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Common Sense
Author: Bill Garwood

Years ago, a man who was trying to be humorous said: “I was going to buy a book on positive thinking but then I thought, what the heck good would that do?” If you look online or watch any news programs on TV, it’s hard to stay positive about much of anything!

I was raised like most of you were, by parents who tried to teach us manners and to not only be polite, but tolerant. Here in our small island of sanity, most people around us are polite and well-meaning. Yes, we do have a few grouches, or maybe some have just had a bad day. For the most part, we are a lively and happy bunch. Being positive around our area isn’t much of a problem; if you are feeling down, there are any number of people ready to make you laugh. I sometimes feel like that is my mission in life, probably because I believe in fun! No matter how old I get, my wife Linda will, like any good wife, roll her eyes when I say something crazy or silly. Life is to be lived, not just suffered through.

Nowadays, just about everything you see about people in Cities, has folks fighting in restaurants and department stores. It’s not just on Black Friday sales anymore; it seems like people can’t be tolerant of other people. Then you have other people who sit back and comment that “it’s those people who always get into arguments and fights in public”. They sit back and giggle maliciously while calling everyone else names!

NOT COOL!

Bigotry comes in all forms, and from many people who think they are just above it all. Never mind racism; basic prejudice is everywhere. However, that word is used wrong, mostly. Prejudging is natural; it makes us cautious. If something seems wrong about a person, maybe you are feeling like you should be careful around them. Being prejudiced against any race, etc., is wrong. I have always thought: “I can’t condemn an entire race, religion, sex, etc. because of the actions of a few buttheads!” I’m being polite in that word; it’s usually a stronger word.

We all need to be more tolerant of the people around us. Some of us older folks move a bit slower than many. Be patient; we’ll get moving soon. I won’t even get on my soapbox about cell phones, where, when bad things happen, people tend to record the event instead of helping. Be bigger than that!

We are having beautiful weather: a little cooler, more life-giving rain, and sunshine that doesn’t fry you alive. I’m hoping for a real Montana winter; we need that. I will absolutely love a good cool autumn with bright colored leaves and flannel shirts.

So, think positive thoughts. Remember where we live! No big city ideas and foolishness; we are rural and small-town folks. Living here and loving life. We are just getting a hint of our best season harvest, fall, Autumn, or whatever you want to call it. It’s a wonderful time of the year. Cue Burl Ives singing. Stay well, my people; prepare for the cooler weather, but don’t start Christmas shopping quite yet.