Questioning Education, Husbands, Atheists, Betrayal, Sex, and Marriage

“They declare that it is unpatriotic and disruptive to question the workings of authority--but patriotic to institute harsh and regressive policies that benefit the wealthy, undermine social programs that serve the needs of the great majority, and subordinate a frightened population to increased state control.”

-- Noam Chomsky

Do you think higher education is a tool to control people?

Hitler didn’t take advantage of a higher education and almost controlled the world.

What are the reasons for people calling others stupid? How does being called stupid affect the person being insulted?

The reason for a person calling anyone “stupid” is the person’s ignorance. Nobody is stupid. If they are anything, they are ignorant, like the person calling people stupid. If people take time to educate the ignorant instead of calling them names, they might all learn something.

Am I stupid for not being up to level in math?

No. But you might be ignorant.

How important is communication as the foundation of any relationship?

If there is no communication, there is little to no relationship. Any communication is the basis for some relationship, even if the relationship is bad.

Are some people actually smart?

The majority are smart. Some are intelligent. Others are ignorant. No one is stupid. 

How does a wise man deal with a liar?

The wise man gives the liar the facts. If the liar ignores the facts, the wise man has no recourse but to continue along his path. You can’t cure the ignorant if they don’t want to learn. It would be an exercise in futility.

“The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.”

-- Isaac Asimov

How do you make your husband so satisfied that he doesn’t even dream about anybody else?

Your daily oral sex has to be “da bomb.”

How should one respond when someone makes a statement that includes themselves as well as others, being stupid or idiots?

“Speak for yourself, idiot.”

How do I get my wife back after separating for 2 years?

If she isn’t coming to you to discuss this, she has probably been having the time of her life for two years. Good luck with that.

How silly are people who are never silly?

According to you… they are never silly.

How do I get him to leave my house and our marriage?

File for a divorce.

What are some reasons why people believe it is pointless to argue about the existence of God?

Provide proof, either way. The problem here is neither side, atheists or theists, can provide “proof” they are right. Without “proof” they are just two jackasses braying at each other. It is very annoying for those who have to listen.

“Whereas the consolations of religion are mainly personal, the burdens are social and political as well as personal.”

-- A.C. Grayling

How can one effectively handle an aggressive atheist?

“Okay! So, you don’t believe in God. Shut up about it, already. Nobody cares!”

Why do some people become angry and mean when they see that their ex-partner has moved on?

There is no good reason besides the jealousy caused by their selfish decision not to move on. The partner is their “ex”, and what part of “ex” do they not understand? It is over. The relationship is over. Get a clue and move yourself on.

What are some common complaints about atheists?

The same complaint about theists. They both don’t have proof, and they can’t shut up.

Why should I stay with my husband if he loses his job? What if I have to start paying the bills at that moment? Would you really do that?

What part of a marriage is a partnership didn’t you understand? You married through thick and thin, through sickness and health, right? You married your best friend in the whole world, right? It is a partnership, right? It sounds to me like you made a big mistake. I’m sure he’ll see it that way, as well. Maybe, you need to get your head screwed on right.

Did a cheating husband or wife cause your divorce?

Yes!

Why do humans always seem to want more, even when they have wealth and happiness?

If they want more, they aren’t "truly" happy. If you strive for true happiness, always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances, you are as close as you can come to success in life. This is a choice we should all make.

"Happiness depends upon ourselves... Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim, and the end of human existence."

-- Aristotle

How did you feel when another person first entered your wife?

Hurt and betrayed.

When somebody is saying "you take no accountability or responsibility for anything" for certain things that are 100% out of your control just dense?

The question is a just a bit out in left field, but I’ll try to reel it back in. If certain things are “100% out of your control” then, the person accusing you, is just as dense as a brick.

What does it mean if someone "needs" to have sex with you?

They like me… a lot.

I don’t respect my husband anymore because he has an illness, and he can’t work anymore because of it. Would you still respect him? Would you really want to start supporting the family financially?

It has to do with the love you promised him at the marriage. There is no loss of respect because he can’t work due to an illness. If I were your husband, I’d divorce your sorry ass. Unfortunately, he is now without a paycheck. This is when the wife steps up. Oh… I’m sorry. You didn’t hear that part of the marriage vows. Well, you just suck… as a wife, and as a human.

Why would a woman have sex with a man who has a girlfriend?

Curiosity.

I once heard, "Smart people know when to play stupid.” Can you explain this to me?

I would rather play ignorant. Playing “stupid” carries a stigma, you need to work on, to get rid of. But, back to the question. “Smart” people know when to keep their mouths shut. “Intelligence” people, not so much. Intelligent people like to run off at the mouth like they are proving something.

“Sometimes playing stupid opens your eyes to the truth.”

-- Anthony Liccione

Why do people love sex?

A question from someone who has not had a lot of sex? If they had, they would know the answer. Once you've had sex, good sex, great sex, you can't stop thinking about it.

Is your life what you want it to be?

More. I could use less, but it is what it is. I am happily dealing with it.

Why an honest man can not improve himself?

Another squirrelly question.  But, I'll try to make sense of it:  I don’t know. An honest man can certainly improve himself… if he is truly honest. No one is perfect, and almost no one works to be as excellent as they can be. But, most people do work to improve. We learn, and that is the reason for life.

What is the important thing in life?

Learning. It is what life is all about.

How can one convince others to stop being religious and see it as a lie?

Show them proof of your argument. You have none, and neither do the theists. The theists take their belief on faith. Since atheists have no belief in a “God” they have faith in that. The only way "truth" will be proved is when theists die. Atheists will simply die. Theists may have another chance. We’ll see, or not.

What is one thing you've learned from life?

It is what it is… until it ends, and then it is what it is, again.

"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment."

-- Buddha

I've had a boyfriend for the last 3 years and want to marry him. What can I do?

Ask him.

I am Looking to marry my best friend, is this possible?

You should always marry your best friend. The problem with relationships? There is no lasting friendship to base it on.

What motivates some individuals to prioritize wealth and power over their own happiness?

Ignorance. Wealth and power are no competition for true happiness.

Why are we here? Is it more important than who we are?

We are here to learn. We are receptacles for the knowlege we accumulate. When we die, we download the knowledge we have and are reborn to learn more. In the end, we are reborn into infinity. Yeah, I know, it is like so much bullshit. But the storyline sounds great!

What are the most common factors between you and others?

Military service, hard work, cigars, beer, bourbon, happiness, and women.

Is it possible to love more than one person, at the same time, while being in a committed relationship? If so, how can we maintain honesty and avoid hurting anyone?

Age helps, and the kind of “love” you feel, makes up the balance. If you are committed, there is no question. When commitment goes south, is when problems occur.

“We have to recognize that there cannot be relationships unless there is commitment, unless there is loyalty, unless there is love, patience, and persistence.”

-- Cornel West 

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