I've Been There: A Straight Talk About Common Sense

I've Been There: A Straight Talk About Common Sense

Ever wonder why some insist on reinventing the wheel when it comes to common sense? I've been there, seen that, and it's time to shed light on a few truths.

Vince Vanguard

Vince Vanguard

Ever wonder why some insist on reinventing the wheel when it comes to common sense? In the whirlwind of 2023, I've witnessed firsthand the repercussions of abandoning tried-and-true principles in favor of promises wrapped in shiny new packages. Let's break it down, because frankly, I've been there, seen that, and it's time to shed light on a few truths. We are living in a world where nostalgia is no longer in fashion, and the belief that old-fashioned values have an expiration date is puzzling at best.

First off, there's a reason why old sayings like "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" stick around. Generations valued hard work, celebrated personal responsibility, and understood the essence of community. It's not about clinging to the past; it's about recognizing the solid foundation it provides. When we moved away from these principles, we've seen increased divisiveness. I've been there in classrooms where students can't read cursive and lack critical thinking skills, yet teachers are more concerned about promoting the flavor of the week identity ideology.

Consider the fiasco of economic policies that promise prosperity but deliver the opposite. Lower taxes spur growth; it's been proven time and again. Yet, there are those who advocate for heavier taxes under the guise of fairness. I've watched communities disintegrate under economic pressures, driving businesses away and stifling innovation—which once put our nation at the forefront of economic might. This logic is like using a sieve to fetch water: ineffective and bound to leave you parched.

Speaking of logic, let's talk about safety. I've been there during debates about law enforcement and the need for security. Dismantling police structures with the misguided belief that utopia is on the immediate horizon only emboldens chaos. Families are crying for security, for the sanctity of their neighborhoods, yet senseless policies ignore the hard reality. Community safety shouldn't be a political tool; it's a fundamental right. Public officials should focus on equipping law enforcement with proper training and resources rather than stripping them of necessities.

These days, it seems popular to forget the essence of the Constitution. I've been there in places where speech is policed not for incivility or harm, but for daring to disagree with mainstream opinions. The right to free expression is core to who we are, a principle moving human progress since the founding fathers penned those timeless words. Suppression masquerading as virtue leads nowhere safe or prosperous. Channeling our nation down a funnel of restricted thought limits creativity and growth.

While we're on this journey, let’s not forget education. I've been there as curricula have strayed from classical education towards something unrecognizable. Young minds should be sharpened with arithmetic, broadened with history, and inspired by literature. Yet there’s push for newer, unproven methods. They're treating students like guinea pigs with beliefs that resent the undeniable heritage of our past. An educated, critically thinking populace built this nation and will continue to drive it forward if given the right tools, not indoctrination.

Accountability is a word all but forgotten in many circles. I've been there in boardrooms and on factory floors where the buck doesn’t stop anywhere. Cutting corners becomes a loophole to mediocrity. Hard-working citizens foot the bill for bureaucratic failures and poorly planned projects. Past generations knew that accountability isn't just a corporate buzzword but a way of life. Own your actions and outcomes improve—it's not rocket science.

Let's talk about energy. I've been there when the buzz of "green energy" began overshadowing common sense strategies. Our nation needs a balance of emerging energy solutions and reliable, time-tested sources like coal and natural gas. When energy is a pawn in a political chess game rather than a resource to be maximized for prosperity, the citizens are who suffer. Our economy could thrive if only these resources were managed with care, expertise, and for the benefit of all.

Finally, let’s not lose sight of personal freedom. I've been there at kitchen tables where families worry more about policies restricting freedoms than real-life concerns. People yearn for freedom over their lives and decisions without interference. Insistence on government extension into personal domains is a veiled attempt to control masquerading as care. Americans have a knack for innovation and problem-solving when left empowered to use their skills without unnecessary constraints.

So, the next time you hear about giving up good old common sense for something new and shiny, remember this: I've been there, and I know it's time to steer back to principles that built this great nation. Because, in the end, our past achievements are our compass for future success, and that's something no new-fangled ideology can replace.