Have We Lost Our Common Sense?

Bob Terrell
AuthorHouse (2010)
ISBN 9781452024950
Reviewed by Joseph Yurt for Reader Views (5/11)

Bob Terrell is a lot like many older Americans who are mad as hell about the abandonment, by both public officials and the American public, of the core values upon which they fervently believe the country achieved greatness, and on the failure of our society as a whole to adopt “common sense” solutions that they believe will prevent America from becoming a “second class” nation. In his recently published book, “Have We Lost Our Common Sense?,” Mr. Terrell also laments the country’s self-centeredness and total lack of concern for others and for future generations.

Bob Terrell was born and raised in Corbin, Kentucky, an urbanized area in the southeastern part of the state that is “Hometown” to some 25,000 people. He has been an upstanding citizen, businessman and civic leader in Corbin his entire life. Despite his small town environment, his book suggests an intelligent man with a broad perspective on the world. “Have We Lost Our Common Sense?” is peppered with quotable lines like “Our elections cost too much and last too long.” And, “The people of middle America have been held hostage by the far right and the far left.” Much of his commentary reads like that delivered to the local civic organizations the author has addressed through the years.  

Throughout the book, the author is relentless in his advocacy of adopting common sense solutions to America’s woes, and from where Mr. Terrell sits, the list of what ails the country and its citizens is long and touches on virtually every aspect of American society and conduct of government. Most readers will find little to argue with on the authors list of problems. And the picture of rural and urban America in the 1940s and 50s will certainly be appealing to both Mr. Terrell’s contemporaries as well at those who grew up in the 1960s and 70s. But these generations comprise a limited number of today’s activists, and that typifies the limited effectiveness of books like “Have We Lost Our Common Sense?” While the author seems genuine and passionate about sharing his knowledge and wisdom, one wonders if younger Americans are prepared to receive the message, let alone engage in the cause.

“Have We Lost Our Common Sense?” offers much to reflect upon in contemplating the state of the union these days. And, Bob Terrell’s voice is loud and clear with regards to America’s best route to redemption. But, it occurred to me, after finishing the final chapter, that “Have We Lost Our Common Sense?” is simply one man’s notion, not a movement created by “the people.”  I hope Mr. Terrell’s passion can help spark that movement.

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