Questioning Change, Donations, Alone, Active, Strong, and God

 

“Children begin by loving their parents; as they grow older they judge them; sometimes they forgive them.”

-- Oscar Wilde

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A little "ego" on my part, which I rarely go to.  It seems I have crossed a barrier of viewers. According to this site, I have crossed the 2,502,646 views of my humble offerings.  I will continue to publish so my followers can "read my thoughts"... since I have no filter. Thank you all, for paying attention. I am humbled, even more.

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If you could live your life over again, what would you keep the same, and what would you change? What does that say about your current understanding of purpose?

I would pay more attention to my parents. It has nothing to do with my understanding of purpose, but, it has much to do with family.

Is it possible to be jealous of yourself? If so, how can I stop this?

I was assigned to my first military base and became infatuated with a darling girl. I didn’t know what she saw in me. She came to the Intelligence building, looking for me, to plan a date. She was all blonde, with short dresses and high heels. I was very jealous of myself, not knowing what I had done to deserve this. Stop this? Oh, hell no. I like being jealous of myself.

My brother has absolutely no respect for me or my sisters and I've talked to him about it so many times he won’t listen and I’m always caring toward him. What do I do?

Ignore him. Love takes many turns. This one demands that you ignore him. Live your life. If he wonders why you seem to be ignoring him, tell him. It might be the honesty he needs.

Why can't a person discover themselves while in a relationship?

Because you’re too focused on the relationship. The “relationship” is supposed to be a true friendship. In a true friendship, you don’t have to worry about the relationship. It will take care of itself, while you take care of you and your partner can take care of themselves. This is what a true friendship is all about, time for yourself, and time for your partner.

What is the secret of a happy married life?

True friendship. 

When you reflect on your life, so far, what moments stand out as the most meaningful, and why?

I earned the “Air Force Meritorious Service Medal” for my Intelligence work. I earned less important medals, but that AFMSM one was the first icing on the cake. It helped me stay on for 23 years. 

“Reflect upon your present blessings -- of which every man has many -- not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”

-- Charles Dickens

What could 8 billion dollars do if someone donated to help this world?

Not so much. 

Why did my ex stop talking to me completely after we broke up?

I stopped talking to my ex when I got the divorce. What was she going to tell me? That all the men she slept with weren’t me? I never talked to her again, and if she tried to call me about visitation of my children, I called the lawyer. I had no use for her. My life was much happier.

What happens if you’re too good for the world?

It’s the only world you have. Deal with it.

Can someone born into a life of luxury and privilege, be considered poor? Why or why not?

If their parents demand that they make their way in the world, then yes, they would considered poor.

Is it better to remain single rather than marry someone who does not have the intention of staying married to you?

Well, no shit. Do I not understand the question?

How much does a man spend on a wife in a lifetime?

It varies, depending on the partnership, friendship, what she wants, and what he wants to give her. He could give her all he makes, or she could make her own way in the marriage.

"Here’s the deal. When you get married, you become a team. The pastor at your wedding wasn’t joking when he said, “And now you are one.” It’s called unity. The old marriage vows say, “Unto thee, I pledge all my worldly goods.” In other words, “I’m all in,” so combine the checking accounts. It’s hard to have unity when you separate your bank accounts. When his money is over here, and her money is over there, it’s easy to live in your own little financial world instead of working as a team."

-- Dave Ramsey 

I love to be alone so that I will understand myself better. What should I do?

Go camping.

How would you describe someone with a lot of money, but doesn't seem to care about it, or have a "rich attitude"?

I know a guy who lives on social security, a military pension, and the money earned in the civilian sector. He was older when his parents died. He was left with a “meager” family trust. His bankers say he should take a trip. He’s a simple guy with an old cat. When the cat goes to the “other side” he’ll think about a trip. The bankers are in charge of the meager money he has, and that’s good for him. Nobody can get their hands on it, not even him, not without reason. To him, it isn’t his money. He didn’t earn it, so he doesn’t think about it, not in that way. He is happy the way he is. He doesn’t have a “rich attitude” because he doesn’t consider himself rich.  I should be so lucky.

Is violating a person's privacy and boundaries a sign of disturbing the peace?

Disturbing that person’s peace, yes. And he can report you to the police.

What causes some individuals to believe they are superior to others and how does this affect their perception of humanness?

Intelligence can cause this. “Humanness” doesn’t even come close to their perception. They think they are superior. If you put a gun to their head they will crumple to the ground, whimpering and crying like the waste of humanity they are. They are “superior” until they are threatened, then, they are just like everybody else.

What do you look for in a perfect wife?

My best friend. My ”ex” wasn’t.

What are the societal expectations for a man to financially support his girlfriend/wife?

As I see it, looking at most of society, there seems to be no “expectation” of financial support for girlfriends. That is, not until children are factored in. Or, for the wife, if the man has any “financial support” she can glom onto. Girlfriends, if not pregnant with the man’s child, get nada, nothing. However, nowadays, if the wife is the breadwinner, the man has the same option to “steal” from her during divorce proceedings. But, these are just my thoughts. 

"Allow yourself to heal and grow. The best revenge is living a happy and fulfilling life after divorce."

-- Anonymous

Are you still active on this site to answer a question?

Most of the time.

What are your expectations from others?

Nothing much. If you expect anything, from others, you will probably be disappointed. I don't even expect much from me. Even getting the car done at the dealership, I expect nothing. If the car is ready, I go. If they screwed up, I don’t. It is what it is.

Is having a healthy respect for God the same as fearing him?

If you have a "healthy respect" for God and you are a good person, why fear God?

I have not had sex with my wife in 7 years. What should I do?

Where is she having sex? Follow her, and enjoy! If she isn’t complaining, what the hell did you not do? If you want sex, and she isn’t into it, maybe you need to look elsewhere. Talk to your wife about this problem. Maybe, she has the answer you’re looking for.

What are some indicators that life may not meet one's expectations?

When your “winky” falls off.

Should you expect the worst from people?

Not with the crowd I hang around in. We always expect the best of who we are, and most of us are ex-military. Those who aren’t, learn a lot from hanging around us. Some active military learn some stuff, as well. If you expect the worst, that is what you might get. It is much better to expect the best from people. 

“If you expect the worst, you'll never be disappointed.”

-- Sarah Dessen

Would you rather look weak and actually be strong or look strong and actually be weak?

Weak and strong. I have had this look since high school. It works for me.

What is one big mistake that you don't regret now?

Throughout my multiple careers, I have stood up for the little person. I have been counseled and missed rank progression. To the officers, it was a mistake. For me, it was standing up for a troop that could do better. Every person I stood up for, knew that I went to bat for them. I didn’t regret it then and certainly don’t regret it now. I would make the same argument I did then, now. By the way, I was right. They made rank and became good airmen. They made a point to thank me.

What are the potential risks and challenges, and how will you address them?

The potential risks and challenges for what? If I knew the context, I could address answers.

Is it easier for those born into wealth to work or accomplish tasks compared to those who were not born rich?

Of course. They don’t get their hands dirty by assigning others to do the dirty work. This is what wealth gives them. If they muck it up, they have others to blame.

How many hours can a B-52 stay in the air?

With refueling, as long as the aircrew can keep it aloft.

My professor pulled my phone from me, because I wasn’t paying attention in class. I feel like this is my own business, is it not?

I agree with Bia Medici:

"Professors have the right to expect students to pay attention. If that means turning off and putting away all gadgets, so be it. I don’t allow students to use their phones or tablets in my classes. If I see them, I tell them to put the gadgets on the desk up front until the class is over.

If you think that’s unreasonable, then you can and should leave the classroom, and go do whatever it is you prefer to do, elsewhere. I have no interest in wasting my time on people who are more interested in their phones than what I’m trying to teach them.

If that describes you, I’d say you’re not ready for college. Go tell your parents that you want to drop out and find a job where they let you look at your phone all day.

Good luck with that."

-- Bia Medici

Is our life governed by God?

Life is given by God, but it isn’t “governed” by God. Our life is “governed” by our choices and decisions. We need to make good choices and decisions to stay in God’s good grace.

If you had $50 billion what would you do?

Invest it to pay the taxes, and travel the world to write books.

Why does my narcissistic ex-boyfriend want me back after 3 years?

He is narcissistic, so he can’t let you go and let himself look bad. I’m sorry it took him 3 years to realize he made a big mistake. Your answer to him would be to give him the finger. That will just set him off. Basically… he has lost his game. One can only surmise, he has lost all the other girls, as well. Losing you, well, like I said, it will set him off.

Do you believe in God? Answer in 'yes' or 'no'.

Yes, but not the Christian God. I have my own spiritual belief in God.

Do people use Quora as any sort of point of reference for knowledge these days because I do wonder sometimes lol, what is the main purpose of this platform I ask? I wouldn't come on here to read any answer and take it for gospel so what is the point?

But, yet, you ask a question. Knowing you won’t take the answer as gospel. So, what’s your point? By the way, your sentences run on a bit. Punctuation might help. Oh! I'm sorry. I gave you some information. Screw me...

What can a woman offer a man so that he will not leave her for another woman?

Oral sex, that might leave him breathless… and wanting.

“Clinton lied. A man might forget where he parks or where he lives, but he never forgets oral sex, no matter how bad it is.”

-- Barbara Bush

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