I often write these postings first thing in the morning. My wife has asked me, how do you think of that stuff so early in the morning. Well, I just feel like I’m stating the obvious most of the time. At least, what is obvious to me.

It’s true that we are the product of our environment. All the scholars and professors, sociologist’s and physiatrists debate about that, but it seems obvious to me, yes that’s how it works. I was raised in a conservative household before we labeled it conservative, we just called it common sense.

There were rules in my house, and you had to follow the rules. There were few exceptions to the rules, it had to be extraordinary circumstances to warrant that. Mostly I heard, you know better! And yes, I hated that because, mostly, I did know better. I fought the law and the law won, every single time.

After leaving home, I joined the Navy, I did rely on my common sense to get me through. I survived boot camp quite easily; I just did as I was told. A skill I learned at home. I also knew when to keep my mouth shut and when to speak up. Common sense dictated all of that. I served a twenty-year career by just using common sense. Follow the rules, do your job and learn what it is you need to know. In that way, you know better! Easy peasy.

I’m amused when I see others doing stupid stuff, getting themselves in trouble with the law or injured because they failed to use common sense. An armed federal agent is questioning you, common sense should tell you, do not resist, do not get smart with them and most of all be polite.

Common sense. Screaming in a megaphone while dressed like a frog about no Kings will not get any results! All that will get you is ridiculed and possibly tear gassed or hit with a water cannon. Dressing up as a woman and insisting upon a pronoun will not get you validated, it will get you harassed. That’s common sense.

All of that just seems obvious to me. Whenever you choose to do something outside the norm it will attract attention. Whether to do that is a matter of common sense. Whenever you choose to break the law, the law will respond accordingly. Do not be surprised by that, it’s common sense.

Now, I am left wondering at times how so many people can lack common sense. Where were these folks raised? What sort of home did they come from? What was that environment? It had to be a liberal upbringing. What we used to call, tied to mommy’s apron strings!

Common sense and the common good. In order to promote the latter, you have to possess the first. Obeying the law, doing the right thing, even when no one is looking, is what is best for the common good. And it seems quite obvious to me, far too many today lack common sense!

All I’m doing is stating the obvious! It sure does get a lot of folks upset! But no, you are not the center of the universe and generally speaking the majority of those you will meet just don’t care what you think. You can cry, you can pound your fist on the ground, throw a tantrum or whatever. That will not be met with acceptance and inclusion! Nope, not going to happen.

And I’m supposed to take this seriously?