Questioning Elections, Stupid, Empathy, Aging, Size, and Nipples

 

“Our great democracies still tend to think that a stupid man is more likely to be honest, than a clever man, and our politicians take advantage of this prejudice by pretending to be even more stupid than nature made them.”

-- Bertrand Russell

Why do elected people become arrogant as soon as they win elections and don't care for their electorate and act like kings and rajas and roam around with pomp in huge cavalcades?

They forget, they only serve as long as the people keep voting for them. Arrogance and “pomp in huge cavalcades” will get them one term… that is if the voter is smart. Most voters believe everything they hear, right or wrong. Voters, by and large, don’t care much about their responsibility for “due diligence.”

Where have you lived that you'd never live again?

California. It went to hell in a handbasket.

If you could tell one story about your life, what would it be?

I was born, lived, married, had two children, divorced, had a long relationship with my friend, became wise, and died an old man. It is a very short story.

How can I avoid constant failure?

Learn. It’s why we’re here.

Can it be said human beings definitely have an ability to choose not to do something, even if they initially wanted to? But, truly wanting, or not wanting, to do something, is much more complicated?

We call that a freedom to choose, to do or not. It is not that complicated, but many think that it is. They have a problem with the freedom of choice. To do, or not do, this is the question of choice. 

Monkeys, when did you realize you were not a human?

It amazes me that you think a monkey will answer you.

“The monkey didn't help matters any. He was sitting on top of the microbus, just watching the undead plunge to their end. His face appeared so serene, so intelligent... as if he truly understood the situation. I almost wanted him to turn to me and say, 'This is the turning point of the war! We've finally stopped them! We're finally safe!' But instead his little penis popped out and he peed in my face.”

-- Max Brooks

How can I improve my life and prove, to myself, that I am not hopeless and stupid?

The fact that you have presented this question, is pretty good proof, to those who are reading, that you are not all “hopeless and stupid.”

Who is someone who wants to be part of your success because they are not a part of your struggle? For me, it’s my mom.

Your mom struggled enough, preparing you for success. Let her be part of it. She earned it.

Kindness, respect, compassion, helpfulness, sincerity, honesty, sacrifice, happiness, courage, empathy. How do you apply these traits to your daily life? Please if you see this, can you answer it?

If I were to do any of the opposite, I would be a person with a game to win. Everything listed are traits that will garner accolades from the people around you. If you let one of these traits slip, someone will notice, and some explaining will be necessary. These are the traits of a person who holds themselves to a higher standard.

Are you scared of darkness?

Only the darkness that isn’t mine.

If it's just enough to be alive, why do disabled people have to work and how does translate into your values?

Life is all about learning. We learn by doing. Disabled people can sit and vegetate, and can learn little to nothing. They will, in all probability, go nowhere. My values are all about learning, not vegetating. Even motivated disabled people have value to society.

Why do some people refuse to accept that everything is an image?

“Thought” is not, necessarily, an image. Why do you accept that everything is an image? My “thought” is that more people don’t “accept that everything is an image.” 

"The only thing more dangerous than ignorance is arrogance."

-- Albert Einstein

If everybody enjoys hurting others, how come some people are claiming they can't be sadistic cuz they don't have any empathy?

What the…? The definition of empathy: “The action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another.” So, if you have no empathy, you are, most probably, a sadistic son of a bitch living a lie. Just saying.

How do words sometimes make no sense, tell a story or related thing and how to act in the situation?

And you are using this question as an example?

Is being inherently stupid and incompetent a valid reason to kill oneself?

It isn’t valid, but it does show that one is inherently stupid and incompetent to try and use this as a valid reason to kill themselves. I would be seeking some help before offing myself using this reasoning.

What is wisdom but to know that you are a fool?

Wisdom gives you many tools. To make this leap, if it is true, is one of them.

Why does no one give a f#@% that others are purposely choosing to hurt and abuse me? Why do other people team up with others to control and manipulate me?

Sounds like the tact of the League of the Perpetually Offended. They team up to do this kind of thing. I try to ignore them. I certainly don’t get into it with them. You will know them when they, almost immediately, go to the gutter with their language, and, no matter what you say, you will be perpetually wrong. It would be better if you ignore them and move on.

What makes a human being different from others?

Higher brain functions.

“Everything hinges on how you relate to your brain. By setting higher expectations, you enter a phase of higher functioning. One of the unique things about the human brain is that it can do only what it thinks it can do.”

-- Deepak Chopra

Are you sometimes shocked by how aging is affecting you?

Not really. I’m 70 years old, and in pretty good shape… thanks to the military.

What do you think of the quote, “A bad day for the ego is a good day for the soul”?

For the majority of people, this rings true. An “ego” can get out of hand for those who don’t pay attention. It is always good to feed the soul, occasionally, and meditate on recent actions.

Are our leaders exclusively interested in power, to the exclusion of all else?

Not all of them. 

Who is a lady to satisfy me?

At the risk of wasting their time, they will need to know how easy you are to satisfy.

How do you deal with negative energy?

I shake it off. Negative energy has the reality of creating negativity. Negativity is counterproductive for someone who is all about positivity. I have chosen to strive for true happiness, always and in all things, regardless of my circumstances. It is my choice. There is no room in my life for negative energy.

What happens to people when they become old and lonely without any close ones around them?

Unless they choose to be loners, they risk becoming very sad.

“Let me tell you this: if you meet a loner, no matter what they tell you, it's not because they enjoy solitude. It's because they have tried to blend into the world before, and people continue to disappoint them.”

-- Jodi Picoult

How does it feel when girls laugh at how small your penis is?

It doesn’t phase me. I show them my tongue... first. That, alone, would shut them up.

What weird questions and topics can I ask in a tech-community of village and city?

“Why?” But, note that “Because” is not an answer. It only opens the discussion to “Because what?” It makes “What?” become the new “Why?” It is weird, how that works out. 

Why do poor people hate working?

Not all “poor people” hate working.

Is it a sign of low emotional intelligence if someone is bothered by gossip about them?

Low emotional intelligence? Back in my day, we called it “having a thin skin.” I learned long ago that gossip says more about the “gossiper” than it does about you. Some things you have to laugh off. It beats crying about it.

What makes horny men fight?

If I’m “horny,” the last thing I want to do is fight.

I’m 26 years old. I’ve never had a job in my life and refuse to get one. My parents are threatening to kick me out of the house. I’m tempted to call the cops on them. Why are they being this way?

You’re 26. At 21 you were done. Your parents have the right to chuck you out. The cops will probably help them. They are being this way because you’re a deadbeat. I have an idea: Call the cops. I want to hear the rest of this story.

“You're a grown man now, Nathan. I'm sorry for any problems you have, but part of being an adult is to stop blaming your parents for whatever shortcomings you have. That's pretty basic.”

-- Noah Van Sciver

Why do some women like to show their erect nipples?

Exhibitionists. I wish more women were like that.

Why should we not debate any foolish person?

You need to know what debating a “fool” will get you. Many of them are members of the League of the Perpetually Offended. As such, they won’t understand the point you are trying to impart. They would much rather be offended. I would rather debate someone with constructive thought processes than waste my time debating fools. People will only see to jackasses braying at each other.

Why don’t women have orgasms every time they have sex?

Sucks being you.

As a human, how do you human?

This is a tough question. Every human is different because they are themselves and not anybody else. As such, when you meet them, you will be greeted by their version of the human being. If you met me, I would display my version of human - who I am.

I have had problems with many people in my life. I expect them to measure up to my high standards and bow down before me. Do I think too highly of myself?

That pretty much defines how you think - "too highly" of yourself.

Is "collective stupidity" going to be the downfall of human beings as a species?

Humans already think too highly of themselves. They are intelligent, by the standards they have set. Have you experienced President Joe? The "downfall" of humans has started. If we don’t turn the corner we will continue down this road to our ultimate demise.

“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.”

-- Albert Einstein

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