Definition: Common Sense
com·mon sense – kämən ˈsens/
noun: good sense and sound judgment in practical matters. “Use your common sense.”
| synonyms: | good sense, native wit, sensibleness, judgment, levelheadedness, prudence, discernment, canniness, astuteness, shrewdness, wisdom, insight, perception informal: horse sense, gumption, savvy, smarts, street smarts |
Common Sense is also a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine in 1775–76 advocating independence from Great Britain. The pamphlet was an immediate sensation among colonists because of its clear and persuasive articles. Paine crystalized the moral and political arguments encouraging the fight for egalitarian government and support for the American Revolution.
Why I Created this Website and Blog
Everyone has “common sense”, right? I used to think so. It’s basic and fundamental. Is it? Now I’m concerned common sense has been lost or perverted, along with many of the associated attributes which made our country great. The application of common sense to issues the 21st century is what I hope to consider.
I haven’t been at all political in my prior life. I’ve voted in all elections but took no part in supporting a political party, candidate or cause. Perhaps I was simply too busy with my profession, family or personal interests. Perhaps I thought our country was moving along ok and would survive any upheavals along the way. Maybe I was just lazy and didn’t want to get involved in disputes. There’s a lot to say for conflict avoidance.
After decades of apathy, why have I created this website and blog? I don’t have a huge ego. Many people are much smarter. No rewards or notoriety are expected. So why bother? The reason is fairly simple. I listen to the reporters, pundits, experts and people making news. I am too often appalled by their divisive rhetoric and illogical positions. They seem intelligent yet I can’t understand how they can say or believe the words they speak.
What I generally describe as “common sense” is seemingly lacking in many of our leaders’ and newsmakers’ pronouncements. I feel compelled to try to contribute some common sense to the public discussion of several topics important to our nation and our citizens. I’ll try to be clear and persuasive. I’ll always check my facts. Hopefully Thomas Paine would approve.
This website supports no political party or platform. There’s plenty to question or criticize in all of our political establishments. I’m personal conservative on some issues and liberal on others. No doubt my personal slants and biases will be evident as I add to my blog. Everyone has biases. My promise is to always try to be rational, reasonable and practical in my articles, even if I won’t be neutral.
If I’m fortunate enough to have visitors to my website, I understand that viewpoints differ. If you disagree with me, I affirm your right to disagree. Please add your comments. Maybe you’ll be persuasive and convince me I’m wrong. It won’t be the first time or the last.
This is another reason I’ve created this website – I want to support free speech and the right to non-violently disagree. My No. 1 principle of American common sense is everyone has the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution and its Amendments. However, an important qualification is the exercise of those freedoms by one person cannot interfere with the exercise by other persons. This is where common sense in 2017 seems to be failing many Americans, including our leadership. This will be the topic of my first blog article.
2021 UPDATE: I have not posted in a long while. There was no particular reason other than losing interest and being busy elsewhere. I don’t imagine that anyone missed me. But lately there have been many headlines and news articles which are galling, at least to me. I can attribute many to resulting from the absence of the good old common sense. Thus I feel compelled to add my two cents worth. Remember, you reap what you sow. At least you are supposed to, which is the topic of my first new article. 10/21/21
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