Horse Sense

I wanted to start a blog long ago, but put it off for fear of what might be thought of my thoughts. I am responsible for my own thoughts and actually worry little about what people think of me, but I have always held out hope that most people would think I am smarter than I am and feared that by sharing my thoughts maybe people would realize the truth. Now I am no longer as concerned about what people think about my thoughts. I just want people to think for themselves. I am starting this blog in the hopes that it interjects a little bit of that good old common sense that used to be…well, common.

Much of the time in today’s world we seek to make far too much out of the simplest of things. For an easy definition of common sense you can go to Webster’s Dictionary. By the way, there is no difference between “Common Sense” and “Horse Sense,” thus the source of this blog’s name. The definition is as follows:

Common Sense: it is sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts.

Here in Central Texas we have an old saying that describes the concept of common sense – “If you see a snake, kill it.” Yes, I know, it is probably an old saying all over the place but I first heard it here in Central Texas. Here are the procedures for this:

1. Sight the snake (by the way, the snake is a metaphor for just about any problem, task and or situation).
2. Pick something that will kill the snake and obtain that object quickly.
3. Use the acquired object to kill the snake.

How simple is that? Unfortunately, in the world we currently find ourselves in, that simple bit of common sense has disintegrated, disappeared and been substituted for a bureaucratic mess that is working to destroy our society a little more with everyday that passes. Today the saying more closely resembles this; “If you see a snake, form a committee on how to kill it.” The process more resembles the following:

1. Sight the snake (once again, the snake is a metaphor).
2. Form a committee to determine the snakes true identity.
3. Establish the snake’s hazard to society.
4. Conduct risk analysis on the removal of the snake from society. (NOTE: in this model we will use the term “removal” as using the term “kill” is deemed too traumatic)
5. Determine the cost of removing said snake.
6. Identify the individual best suited to remove the snake.
7. Conclude what method of removal should be used.
8. Settle on a time for the snake to be removed.
9. And lastly, come to terms with who is responsible for the snake’s removal and how that responsibility should be assessed and if the person responsible will need counseling.

Sadly, as humorous as this all sounds, it is as accurate an anecdote as I can come up with – OK, I could have made the second part much more in-depth, but I was pretty sure you knew where I was coming from.

Anyway, I just wanted to get this thing kicked off and let everyone know what is going on, kind of. I will try and post as often as I get around to it (man, I should be a politician). For those of you who know me, you know that I am usually pretty busy. For those of you who don’t know me, well, I am a pretty busy person. If you want to comment I think you can and if you want to email me I think you can do that to. To be honest I am not sure I have this whole thing figured out yet, but I will get there.

Thanks,
Bill