Questioning Truth, Quotes, Needs, Trust, and Secrets

“The best way of keeping a secret is to pretend there isn't one.”

-- Margaret Atwood

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A note to my readers: The statistics are begining to level off so, barring any noteable jump in views, this will be the last update for "The guy next door."

As stated previously, this answer was touted by the site as being "featured" in over 100,000 individual reader digests. The answer was posted on March 30, 2022, and, to date, has been viewed by over 425,100 people, and has been upvoted 5,541 times, and counting. To put this in some context, my next most viewed post has 46,200 views, with only 33 upvotes.  

For those who haven't read the question and my answer:

Did you ever get a request for a favor from a neighbor who never showed any respect or interest in you or your family? What did you do? 

The guy next door. He asked if he could cut down a rotting tree the raccoons use. Wanted to bill me $2000 for a $500 job. I told him not to touch it. He cut it down anyway, when I wasn’t around, then billed me $2000. My legal team, lawyers from Louisiana and Mississippi, both advised me to tell him to go f*** himself. You have to love Southern lawyers. I cleaned the language up and sent him a form letter concerning trespass, ignorance, and the fact that he wouldn’t be getting any money out of me. (Last lines have been updated) We don't talk, not because I'm not willing, but because he seems to think he's all that. He flies a Marine Corps flag. So far, I'm not impressed.

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When is it better if we do not know the truth?

When I’m about to die. I’d rather not know.

How do you conceal your secrets and intentions from a narcissist?

Why play the game? I conceal secrets by telling no one. Why? They are my secrets! If I have "intentions" they’re going to be known in short order, unless you're wasting my oxygen.

If you like to play games, knock yourself out. Personally, I have no need to socialize with a narcissist, so this is a non-player for me. Back when I was in another life, I might have screwed with their mind just to see what would happen, but I don’t play those games anymore. People get hurt.

My advice is just to stay away from them and keep the drama they bring at arm's length.

What things are you extremely good at but don't want people to know?

Interrogation.

Integrity is defined as the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. In your own experience, why does integrity matter?

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is about to find out what being dishonest, immoral, and having a lack of integrity will garner them. Having served almost 23 years in the military intelligence field where a strong moral character, honesty, and integrity beyond question were expected.

Integrity matters because, when you act in a way that puts it in question, free-thinking people become afraid of their own government.

Is it okay to cry in front of your boss?

Not if you’re a man. For some reason, women get a pass on this. So wrong.

“If you cry, it’s worse than if you don’t cry, in terms of me perceiving your competence. But if you cry, saying it is because you are passionate makes me perceive you as more competent than if you don’t say anything, or say, ‘I’m sorry for being so emotional.’”

-- Elizabeth Baily Wolf

Who first stated, "Two wings and a round motor makes a real aeroplane"?

I’ll bet the quote is, “Two wings around a motor makes a real airplane.” A silly quote since four wings seem to be the norm, early on, and any wings are really offset from the motor, not “around” it. As far as the original quote, I’ve never seen a “round” motor. “Aeroplane” dates the quote and/or puts it in Europe. I’m stumped (but, nothing new).

Have many decided to stop answering your questions for asking the same questions and repeating the same topics?

I don’t really mind. I’m not sure they’ve read my answers.

Have you ever criticized someone for reacting a certain way to a situation that you know you would’ve reacted the same to if it was you?

No. I’d pat them on the back for getting there before me. I usually react appropriately, and to criticize someone for an “appropriate” reaction would seem non-supportive to the truth.

What happened in 1912 that made people feel that nothing had really changed since Bloody Sunday?

Home Rule Crisis and the Irish Revolutionary Period.

What are some techniques you have used that helped you successfully study 8+ hours a day without feeling burnt out?

If I was successful at studying 8 hours a day, burned out, or not, I would be more intelligent than I am. As it is, I settle for being really smart and call it a draw since good sense is half the battle. 

“You go on, I presume, with your Latin Exercises: and I wish to hear of your beginning upon Sallust who is one of the most polished and perfect of the Roman Historians, every Period of whom, and I had almost said every Syllable and every Letter is worth Studying.

In Company with Sallust, Cicero, Tacitus and Livy, you will learn Wisdom and Virtue. You will see them represented, with all the Charms which Language and Imagination can exhibit, and Vice and Folly painted in all their Deformity and Horror.

You will ever remember that all the End of study is to make you a good Man and a useful Citizen.—This will ever be the Sum total of the Advice of your affectionate Father, John Adams”

-- John Adams

Do you agree that lower-order needs must be satisfied before higher-order needs?

We’re talking “needs” not “desires” so the more important the need the higher it ranks for satisfaction. I need oxygen because without it I will die. This is a higher-order need. If I relegate it to a lower order, the fact that I’m dead now makes the other needs, like food, clothing, and shelter, moot.

What does political ineptness look like?

Joe Biden. No, wait… Kamala Harris. Well, crap. It’s a toss-up.

Should I bribe my teacher for a better grade?

You’ll have a grade you didn’t earn, and you still won’t be smarter, so what’s the point? You will always know you couldn’t make the grade. Better you try harder and actually earn what you deserve than to pay for something you don’t.

How is a narcissist interview?

As long as it goes their way, probably fine.

Is altruism an extremely effective motivator?

Not as effective a motivator as survival. If you don’t take care of yourself, your altruism is a moot point.

“I told her once I wasn’t good at anything. She told me survival is a talent.”

-- Susanna Kaysen

Has someone ever damaged your capacity to sincerely trust people?

My ex-wife, and my “best” friend. But, karma is a bitch.

Should stupid people be prohibited from procreating or at least be encouraged not to do so?

Yes, in Nazi Germany.

We have the majority of humanity, basically, stupid people, procreating like rats. From the loins of these idiots come many of our great innovators. So, yes, let them procreate and bless them for doing so. Or, we can go back to Naziism and let the idiots bomb us into non-existence. Personally, I like the fact that we’re all free to hump like rats, regardless of intelligence. Just saying.

How do I get the right answer for school?

Study.

What do you do when a family member or friend underpays you for a service?

I show them the contract we both signed. Never do business with anyone, especially family or friends, without a contract. I’ve been asked why I need one. I’ve asked them why they don’t. It is an ethical practice. The fact that they question it brings into question their own ethics, which might just be a good reason to have the contract. Just saying.

What is a job that you can only get based on “who you know”?

Obviously, the Vice-President of the United States and Secretary of Transportation. Neither of them knows squat about their jobs, so they must know people.

"Having a good network can be invaluable. It opens doors for you and allows you to enter into opportunities that are beneficial to your business. In this sense, "who you know" is undoubtedly important, but to me "what you know" is more important because once an opportunity shows itself, it is up to you to make the most of it, and this is down to your knowledge and skill."

-- Richard Branson

How can I go about creating AI art? Can I create anything I envision and infuse my creativity into it?

Wouldn’t “AI art” have to be created by AI? If you create it, well, it isn’t. You can create art from the “subject matter” of AI, however. As a human, you are unrestricted in what you choose to create from reality or your imagination. If AI ever gets around to creating art, you can put your own spin on the technique, but it still won’t be AI art. It will be AI-inspired art.

What is a secret a friend shared with you, but was so funny you couldn’t keep it a secret?

If it was a secret shared, I kept it as such. It is what it is until it isn’t, or you can’t be trusted. Humor doesn’t trump friendship or trust unless you live life with no ethics and aren’t much of a friend.

How should I concentrate more on myself and less on others?

Consider the airline safety briefing before a flight: “Don your oxygen mask first, before assisting the passenger next to you.” If you don’t take care of yourself, how can you take care of others? If you don’t love yourself, how do you think you can truly love others? Take care of yourself first, then you can, more efficiently, take care of others.

Why do we suffer so much but still continue?

Faith in ourselves, and the undying hope that things will get better.

Which scientist’s quote do you find inspiring?

“I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” — Albert Einstein

Although, this one is very true:

“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 opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, 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. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the 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 the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and, finally, a senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Western Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research.

Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and 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 own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony:  tolerantpastor@gmail.com

Time Has No Dominion Over Love (Updated post from 3/5/15)

 

“Time has no dominion over love. Love is the one thing that transcends time.”

-- Jeaniene Frost

Can it be true, that time has "no dominion" over love? Can love be defined as a dimension of its own, or, perhaps, be part of an unknown "emotional" dimension, that can transcend time and space? Why is it some people have dreams of "love lost" with people they have never met, yet, when they awake they feel as if they have known these strangers forever? Why do we bump into these perfect strangers and feel we know them, or meet these new people and find a fast friend when we finish each other's sentences as if we were lifelong buddies? Why do some of us meet a man or woman and know instantly we have loved them before? Can it be possible that emotion really can transcend death, and follow us through multiple lives? Being a hopeless romantic, I can't help but consider the possibilities, and smile, as I, too, have met those I have loved before.

"Love isn't something we invented. It’s observable, powerful; it has to mean something... Love is the one thing we’re capable of perceiving that transcends dimensions of time and space."

-- Dr. Amelia Brand, "Interstellar" (2014)

Okay, let's go out to the ballgame - deep into left field.  

All life is made up of "special" energy.  When we die, the energy that is us, our soul, follows us.  Like most energy, it possesses a charge, its own unique charge, which defines us from everyone else, like fingerprints.  This charged energy attracts "like" particles toward it unless there is a stronger charge pulling them away, like a stronger gravitational field.  So, if you were attracted to each other in this life as friends, lovers, or the occasional demented psycho stalker, and the bond was strong enough, it would stand to reason you might find each other in another life.  

"The body dies, but the spirit that transcends it cannot be touched by death."

--Ramana Maharshi

Now, I would hate to think the "psycho stalker" keeps finding you and killing you, because that would mean you have, somehow, pissed off God, or karma, and you might be doing your penance here on earth; in your own personal hell.  So, you might find yourself bumping into old friends and not even realizing it, like the psycho stalker.  Okay, not a friend, but still bumping into them.  It is that moment when you think you've met before, but the face just doesn't ring a bell.  Or perhaps you see a person you shouldn't possibly love, look into their eyes and realize you've loved them before. That's about the time your heart melts, as they introduce you to their spouse.  Too early, too late, time and love wait for no one.  Of course, this is so much better realizing you've died at their hand, before.

"You don't love someone because they look like you, you love their spirit; it's the soul connection."

-- Christine Ebersole

And, this brings up the other variable in this theory - age.  If we are reborn, there is no guarantee it will be immediately, nor is it any guarantee the one you loved in another life won't live years after you pass on.  So, while you're looking across the room at this attractive older, or younger, person that you just can't seem to take your eyes off of, remembering, when they smile back, you might have known them before.  I have experienced this with someone half my age, and with someone half again my age.  I feel I have loved them deeply, in another life.

Here's the kicker:  Just wait, and you'll probably know them again.  How great is that? 

"Love has no age, no limit; and no death."

-- John Galsworthy

 

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 opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, 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. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the 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 the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and, finally, a senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Western Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research.

Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and 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 own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony:  tolerantpastor@gmail.com

Those Who Search

 

“Mature love is like mature infinity:

there is no such thing!”

-- René Friedrich

Caroline George wrote, "You could spend your whole life searching for love with your eyes closed.” I know what she meant, but let's think about what she wrote.  If we kept our eyes closed, wouldn't we find love?  I mean, even a blind squirrel finds a nut, sooner or later.  If we truly love this person, having never seen them, isn't this better than the "judgment of beauty" we so easily abuse?

As always, I looked for an image to use as a header for my posts.  I came across a photo of a topless, 83-year-old woman, lying on a towel in her living room, head in her hands, smiling into the camera.  I assume "topless" because her significant cleavage on the towel screams it.  Her eyes and her toothy grin are all the evidence one needs to know she is having fun, and probably not the first time.  She is a woman used to having the time of her life, constantly.  Knowing nothing of her, I'll bet she dances, cooks, makes friends easily and lives life to the beat of her own drummer.  If you were blind and knew nothing about her, especially her age, would you really care how old she is?  I think she's a kick.  I'm sure I would think that, blind or not. She is 83 years of fun, looking for a last hurrah, God bless her.

Summer/winter romance has always been a topic of conversation.  It still seems to be on the minds of those I answer questions for.  They are concerned with the right or wrong of it.  This is my answer.  I've been with beautiful women, and I've also been with beautiful women.  When I couldn't find one who looked like fun or sounded like fun, I searched for the beautiful women who were hiding behind their brainpans.  Occasionally, I would hit the "trifecta" and get all three in one package.  If she looked like she could have fun, and she sounded like she would be fun, and we didn't lose each other in our discussions of religion, philosophy, or theoretical physics, I was a three-time winner.  Societal definition of "beauty" was not an issue for me.  

And, this is my point.  All women are beautiful, it's all about our dodgy definitions.  They can be shallow, or they can be deep.  Young or old, the "shell" they wear, that "body" they slip into, can be deceptive.  Don't pay too much attention to it, or you might miss out on a great relationship.  

It has been my "less than honorable" privilege to witness women of varied body types, go through the same carnal machinations, eyes rolling back in their heads, calling for the same God, begging for the same end and yet not really, and, when you've given them your all, they get their "second wind" and they will not accept "no" as an answer.  And, then, I found love... or, so I thought.  Okay, one mistake.  One twenty-five-year mistake.  I took my mind off the prize for one moment.  But, just one, and I remedied that through a divorce.  I've had great luck ever since.

Just as we should close our eyes when looking for a significant other, so should everyone when looking in the mirror.  Use the mirror to coif your mop, apply a generous slathering of makeup, and straighten your blouse and skirt.  When done, take a moment to practice that "come hither" smile.  But, recognize that everything else rests in the purview of your personality.  I advise having a great one.  Not being the best-looking guy at the dance, I can attest that a great personality makes up for a lot of aw-shits. 

So, that 83-year-old woman?  Oh, hell yeah.  We'd close the bar down.

“He's half my ex-husband's age, but twice as energetic when we have sex. And twice as grateful afterward.”

-- Barbara Taylor Bradford

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 opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, 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. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the 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 the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and, finally, a senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Western Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research.

Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and 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 own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony:  tolerantpastor@gmail.com

Open Your Mind (Updated from 1/20/15)

 

It Is What It Is

“Reality is what it is, and what it isn’t, it isn’t.

Sometimes, what it is it isn’t, and what it isn’t, well... it is.

Other times it is nothing, and then it isn’t anything.

But, if it is nothing, it isn’t, and if it isn’t anything, it is.

Acknowledging nothing gives nothing existence;

Therefore, whether it is or it isn’t, it must be,

Because even nothing that isn’t, already is.”

-- Frank A. Villari

"Open your mind."  It is a phrase much maligned by those with concrete beliefs, and it usually follows the other favorite, "You are so stubborn!"  But, is this wrong?

No, not necessarily.  It speaks to you having an opinion, your opinion, but at least you have one, which, nowadays, is becoming an oddity.  People have become lazy and incapable of thinking for themselves.  It seems like more and more of us prefer having the opinions of other people, which is fine except the opinion isn't theirs, so they don't know why they have it.  Saying you feel the way you do because so-and-so feels that way, and they know best so you agree with them, aren't reasons.  

It's kind of like voting for the political party, not the candidate.  It might, also, be like having faith in Holy Scripture.  Is it your faith, or the ministers?  If he told you to drink the Kool-Aid, would you?  How many Christians, out there, have actually read the entire bible?  Uh-huh, this is why we have faith.

"I believe in having a more open mind and including others who don't share your faith and having dialogue with them.  And just having a pure heart and being a good person can bring you closer to God.  Because once you believe in one particular religion fully and not others, that requires you to start disliking people who don't share your views."

-- Ishmael Beah

Faith is a belief in something for which there is little or no proof, which is why people take their "Holy Scripture" on faith.  Don't take this the wrong way.  Whether they had organized religion spoon-fed to them when young or found it when they matured, faith in scripture can be a good thing.  It can also have you moving in circles.  Or, it can stop you in your tracks, which might or might not be a good thing.  

I don't think God's intent was to have us hold up a book as a focus for our faith, touting it as being His WORD.  I don't have faith in the Bible, I have faith in God.  God gave us stone tablets with commandments on them.  I never read that God delivered the Bible from on high.  The Bible has way too many issues for me, too many contradictions, and leaves itself open for too much interpretation by divisive ministers whose agenda is to convince you their way is the only way.  What?  I thought God's way was the only way.  What would Jesus do?  Hello?  Better yet, ask why Jesus would do it.  We tend to muddle the obvious with too much philosophical discussion and ministerial ego.  Righteousness is what it is, so go forth and do right.  You don't need a book for that, it is the opposite of wrong.

I try not to detract from the importance of scripture.  I think it has its place in kick-starting faith, one's belief, and giving one a good foundation.  But, a foundation without a building is incomplete and a waste of what God gave us - freedom of thought... our mind.

"Despite my firm convictions, I have always been a man who tries to face facts, and to accept the reality of life as new experience and new knowledge unfolds.  I have always kept an open mind, a flexibility that must go hand in hand with every form of intelligent search for the truth."

-- Malcolm X

Opening your mind doesn't only mean being open to other ideas and being willing to change. You can also open your mind by viewing the pristine setting in the woods, the wildflowers, pine trees, and the steam flowing through it.  You can open your mind to the smells, sounds, and textures of what you experience, even if it's from the comfort and safety of a vehicle or a building. This can stop one in thier tracks. We have been put on a path from birth. If you allow yourself to be spoon-fed "faith," you risk not moving down your path.  You risk walking someone else's path, believing in someone else's faith. Your path, like your faith, needs to be your own. If it happens to run parallel to someone else's, that can be a happy coincidence.

Open your mind to the wonder that is reality.  If you want to call it God, so be it.  Mother Nature, Creation, Gaia, or creative energy, some will have some faith in it.  Above all, question everything, even your faith, for it is through questioning we expand our knowledge about the universe, our reality, ourselves, our path, and our faith in our God.  Through knowledge, we can strengthen our faith.  And it doesn't matter if you aren't the sharpest tool in the shed.  You don't have to be a rocket scientist to grasp the obvious, it usually escapes scientists anyway.

"I don't believe complete assimilation is possible, at least not for anyone who has an active, open mind.  Every step, every entry into the flows of existence can be seen as a beginning, a commencement of a brand new way of seeing oneself in the world.  This is the case for everyone."

-- Chang-Rae Lee

Open your mind and you'll find you've been searching way too hard to find what is right in front of you.  Stop trying so hard to be happy, you're already there, you just have to choose.  Stop trying so hard to be saved, you already have been.  Stop trying so hard to understand, the forest is the trees.  Everything is right in front of you, and you need to understand that.  If you don't think anybody loves you, stop and ask yourself why you don't "think" so.

Just take a moment, and open your mind.  You will find the path ahead is very clear.  Now... move!  Time to get on down your path, for as Mark Twain rightly once noted:

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness."

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 opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, 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. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the 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 the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and, finally, a senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Western Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research.

Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and 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 own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony:  tolerantpastor@gmail.com

Questioning Values, Stories, Betrayal, Creeps, and Lying

“If you lose your integrity, you will also lose your identity, your sensitivity and your dignity. Integrity is honesty, modesty and security in all kinds of weather. It should be our priority!”

-- Israelmore Ayivor

 

Is it possible to be too smart for religion?

Guilty! 

What are the signs of being a non-religious person?

You don’t claim to be a member of an “organized” religion. I am a spiritual person. I follow the basic “tenets” of Christianity, but I claim no organized church and no organized religion, per se. All religion is stained with historical hidden agendas, and those not yet discovered. I prefer to worship my definition of God in my own humble way.

Is it important to follow your religion professionally?

Why? Was Christ a professional? Ten simple rules…

What are traditional values and modern values?

Traditional: Marriage. 

Modern: Living in sin.

Hey, I did the marriage routine. She used me for 25 years, took everything I owned, took my children, and left the broken shell that was me in the gutter. As I approach 70 years of age, I have been happily living in sin with the same woman for the past 20 years. We share everything. Some modern values are appealing.

Is it a kind of bribery to give a gift to a teacher? Does giving a gift make the teacher give you a better grade?

Yes, and if they had a good sense of ethics they would admonish you for it.

What's the point of going to church on Sundays?

Considering we were never assigned to build a church, there is no point, other than fellowship. Christ stated, “Upon this rock [Peter] I will build my congregation.” Blame Peter for building churches. I think we can also blame him for women not getting their due in scripture, as well. Rumor has it he was a misogynist. Of course, there’s also a rumor that Mary was the real Christ, but women were to be seen and not heard, so Jesus took the lead. How much truth is there to it? Well, how much truth is there to any of it? We take it on faith.

 How often do you talk/think to yourself?

All the fricken time. The voices change, but they’re there. Drives me nuts. Wait, let me rephrase that…

Is success a value in your life?

Success is the only value in life. Everything else is attainment. To be truly successful in life, you have to make the conscious choice to be truly happy in life, always, and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. If you strive for this in life, true happiness (success) will be as sustainable as your choice. 

What are the benefits of leaders having integrity?

I’m not sure. Have we ever had one? 

How do you know your future from now?

I just moved into it, and again, and again. If I am in the “now” then the next moment is my future. I’m pretty sure I know my future for the next few moments, barring any life-changing incidents. The near future is pretty easy, it is the unknown that makes any further out tough to predict.

“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”

-- Saint Theresa of Calcutta

Can people tell when you block them on here?

I sincerely hope so. Maybe they’ll get a clue.

What do you do if you're accused of betrayal in a friendship?

If you’re not guilty, your supposed “friend” should have come to you before believing such tripe. If you are guilty, on the other hand, you should feel shame for violating the friendship. Crawling back to your “friend” with your hat in hand and an apology on your lips is the least you should do.

What are your daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly motivation goals?

To continually strive for true happiness always and in all things, regardless of my circumstances.

Should we do good deeds or bad deeds? Why?

It depends on whether you are good or bad, I suppose. Being a man of spiritual faith, I concern myself with moving forward into the next great adventure. To my way of thinking, being bad will simply delay that goal until I learn to do better. 

What do you call someone who always talks about money?

Greedy.

Throughout history, the environment in which the grandson would live was vastly the same as that of his grandfather. How has the modern acceleration of societal change affected wisdom in your opinion?

Well, we voted in an idiot as a puppet President. I’d say the USS Wisdom has set sail with no hands in the wheelhouse.

Can you be intelligent and atheist at the same time?

Wha… What?

What is the shortest argument for atheism?

There is no God. That’s it. The short argument for theism is, that there is a God. Neither group has any irrefutable proof, so any argument is based totally on the suppositions voiced by their faith, their belief in something for which there is little or no proof.

What is the motto of any organization?

You could look this up. Motto:  

"A short sentence or phrase chosen as encapsulating the beliefs or ideals guiding an individual, family, or institution."

-- Oxford Languages

Can I rewrite someone else's story (change some parts to make it better) and post it online?

If you want to publish bullshit, of course. Politicians do this all the time, and we end up with… bullshit. We are what we are. If we’re concerned about our story, we should pay more attention to it. Those who think they are perfect will have hounds knawing on the carcass trying to find the juicy parts. As it is, no one is perfect.

Can you be betrayed by someone you trust?

Happens all the time, hence the term “betrayed.” 

What things have you learned to ignore as you’ve grown older in the US?

The League of the Perpetually Offended. I’ve learned to ignore them because whatever facts you lay at their feet, they will be, well, perpetually offended. It is, unfortunately, what they do. They are a persistent rash on the ass of humanity, and they are also offended by that.

How can we motivate others to express themselves in honesty?

Catch them in lies. 

What is the oldest age (man and woman) you would have sex with?

That would depend on what she looks like at her advanced age. Some women continue to take care of themselves into their eighties. As I approach 70, and she wants me, who am I to deny her?

Where do you get your intelligence from?

My Creator. I was given everything I need to make it in this world and on to the next and the next, and so on, as it has been since the beginning. I consider myself truly blessed to have made it this far without “screwing the pooch,” so to speak.

How did humans develop the ability to plan for the future?

They kept missing the boat. They were always a day late and a dollar short. My bet is a calendar.

If you could have anything in the world right now, what would you choose and why did you choose that?

A billion-dollar lottery win. It would allow me to set up a few foundations from which I could selflessly give and track donations to help solve some important issues.

What sources of information do you use to measure your own intelligence?

Quantum theory, the Tao Te Ching, and The Art of War. As far as being “intelligent” is concerned, being always humble prevents me from claiming such. But, I am pretty smart.

Is it more common for liars to tell truths or for truths to tell lies?

Well, “truths” can’t tell lies, because they’re truths. If truths told lies, they’d be lies, not truths. So, since liars can sometimes tell truths, I’d say liars are more apt to tell truths.

“Perception is reality to the one in the experience.”

-- Danielle Bernock

What does it mean to have good principles?

Basically, it means to have good ethics - good moral and ethical principles. If you refuse to waiver from these, they can define who and why you are to all those around you. This refusal to waiver will define you as an honorable person.

What happens when you make a wish to a genie?

The same thing that happens when you give your Christmas wish to Santa.

What are some ways happy people motivate themselves?

If they are truly happy always and in all things, they become their own motivation. Having no motivation would be difficult. Happy people see an issue and will actually offer you the chance to jump on it before they do. If you accept, they ask if you want some help. Failure will make them crinkle their brow and smile. They understand that failure is life’s way of presenting them with an opportunity to learn.

 You are so pretty.  Can we get to know each other better?

That is so sweet! But, I'm afraid I'm taken.  Sorry!

Is it right to blindly accept 100% guilt for every single thing that happens to you?

Considering that it is your life, and everything that happens to it is due to some choice or decision you make, you save a lot of time by owning the guilt. If you leave home and someone runs you down with their car, why didn’t you leave a bit later? It was a choice you made to leave at that particular time.

The driver of the car has their own issue to deal with, and for the same reason. Why didn’t they leave earlier? Where was their mind? Not on driving, obviously. Everyone involved in the accident must blame themselves for being where they were. The driver must blame themselves for not paying attention.

And, if you were a few cars back, you can thank the grace of God for making you remember to check the mail on your way out of the driveway.  

What is bad about a creepy man?

What they don’t have on under that overcoat.

What does “entitled to respect” mean?

They’re suffering from delusions of self-importance. You get what you give until you show you are undeserving of it.

Do you want your life back?

I never truly lost it. I misplaced it for a time, but it was always with me. 

Who said, “When the student is ready, the master will appear”?

“The quote has been attributed to Buddha and the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism along with Tao Te Ching and Zen proverb.” As a student of Buddhist philosophy, and regardless of the attribution, it stands to reason that it would originate with the Buddhists, simply due to the “student/master” significance. But one finds similar references, not so clearly stated, in many Buddhist writings.

What does an older woman expect sexually from a younger man?

Paradise.

Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad times. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weaknesses.

-- Ann Landers

What do I do when an employee repeatedly refuses to fulfill the obligations of his/her duties?

It isn’t that they can’t do the job, they refuse to do the job. So, refuse to pay them. Refuse them a job. Fire them. Send them packing. Let them go. “Pink Slip” time. Show them the door, and lock it behind them. Wish them luck in any future non-endeavors. If this is a trick question, I’m missing the point. This is not rocket science, and they are not good for your business.

What is the reason behind corruption?

Greed.

What are the benefits of knowing how things work?

You don’t have to ask a bunch of questions. You can answer a bunch of questions. People think you’re smarter than you might actually be. You know when to say, “Get ready to follow me.” You know when to run, so they can actually follow you.

I wasn’t assigned to Intelligence for my looks. I actually had skills.

If you could ask 100 people a question about metaphysics, what would you ask them?

What might not exist in space and time?

If you get bullied often, is the problem actually you?

Yes. I was one of the smallest kids in high school and hadn’t discovered how to beat the crap out of them… yet. I remedied both problems. The first time out, I almost beat the bully to death with a tree branch. I learned to control my anger.

Can you accept correction?

Always. There is no such thing as being perfect, so I try to keep an open mind. I am, in all reality, my own worst critic, so other critiques would make good sense, as long as they are based on truth and constructive.

My boyfriend is disrespectful towards me and trash-talks his mother and says mean words to strangers sometimes. How can I change his behavior?

I would just change the boyfriend. It would be much easier.

Is it important to know why you want to go to college?

I would think so. If you’re going to college to learn, this is admirable and a good reason. But, going just to gain knowledge doesn’t evidence a goal to use the knowledge with. Knowledge in itself is important, but it can be more important if there is a goal beyond it. 

Is everyone lying about their height?

Why? If you’re tall, short, or average, everyone already sees that. Lying is kind of obvious.

How can we get people to stop being so mean?

How "mighty" do you feel?  You might kick them in the “pills” really hard... and then run. While they’re throwing up they might use the time to consider what assholes they’ve been. They might. They might, however, be thinking of their revenge. It might be a lot easier to just move to another city. It might not be so easy to get a true asshole to stop. 

“Mean girls go far in high school. Kind women go far in LIFE.”

-- Mandy Hale

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 opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, 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. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the 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 the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and, finally, a senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Western Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research.

Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and 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 own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony:  tolerantpastor@gmail.com