Questioning Height, Pickup, Hate, Jobs, Revenge, and Speaking

“Your next lesson is this: all women are the same height lying down.”

-- Patrick Rothfuss

What if everybody in the world was the same height?

There would be something else that people would criticize. People need something to bitch about. Size has been one of their "go-to" critiques.

How do you stop being angry about the abuse you’ve suffered?

The only abuse I’ve suffered was mental, in Air Force basic training. Four of us inspected, all of our uniforms, for “tags” left in the pockets by “cleaners.” We got rid of them and they miraculously reappeared, again. That was obvious bullshit. I confronted the training instructor and the “abuse” stopped. I was assigned a cushy "extra" detail.

How do I deal with my husband who constantly contradicts me? It’s exhausting.

You must have married him for that trait. Yes? If the answer is no... well, you need to seriously think about what you’re doing and talk to your husband.

Does it really pay to get your hopes up?

Sometimes, “hope” is all you have. Without hope, you can’t have faith. If you have faith in the hope you have, maybe things will work out for the best. If not, it is a learning moment. And we are all here to learn.

What do you think of the name Chester Bradley Webb does it flow well?

Yes, and it’s one of the best I’ve heard.

Are there any real natural-born leaders in this world?

Yes, but most of them need to have their leadership drawn out. The military can do this, as can a corporation. The bulk of our leaders need to be thrown into the fire, so we can see how they will react. Many think they don’t have the skills, but if you put them on the “battlefield” with no leader, they will act accordingly, to get the job done.

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”

-- William Arthur Ward

What’s the smoothest pickup line you’ve ever heard?

“Wanna f#%k?” The smoothest pickup line is short and to the point. This “pickup line” stops all conversation within earshot. If you smile, she will probably smile, and, right there, you have humor in common. A little light conversation… and who knows what the night will bring? 

How much sex is enough sex?

We’re still working on that.

How can one break out of a rut? Is it better to accept it or try to change it?

Try to change it. Being in a “rut” is the worst thing that can happen to you. Accepting it is surrendering to the enemy. I went to my boss and told him I was in a rut. He asked what would make it better. He actually listened as I droned on. He told me to do whatever I thought would solve the issue, within reason. I became a happy camper… if for no reason except that the boss listened to me.

How has the weakness of others helped you to be successful?

Because they were weak, and I wanted to get ahead. Their leadership qualities were as weak as they were, so it was easy to be successful in my chosen profession.

Is it right or wrong to hate other people?

“Hate” is a terrible word. It is better to “dislike” someone.

Why do we love other people if we don't necessarily need them?

I loved my parents, but when they died it occurred to me that, even though I wanted them, I didn’t need them. At 70 years of age, I am self-sufficient. But, I would love to have them back, if for no reason than to say goodbye. 

“I love you. I don't need you to love me back. I don't need to be with you. I don't need to sleep with you. I don't need you to tell me how beautiful I am every day. I don't need a fairytale love story. I don't need a happily ever after. I don't need you to take care of me when I am feeling sick, or depressed or ask me if I'm okay, even though you know I'm not. I don't need you to hold my hand or give me your coat when it's cold. All I want is to be looked at like I'm actually a human. Not like I'm a contagious freak. All I want is to be something to you, even if it's not special. Just. Something.”

-- Youknownotmyname

I really hate most of humanity. What does that make me?

A possible serial killer, or just a hateful person. The scale is still balancing.

What if I was never born human even though I am living in my body?

If you were never born human, what body are you living in? You are living in your body, so it must be something we can put a name to. Or, it could be alien. Now, if you are in a human body you weren’t born into, how the hell did you get in there? But, you say you were never born human even though you are living in a human body. You see the problem here? Again, how the hell did you get in there? I am so confused. 

What is your favorite kind of threesome?

Two women and me.

How can I have sex without being in a relationship?

How much money do you have? If you want to have sex and not be in a relationship, you will need some cash to pay the hooker. Otherwise, meeting someone and getting them into bed, is the definition of a relationship.

How do you say mean things to people that would hurt them?

I don’t. That would make you ugly, bad, and wrong. It's better to just leave the situation be.

Have you ever gone through a heartbreak?

Several times. The last one was when my wife was screwing other men. I was actually thinking about forgiving her. Then, I got my head on straight and divorced her. That was 24 years ago, and I’ve been ecstatically happy ever since.

“Once you had put the pieces back together, even though you may look intact, you were never quite the same as you'd been, before the fall.”

-- Jodi Picoult

How do I find a job to do at night?

Night watchman.

How do I get more mentally unstable?

I used marijuana… until I was busted. It slowed me down and showed me what other people called “normal” life. That was in the early 1970s.

Are you proud of being alive?

I strive to be truly happy always, and in all things, regardless of my circumstances.

Is the evolution of human intelligence keeping up with the evolution of AI?

No. AI, if not subject to rules, will make the “Terminator” franchise come to life. This is how dangerous “Artificial Intelligence” could be, even with rules and safeguards. AI scares the crap out of me.

What is the purpose of sex?

Procreation. However, it has several “lesser” reasons, like… it’s fun.

What are some ways to cope with anger and betrayal after being cheated on or betrayed by a significant other?

I contemplated suicide, then I realized my living would be the thing that would piss her off. I climbed out of my pit of misery and never looked back, I’ve been truly happy ever since.

“Did you really want to die?"

"No one commits suicide because they want to die."

"Then why do they do it?"

"Because they want to stop the pain.”

-- Tiffanie DeBartolo

How do I get revenge on a bully boss, who also lied and ruined my reputation? Spare me the "move on" or "wait for karma".

So, you really want to risk going to jail over this bullshit? You don’t need to take the “move on” or “wait for karma” safety net. Courts love “revenge” cases. He lied and ruined a reputation that you don’t need to rebuild. It is still intact. You are better off getting as far away from this asshole as you can. But, if you don’t want to be spared the common sense actions, take the bull by the horns and risk the rest of your reputation. Personally, I’d cut my losses and say “good ridden” to this prick.

Would a global famine make people less greedy and prejudiced?

If people are greedy and prejudiced, they will stay that way.

What have you learned in oral communication?

Honesty. State facts, or state that they are opinions. Be concise and brief, in what you say. Do not argue. Let your “communication” speak for itself. If you’re right, it will play out. The next time they might listen.

What moment made you think "This is awesome…oh wait"?

Fireworks at the bar. a drunk set off a firecracker right near my ear. I still have hearing loss years later.

How do I make my husband jealous?

Why? Is the marriage on the rocks? If so, making him jealous won’t fix anything. Sit down and talk to him about your thoughts. If he doesn’t see your point, maybe you have made the wrong choice in husbands.

Is “I’m perfectly imperfect” a thing?

Yes, and I am a shining example of it. “Imperfect” can be a beautiful thing.

"I am perfect in my imperfections, secure in my insecurities, happy with my choices, strong in times of weakness, and beautiful in my own way... I am MYSELF."

-- Unknown 

What is it called when you speak things into existence?

Verbal creation, incantation, or magic? I’m leaning toward incantation.

Is there a higher power that loves us unconditionally, or is life simply a chaotic and meaningless existence?

It depends on if you’re a theist or an atheist. A theist will say, there is a higher power who created us, loves us, and hopes for a belief based on our faith. The atheist probably believes life is simply a chaotic and meaningless existence that they have to work their ass off for, and then die. I think the theist "belief" is best, but then, I’m a sucker for the God particle. 

Is still being in your shell and needing time to open up the same thing as emotional unavailability?

Sounds pretty close.

Why do millennials, and post-millennials, think that trying harder is a substitute for actual talent?

Not being paid for “actual talent” should go a long way to explaining their paycheck. I mean… damn. People are paying the big bucks for talent, not for some fool trying hard to produce talent they don’t have.

Does the truth require sameness in every possible world?

The truth is what it is, “in every possible world.” If it isn’t the truth, then it is a lie.

Is a soul necessary for life? If so, how do plants and animals survive without one?

Who told you they don’t have a soul? Every living entity has a soul. As we progress into higher life forms, our soul accompanies us, as does the soul of a plant or animal. Have you ever heard a plant scream? It will chill you to the bone. Have you ever seen the ghost of an animal? Same effect.

When Great Trees Fall

When great trees fall,

rocks on distant hills shudder,

lions hunker down

in tall grasses,

and even elephants

lumber after safety.

When great trees fall

in forests,

small things recoil into silence,

their senses

eroded beyond fear.

When great souls die,

the air around us becomes

light, rare, sterile.

We breathe, briefly.

Our eyes, briefly,

see with

a hurtful clarity.

Our memory, suddenly sharpened,

examines,

gnaws on kind words

unsaid,

promised walks

never taken.

Great souls die and

our reality, bound to

them, takes leave of us.

Our souls,

dependent upon their

nurture,

now shrink, wizened.

Our minds, formed

and informed by their

radiance,

fall away.

We are not so much maddened

as reduced to the unutterable ignorance

of dark, cold

caves.

And when great souls die,

after a period peace blooms,

slowly and always

irregularly. Spaces fill

with a kind of

soothing electric vibration.

Our senses, restored, never

to be the same, whisper to us.

They existed. They existed.

We can be. Be and be

better. For they existed.”

-- Maya Angelou

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