Whatever happened to good old-fashioned common-sense? Where did it go, and when did we lose it in New Zealand?

From where I sit it looks like a lot of parents and teachers aren’t teaching – and maybe simply don’t possess commonsense. When I was growing up, Kiwis were very proud of their commonsense and homespun wisdom. We considered it a national characteristic – along with our practical creativity – that’s the legend of the bit of four by two and number eight fencing wire.

So when did this valuable commodity go missing? And can we  get it back? Please?

Perhaps it should be part of the school curriculum – with lessons in logical thinking, considering the consequences of your actions before you act, taking those consequences without whinging if you make the wrong choices, how to rationally discuss issues considering both sides fairly, the value of developing a code of personal ethics, and of course the biggie, that character is more inportant than personality!

If we don’t start relearning commonsense soon it will completely die with those few who still possess it – then ANARCHY!!! Everyone doing whatever ‘feels’ right to them. No one taking responsibility for their actions and choices. A nation lacking any real moral fibre. Reaction to rather than deliberate choice. Lurching from one crisis to the next. Politicians fudging and confusing the electorate to cling to power. Stupid bureaucrats, willfully blinkered, making rules that only compound the problems and increase the misery. Morally bankrupt and greedy banks and businesses destroying the people and land that over-feed their fat-cat executives and snout-in-the-trough sychophants.

Hang on! Are we there already?

Do you get frustrated when you watch politicians et al being interviewed and the journo doesn’t ask the glaringly obvious question? You sit in disbelief as the logical line of enquiry is ignored and some trivial side-issue is explored.

I think there are a lot of intelligent, rational-thinking Kiwis who daily despair of our politicians and other decision-makers ever being held accountable for the choices they make – supposedly on our behalf.

New Zealand’s political and social landscape has been radically altered over the last twenty or so years – and I don’t remember being told – let alone asked – if it’s what I wanted! Were you?

So I am going to start asking the questions I want answered – on this blog. I don’t really presume I will get many answers – but I’m still going ask!

Cheers!