Questioning Differences, Wrong, Questions, Enbyphobia, Answers, and Brains

 

"It is the heart that makes a man rich. He is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has."

-- Henry Ward Beecher

What do you think are the differences between wealthy and poor people?

The wealthy have a lot of money, and the poor don’t.

Why is everyone on [this site] so rude and judgmental?

They are charter members of the  League of the Perpetually Offended.

Why don’t criminals care about the consequences?

They live in New York City.

Why don't people like “burn for eternity” questions in their feed?

They’re atheists.

Why do so many people think Americans are stupid?

We make more money than they do or they want to call us “stupid” first.

What is something people do but don't admit to doing it?

Masturbation.

“I wanted to put a reference to masturbation in one of the scripts for the Sandman. It was immediately cut by the editor. She told me, "There's no masturbation in the DC Universe." To which my reaction was, "Well, that explains a lot about the DC Universe.”

-- Neil Gaiman

I say wrong things, but I don't mean it in a bad way. What should I do to avoid this again?

Think about what you’re going to say before you say it. It only takes a moment.

When and where should I be straightforward and honest? I don’t want to fall for traps for my honesty.

Always be straightforward and honest. You can’t fall for “traps” if you’re always honest and straightforward. Traps won’t exist, except in the mind of the trapper.

What types of people you would never help?

People who play games with your mind. You never know when they’re being serious.

Why do most rich people only care about rich people?

Why do working people seem to care about working people? It is the circle they are in, and they choose to take care of their own.

What are your thoughts on “ethical thefting”?

It makes no sense. "Thefting" is not a word, and there is nothing “ethical” in theft.

Why are people scared to speak the truth? What is there to fear?

A leader to his people: “We are all going to die, but, we should die trying to live.” What is feared is certain death. It would be better to leave out the obvious and tell the people to try anything to live.

“Never tell the truth to people who are not worthy of it.”

-- Mark Twain

What are some good questions to ask teens this summer to make them think? Things not covered in school. Maybe fascinating trivia, weird facts, important topics, etc.

Why are there “soup kitchens”? It helps if they have the chance to work in one. The “obvious” answer may not be the ones they find. It can be an eye-opener for them.

Why are the two biggest loser celebs always bragging? Lebron has now lost 9 times in a row to the Denver Nuggets. Trump is the biggest loser Presidential candidate in American history.

Talk about clueless.

How does one become an evil person?

Constantly do evil deeds and have no conscience while doing them. Being a “good” person is not in your wheelhouse.

Why do I feel super weak when I'm hungry? Is it normal with everyone else?

“Super weak” does not sound normal. It sounds like your biological balance is off. Try taking natural supplements like “Balance of Nature” and see if it helps, but talk to your physician first, as it could be more serious than a supplement could help.

Why are there a lot of agents on the internet that say therapists care about you when they clearly don’t?

Clearly, you are seeing bad therapists, if they don’t care about you.

What can I do about this? I was scheduled to work Wednesday and Thursday. They called me at the last minute before my scheduled start, wanting me to come in. The day I was scheduled, I was told the assignment was complete. Am I in the wrong here?

No. The employer needs to get a grip on reasonable scheduling, and communication. This is no way to run a business.

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”

-- George Bernard Shaw

Enbyphobia isn't wrong. We just know that there are only two genders and don’t want pretenders to spread their lies. Who’s with me?

It isn’t wrong, but it is a bit more confusing for those who aren’t “pretenders” spreading lies. Pretenders spreading lies usually don’t commit suicide due to their confusion and non-acceptance. There is a real psychological issue that has been with us since the beginning of time. It needs to be understood, and not have another confusing name put to it.

What questions do you have about the history of psychology?

None whatsoever.

Where and why is evil found in a person?

You have answered the first question, as “evil” is found in the person. “Why” might be traced to bad parenting, the wrong acquaintances, a psychological break from all that is good, they feel being evil completes them, and so forth.

What do you do when you need God's wisdom, but can't find it anywhere about a certain problem?

You’re trying too hard. Maybe the “problem” isn’t that important. Try letting it go.

Why does everything I do, no matter what I put into it in my life, fail?

I see that you live. Living is not a failure. Our choices and decisions are the basis for failure. Take more time to consider what you choose and decide, before taking any action. 

If Elon Musk has ten children and you have none while working, what kind of leader does it make Elon Musk?

A leader who knows how to schedule his time.

“Taking just an hour off from your busy schedule and working on your own health can do wonders for you.”

-- Pooja Agnihotri

Why, on multiple choice questions, is it that there's usually an entirely ridiculous answer?

It separates the wheat from the chaff. Those who study, and those who try to “get by.”

How do you get a person who lives in chronic shame, is prideful, cannot look weak, and pushes feelings away, to be honest with themselves about their choices and issues?

Work on the “chronic shame” issues with their character. Everything else is there to cover up the chronic shame they feel. While you are working the “chronic shame” you can hammer them for their choices and issues. At some point, they will break. This will be the time to point out the “issues” to address.

Author's comment:  How do you accomplish this? What steps are needed, how much do you push? How do you get through the walls?

My reply:  My bad.  Five minutes ago, you upvoted my answer. Four minutes ago, you asked this question. I have to chuckle. My answer is this: It is different for everyone. From what I understand, from what you've said, don’t let them use their pride to cover their weakness and dishonesty about their choices and issues. You need to bring all this into the light so they can’t deny them. They will have to deal with them and overcome them. Without all this, the “chronic shame,” they have buried, will never come to light. 

Author's reply: I may have to leave before that ever happens. He gets angry, sighs deeply, shuts down, and sometimes becomes mean and tries to gaslight or manipulate. I need him to do the work, or I will be forced to leave. He tried for 8 years, with 9 women. Married, single, kids, no kids, fat, skinny, in state, out of state, in the country out of the country. Not a single one wanted him. He is screwed if I leave. He will either end up with a woman like him, or paying for intimacy. He will be lonely. I will be fine. I am a good person I am fine being alone. I am in therapy, I am working on getting my GED and college classes and a job so I can take care of me and my kids. I am not a cheater, homewrecker, nor would I ever feel proud of hurting someone I love, or anyone really. I would never do what he did. And I have seen the women he tried and failed at. I am the better choice. And it's his loss. He did this. Not me. He has to live with who he is. Not me. He will never do better, he will never be happy. He will not grow if he doesn't do the work. This is my last effort to understand and to give grace

My reply: Indeed. 

Is it better to be someone the complete opposite of you or similar to you?

Similar to me. The “complete opposite” would be a person with no value for life.

Sometimes I wish everyone else could accept my disabilities instead of laughing at them?

Laugh along with them. If you don’t, you will seem like you don’t accept your disabilities. Being able to laugh at oneself is a way to make others comfortable being around you. We are who we are and nothing will change that fact, so you might as well go with the flow. 

Why do Singaporeans always like to ask this question, "Who are you?"

They are looking for an honest answer.

Why would God permit problems in our lives?

God gave us responsibility for our lives. Life provides lessons that we need to learn.  He gave us free will and everything we need to lead righteous lives. It is up to us to get on board. You can lead a selfless life or a selfish one. The choice is all yours.

“Faith, in its most correct form, never removes responsibility; it removes fear of responsibility. The results are complete opposites with the greater saying, 'God's will is my delight.”

-- Criss Jami 

Are human brains the same?

By and large. It is how we choose to use it that makes all the difference. Some will find backroads and alleyways that will lead them to greater knowledge. Some will follow a path that will lead them astray. Mankind has been blessed with a sense of perseverance in the face of failure. We can use it, or we can sit down and give up. Mankind was also blessed with free will.

What is a complete or half failure in life for you?

Complete failure means I have not “persevered in the face of failure.” Not my style.

How strict and sharp should you be when dealing with stupid thinking?

I say, “That’s stupid.” and walk away. Of course, I have no filter. If they are approaching you from the realm of “stupid thinking,” there is little probability that their thinking will change just because you call them down. “Stupid thinking” is hard to get on top of without an argument. I hate to argue, especially against stupid thinking.

How do we know if humans can die?

We know the physical body dies. What happens to the “soul,” after that, is conjecture.

What are some tips for becoming a successful liar? Why are some people better at lying than others?

The “lie” has to follow a believable line of reasoning. You might need to back it with bullshit facts and collaboration, which will, also, need to follow a believable line of reasoning. A successful liar can spin a yarn that is so convincing, that even those who think they know the truth are questioning what they thought they knew.

Is it sometimes necessary to walk away from a person even if they are worth fighting for?

If they truly love you, they will follow you out the door and hold tight to your hand. If not, no loss.

“For me, there's only a couple of things worth fighting for. I'll protect myself and I'll protect a loved one. Other than that, I don't care. I don't care what you call me, I don't care what you say. It's just not worth it. It's not worth it on so many levels.”

-- Richard Bresler

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