What Happened to Common Sense?

August 2009

It seems as we look at what we are facing as a Nation with all that is going on with our economy, our war against terrorists and the many changes that our elected officials have engaged in makes me think that common sense is not very common anymore. If you have been following these issues, it doesn't seem like it would be very tough to just add some simple common sense to the equations and make the right decisions.

Most of us have difficult decisions to make in life's journey and must all rely on the moral compass that resides on the inside of us. Common sense is based on the principle of right and wrong. I am far from perfect, myself; but when I am faced with a decision, I try to go through a procedure of the principle of right and wrong. Number one, I try to get a sense of what God thinks about the matter. A lot of times, my decision is found very quick in this first test. Some decisions are not that easy; so, I have to go further and ask myself, "How will my decision affect the people involved? Will my word be compromised in any way? Does it only benefit me and not others? Does it make sense? Does it go against my principles?" Sometimes we have to make decisions we do not want to make, but we have to because we know it's right.

I have been writing articles in various roping magazines for ten years. I have had the pleasure of meeting a great number of you at schools, ropings and rodeos that I see you all at from time to time. I love our way of life, and those views that are common to us in our western heritage. I believe our Nation is still great and our future still bright. For thirty years, I have traveled this country making good friends along the way, people that are salt of the earth. That's what this country is about, great men and women and their families that are the backbone of our Nation.

Our mainstream media would have us think that their ideals are what we need, but it just takes a little common sense to see that nonsense a mile off. Let us express our views to our U.S. Representatives. We must be involved in the process. We must teach our kids to be involved. We owe it to our service men and women who have served and died for the way of life we want to preserve.

God bless you,

Clay O'Brien Cooper