Questioning Ugly, Stupid, Lessons, New, Sex, Respect, and Spying

“The ugly and stupid have the best of it in this world. They can sit at their ease and gape at the play. If they know nothing of victory, they are at least spared the knowledge of defeat. They live as we all should live-- undisturbed, indifferent, and without disquiet. They never bring ruin upon others, nor ever receive it from alien hands. Your rank and wealth, Henry; my brains, such as they are-- my art, whatever it may be worth; Dorian Gray's good looks-- we shall all suffer for what the gods have given us, suffer terribly.”

-- Oscar Wilde

Why am I such a stupid and ugly loser and nobody likes me?

Because you think you are a “stupid and ugly loser and nobody likes” you. If you change your attitude, you might find that you are personable and that many people like you. Attitude has much to do with what we wish to be. Stop being the stupid and ugly loser.

With an awareness of your weakness, what kind of people should you seek to surround yourself with?

My “brothers in arms” is the most likely group. My military brothers have never let me down, and I don’t expect them to, anytime soon.

Have any of you become successful without university? I just got rejected because I missed entry requirements by one grade and need some hope stories.

I went to Jr. College for 2 years, then joined the Air Force for 23 years. After the Air Force, I was hired by an Institutional Review Board for 17 years. I was called back from my retirement in Mexico to help the President of the IRB to be “boots on the ground” to rebuild a country club. I retired at 59. I never had the time to go to university, and I am retired, living the good life. I feel I was very lucky, though.

If someone at work says you're their favorite coworker but you 2 are not friends, will they likely say that to other people too?

Probably.

If atheism was true, how do atheists explain that even after I asked an atheist several times where his church was, he wouldn't say? Why do you need to congregate in secret if it's true?

Atheists don’t believe in religion or worshipping a “god.” If you ask where their “church” is, you are ignorant of their general belief. There is a segment of “faux” atheists that have symbology and meetings. They might as well have a church. These are a splinter group that does not represent true atheism. Atheists just don’t believe in God, and they do not need any of the trappings of religion.

What things do you try to do to become a better person?

Selflessness. Look it up.

“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them.”

-- Dalai Lama XIV

What are the lessons people learn after a breakup?

What to do in the next relationship. Relationships are all about learning.

How come long skirts are domineering, close-minded, bigoted, tough, and unforgiving compared to short skirts, who are open-minded, friendly, and adventurous? The formers are also strict and serious and often domineer the latter. Why are all of this?

If you like women who like showing off their legs, this is your bag. Personally, I like the mystery of the long skirt. You really have no idea what is under there. If she is domineering, you might have to become “submissive to her will” to find out the secret she finds a need to hide. Whatever you need to do, it could be worth the trouble. I find long skirts worth the effort. But, that’s just me.

How do you understand the structure of something?

By the study of the idea, the material, the construction, and those who constructed it.

From a psychological and instinctive perspective, what is the explanation for the human beings’ pursuit of power?

There is little “instinctive” about it. The “pursuit of power” has two reasons: To right a wrong, or to be powerful. To right a wrong is laudable. To be powerful requires you to lie to the people. Kamala Harris should be righting as wrong. She has a bumpy road ahead of her.

Can you name some books that teach us about determination and never giving up?

Norman Vincent Peale, “The Power of Positive Thinking”. Still the standard.

What is likely to happen, in a society with no positive value?

You end up with a Government run by an oligarchy. Russia has been a prime example. North Korea is another. The country is run by a well-placed ego. Those who have much, and those who have so much less. Politics would put the United States in this category... if we don't think carefully.

“Both oligarch and tyrant mistrust the people, and therefore deprive them of their arms.”

-- Aristotle

I am new here. Can I get someone to ask questions from?

What you want are answers. This is why you ask questions. Someone will find your question interesting enough to answer it.

Do you like living in your civilisation of putrid human shit?

Do you? Life is all about learning. I can say, having lived poor, middle class, and upper class, I have seen no “putrid shit” that wasn’t the fault of the person complaining of it. If you don’t like where you’ve ended up, try changing your thinking. Life belongs to the human living it. By the way, the U.S. spelling is "civilization", not what you have.

How important are philosophers?

If they're good, they make people think. If they're bad, they waste people’s time and effort.

In what ways do you think societal expectations shape the way we approach and maintain relationships, and how can we challenge these norms?

We tend to have relationships at the societal level that we aspire to or the level we are in. Rarely, do we break the seal and have a relationship with someone in a lower societal strata, unless they, also, are trying to escape their norm. No matter how we try to spin this, every country has a “caste” system. It is just sad.

 What is philosophy, and who are philosophers?

You have a computer. Look up the definition of “philosophy,” and a list of “philosophers” from ancient Greece to the present. I will not do the work you will learn from doing.'

Were you born stupid, or did you suffer brain damage?

No one is truly born stupid. We are born with differing learning aptitudes. This works for society so dishwashers aren’t doctors… unless they working while in college. Everyone has an aptitude, and everyone can’t be a rocket scientist. Those that don’t know, are ignorant, not stupid. The fact you use the term “stupid” and make the guess of brain damage, might say more about you, than me… unfortunately.

“Never judge someone's character based on the words of another. Instead, study the motives behind the words of the person casting the bad judgment. An honest woman can sell tangerines all day and remain a good person until she dies, but there will always be naysayers who will try to convince you otherwise. Perhaps this woman did not give them something for free or at a discount. Perhaps too, she refused to stand with them when they were wrong — or just stood up for something she felt was right. And also, it could be that some bitter women are envious of her, or that she rejected the advances of some very proud men. Always trust your heart. If the Creator stood before a million men with the light of a million lamps, only a few would truly see him because truth is already alive in their hearts. Truth can only be seen by those with truth in them. He who does not have Truth in his heart will always be blind to her.”

-- Suzy Kassem

Have you had sex with a married coworker?

Of course.

Could your enemy claim that you have stupid assumptions out of jealousy?

Your enemy will claim anything, constantly, until people start believing it. This is right out of the Democrat playbook. Ask Harris. No, she will lie... again.

Is it legal to have sex with yourself?

If it isn’t, I’m going to prison.

Should stupid people be killed?

No, they are ignorant. They need to be trained, not killed. Killing them was a "solution" exercised by the Third Reich, in Germany, during WW II.

Can I tell the truth?

Always tell the truth. I have no filter so I... kind of, "always" tell the truth. 

Will a prostitute have bare sex if that's what I prefer?

You are paying them, so what you want is important to the contract. Not all of them will agree to it, so you have to shop around. It is not unheard of, so it should be pretty simple.

“We call our country home of the brave and land of the free, but it's not. We give a false portrayal of freedom. We're not free — if we were, we'd allow people their freedom. Prohibiting something doesn't make it go away. Prostitution is criminal, and bad things happen because it's run illegally by dirtbags who are criminals. If it's legal, then the girls could have health checks, unions, benefits, anything any other worker gets, and it would be far better.”

-- Jesse Ventura

How can I be more respectful of conservative stupidity?

You can’t. You can call it ignorance, instead of stupidity. But it still means that the conservatives are just as “stupid” as the Democrats. It is what it is. One of these days the lying in politics will end. Until then, respect is at arm’s length.

Why do some humans have more empathy for animals, especially dogs than humans?

Humans can have empathy for themselves. Animals, not so much.

Should I admit to something I didn't do to save a marriage?

No. If the marriage is on that razor edge, it is time to stop cutting bait and go fish. If the marriage can handle a bit of honesty, maybe, there is a chance of saving it. But, if you have to lie to save it, the marriage is all but over.

How can I show my kindness and sympathy towards pedophiles?

I thought about this, long and hard. No, you can't.

What should be done if a married partner leaves and then, asks for forgiveness?

You can give them probation, but, if they have left once, they can do it again. They are done, in my book. And I don’t care how great the sex was. A marriage is not worth this kind of heartache.

Can forgiveness help rebuild trust in relationships and marriages?

It can help, but you will always know they lost the trust. When will the next time be?

“I'm not upset that you lied to me, I'm upset that from now on I can't believe you.”

-- Friedrich Nietzsche

Should a husband keep checking his wife's phone?

Only if he doesn’t trust her. At this point, the marriage is on the rocks. If there is no trust in marriage, then why continue being married? Trust in marriage is paramount.

Do theists enjoy having an ego?

No more than an atheist.

Should Trump supporting be classified as stage 4 brain damage?

That would make Democrats… dead, and on their way to the morgue. You’ve sipped too much Kool-Aid.

What is the most common identity among people?

Name or gender.

Why is it so hard for my husband to give, and show, me respect as his wife?

You should have noticed this before you got married. Confront him about it. Tell him that his behavior has to stop or you are leaving him. You need as much respect as he does.

The world is better off without me. It's true. How is it not true?

One less person with a brain makes it not true. Do something to make the world better. It is your choice.

“One of the most important things you can do on this earth is to let people know they are not alone.”

-- Shannon L. Alder 

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