?

It used to be military Intelligence, but now, it’s the paranormal. Not much difference.

Are you tired of [this site] censoring you and deleting your answers?

Yes. They do it every now and then. What really pisses me off is when they delete an answer because it reached the end of the time allotted. I really hate wasting my time, especially if no one is going to administer the answers. Deleting answers you poured your heart and soul into is simply rude. But I assume being rude comes with the territory.

Will my childhood still recognize me if they see me?

Your “childhood” can see?

I’m looking for some answers to these questions, please. What common problems do you face in your daily life or work that you wish someone would solve, and are there any industries or niches where you think there’s a lack of innovative solutions?

I’m retired, so it is what it is. The wind turbine industry doesn’t seem to have much innovation. They still kill birds and confuse whales.

"Solar power, wind power, the way forward is to collaborate with nature - it's the only way we are going to get to the other end of the 21st century."

-- Björk

Do you try to 'please everyone,' even at the expense of compromising your morals just to avoid confrontation and to be liked by everyone?

Oh, hell no. I have no filter. I only compromise my “morals” if I think it will rock my world and the world of the other person. I don’t need to be liked by everyone, which is probably why I am. It is tough being me.

What is three-quarter hours after 12 noon?

12:45.

Why should people come to you when there is a lot of AI to solve their problems?

They shouldn’t. They should let AI solve their problems. If they think AI is capable of human emotion to identify with human issues, hey, go ahead. I’d rather have some help from someone that’s been through the same shit and come out the other side a better person. A machine can’t do that.

What if it’s really difficult to get up?

Stay down. Getting up is overrated.

Why do a lot of people think they can bully others and harm their lives with the consequences and then demand them to contribute to society?

They think they can, But they really can’t, not unless the person they bully lets them. Bullies can harm their lives only if they let them. Unless you’re a submissive, you have the right to beat the crap out of the bully... or simply walk away. It is a choice.

Can God create someone more intelligent than Himself?

No. Only man is that stupid.

“Self-centeredness takes away the fragrance of common sense from an intelligent person and makes him dumb, deaf, stupid, and illogical.”

-- Sukant Ratnakar

Can you tell me anything that can make me smile?

I farted. Oh, my God!

Does stubbornness ruin a relationship?

Yes. A good relationship is about give and take. Learning to bend when you feel stubborn is a good idea.

What are some tips for staying calm during meditation?

Moderate your breathing. Focus on nothing but your breathing. You are meditating, so activity is minimal, and your breathing should be almost nonexistent. If your breathing is under control, you should be calm.

What's the best response to a bully who says, "Nobody likes you"?

I’d laugh. “You don’t even know me, and don’t try. My friends will disown me.”

Is there a point in life if you keep getting bullied?

Yes. The point is to learn to not be bullied. If you keep being bullied, you are a slow learner. I beat my bully with a tree branch until my friend pulled me away from him. I was so mad I would have really hurt him.

Can someone forget everything just by remembering one memory?

It depends on what her name is.

“The advantage of a bad memory is that one enjoys several times the same good things for the first time.”

-- Friedrich Nietzsche

Why can't people just answer a question without having to tell a story first?

They weren’t in the military.

How do you show bullies that they're not intimidating you?

Kick them very hard in their balls. When they drop to their knees and start throwing up, kick them a few more times to drive the point home. It may be the only chance you get, so make it count.

How can you tell if someone is nice?

It’s usually a tell if they smile, are cordial, and aren’t trying to be an asshole. 

Can you give some examples of subtle ways someone can be rude?

Hand out cigars to almost everybody. Shake hands with friends, and don’t introduce the person you are with. Fart and don’t excuse yourself, no matter how hard they look at you.

What do people say when they avoid a person?

If they’re good at avoiding the person in question, then, they shouldn’t be saying anything.

What is the definition of ignorance? Why should people avoid it?

Not knowing. People should avoid ignorance because it can make them look stupid. If you aren’t “in the know,” then ask questions so you are. The only thing worse than ignorance is willful ignorance.

“When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.”

-- Mark Twain

Why is "critical thinking" lacking, in today's world, while herd mentality is widespread?

We don’t teach critical thinking. Actually, we don’t teach much anymore. On the other hand, “herd mentality” is constantly forced on us by mass media and marketing. 

When is being "nosy" appropriate?

Only when it concerns you.

The times are 11:55 a.m., 12:06 a.m., 11:50 a.m., and 12:03 a.m. What is the closest time to midnight?

12:03 a.m. is the closest time since you didn't dictate that the time couldn't have past it. If you had, it would be 11:55 a.m.

What are the signs of a magnetic personality?

People are drawn to them... like magnets to steel.

What's the best way to explain why atheism doesn't make sense logically?

You can’t, any more than theism makes any sense. Faith is a belief in something for which there is little or no proof. Neither side has any incontrovertible proof that they are right. Better they keep their faith to themselves, lest they sound like idiots.

Who do you wish was obedient to you?

Her name slips my memory.

“The patriarchy longs for the days 'when men were men' and women were oppressed, subservient - and they can see no wrong in it. It justifies its former power and lust to hold on to it - and if possible, to regain it by quoting fundamentalist and radical religion and tradition and calling it 'love'. Some love. How can oppression and power over another person's life ever be 'love'?”

-- Christina Engela

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