Questioning Gifts, Danger, Fear, Avoidance, Remarks, Differences

“Tucker: "But she gave me the perfect gift."

Clara: "What?"

Tucker: "You.”

-- Cynthia Hand

What gift did you get someone who you thought already had everything they wanted?

Me.

Why did you make me think you loved me the whole 7 years we were together?

Wait… 7 whole years? Hah! Try loving a woman for 25 years and then having your heart ripped out.

Why do men want to humble beautiful women?

What? No. They do a great job of humbling me.

What do you do when an AI makes you doubt yourself and specific things on the internet make you doubt yourself when you know you’re right about something?

I am not weak-minded. So someone else making me “doubt” myself never happens. I doubt myself, rarely, and I get over it quickly. Doubt is not constructive to moving forward.

I love someone, but it’s one-sided. What should I do?

Find someone else.

Why do people manipulate history? They sometimes manipulate history in politics.

People tend to believe bullshit more than reality. If you repeat it long enough, it becomes real to the weak-minded. There are a lot of weak-minded people.

“He always says that those who control the present can rewrite the past.”

-- Anne Fortier

What is a bigger danger, individual acts of stupidity or organized labor by a central intelligence?

Individual acts of stupidity can be corrected. Organized labor by a central intelligence, not so much. We know from history that “Central Intelligence” isn’t that intelligent, and they balk at anyone who tries to correct them. I speak from experience.

Do you like sucking nipples?

Makes me pine for younger days. 

How do atheists handle people who judge others based on their religious beliefs?

According to them, they have no “religious” beliefs, so they would support those who judge others while they attack those who judge others. Atheism is a sticky wicket populated by the League of the Perpetually Offended.

Why are all Christians judgmental of people?

All Christians aren’t. And it is very judgmental to say they all are.

What made you decide atheism is true?

There is no proof to either side. Both sides have faith that they are right, but “faith” is a belief in something for which there is little or no proof. The proof, unfortunately, will come when the theists die. If they are right, there is an afterlife. For the atheist, it doesn’t matter. When they die, that’s it.

Why should I forgive them when they don't forgive me?

Try this on for size: 

“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”

-- Mahatma Gandhi

How do you distinguish the fear of commitment from just not being into someone enough?

If you're afraid of commitment, you’re not "into them" enough. If you were, you’d commit.

When should we never take a guy too seriously, before or after?

If you’ve chosen to never take him too seriously after, you’re not playing with a full deck. The time to make this decision is before, not after. If you haven’t known him long enough to decide, then don’t take him too seriously. This is not rocket science.

God is not used for people to fear, but for people to turn to from their fears?

God is the Father and, as such, we are encouraged to learn the lessons set before us in this life. The only “fear” is that which we create in our minds.

Do you admire people to provide inspiration and perhaps a measuring stick for yourself? Or just to be amused? Or to discourage yourself? What would you have to do to become a person you would admire?

Nope. It is just admiration. If I could do what they do, I’d have done it. For instance, I admire “free climbers” for not using any safety equipment. I think they’re stupid. I think their “life expectancy light” is flashing. But, I do admire their bravery (and lack of good sense).

How do I kill myself and make it painless?

Good luck. I’ve heard that every way, that is certain, can be painful, one way or another.

If someone asks for your help and if they really need help, do you feel responsible for helping them?

They have asked. If I ignore them, what happens from that point is on me. If I try to help them, then it remains on them. There is enough drama in my life. If I don’t have the time, I’ll give them a phone number.

“The price of greatness is responsibility.”

-- Winston Churchill

How can I avoid being asked too many questions?

Don’t answer them.

What is the meaning of life at your age?

At 70 years of age, waking up each morning, and being ecstatically happy that I have. Any day on this side of the dirt is a great day to be alive.

What thoughts might be going through a man's mind when he says "I love you" and truly means it?

He can see himself spending the rest of his life around the person.

Why are you mad all of a sudden?

I “spike” because I can’t get in front of the anger. If a guy cuts me off on the road, I will “spike” and call him an asshole. Then, I will smile and say, “God bless his little pea-picken heart. He must be late.” He's still an asshole, but I've calmed down in seconds. 

I know you can control how you react to emotions, but can you control what you’re actually feeling in the moment?

If I don’t “spike” I’m fine. If I “spike” it takes me a few seconds to regain control.

Is it pointless to question the meaning of life?

Life is different for everybody. The meaning for me won’t be the meaning for someone else. For me, the meaning of life is “learning” the lessons life sets in front of me, so I can become wise. I think “wisdom” is going to be useful going forward into the next life, and thereafter.

“Life has no meaning. Each of us has meaning and we bring it to life. It is a waste to be asking the question when you are the answer.”

-- Joseph Campbell

How do I ignore stupid remarks from my wife?

Are they really stupid, or do you just think they are? Maybe she’s trying to tell you something that you don’t want to hear. Before you go on calling her remarks stupid, how about sitting down with her and getting into a discussion? You married her, so how about showing some respect? That will throw her off.

Can someone's argument change another person's opinion?

Absolutely. If the argument is cogent and incontrovertible, the argument will fall apart in favor of good sense.

How stupid am I ready to be?

Only you can answer this.

Will I be more loved instead of hated when I die?

If people hate you they will be elated when you die. If you know that you are hated, why are you living your life like that? It is much better, now and when you pass, if you are more loved than hated. The wisdom it takes to be loved will take you farther into the next life. A kind word, affection, acknowledgment, having an open mind, not being quick to anger, and the like, will get you farther than being hated. 

Is being stupid your thing?

Not really. People might think so, but it’s just me not giving a damn what they think.

How do I bring up issues in a relationship?

I have no filter, so the issues are in your face. This seems to work. I don’t dance around things, I just bring them up for discussion. My “partner in crime” seems to enjoy the honesty and forthrightness.

“The real things haven't changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong.”

-- Laura Ingalls Wilder

What is the difference between "advice" and "tips"?

Nada.

Am I so bad if I am not in love with my wife anymore?

It is honesty. You know, the thing you should have thought about before you asked her to give up her life and go with you? Now, how are you going to screw up her life? Next time, live together for a while. Get to know each other; the negatives and the positives. My marriage went south 23 years ago. I’ve been living with my girlfriend for 20 years. We aren’t married, we can’t leave anytime, and things are marvelous.

What if I say “immediately”?

What if I say, “now”? 

My wife pushed me. Can I beat her?

She pushed you? Are you a pussy? If you beat her will you hurt her? Did her pushing you hurt you? If you beat her can she beat you back? How about talking to each other about it? If it comes down to beating her, you are better served to divorce her and let her find someone else.

What is a synonym for the word "person"?

Human.

Can I get advice about something?

Probably. 

“I don't care if you're black, white, straight, bisexual, gay, lesbian, short, tall, fat, skinny, rich or poor. If you're nice to me, I'll be nice to you. Simple as that.”

― Robert Michaels MD

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 in 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