Fixing fence is the one of the hardest jobs on a ranch. I no longer live on a ranch, but I do know what hard work is. Fences are everyone's concern, but nowadays,the "hole" is always your neighbor's side not your own. It used to be that you would respect your neighbor and mend the fence together. If their cows got in your field, a simple phone call resolved the problem. You might even saddle up your own horse and help them gather them up. We need more people who are willing to roll their sleeves up and fix the fence regardless of who your neighbor is. There are people in this country who need to be reminded that a fence is like the way you should conduct your life. Your posts should be straight and neat. The wire needs to be stretched tight and your gate might be closed, but can still be easily opened. And most of all, we can all saddle up together and ride the range, it won't matter if you have an Appaloosa, Quarter Horse or Thoroughbred. The cows still have to be gathered, fences have to be fixed, and the range is a wide open space of opportunity for us all.

A View From The Fence Post

Posted Monday, July 22, 2013, at 5:48 PM

Here is the hope of our future.

A good fence post is essential for the support of barbed wire. Problems are sure to develop if your fence post has rotted a little or if the hole wasn't dug down deep enough.

For the past several years, Americans have been leaning pretty hard on their fence posts. A person can assume that all fences are created equal, when in fact, they are only as good as the person who maintains the fence or digs the post-hole.

We can lay claim to our portion of this American fence as long as we will also accept responsibility for its upkeep. Never assume that a wood post will continually bear the impact of repeated attacks by large moving objects such as cows or careless drivers in pick-up trucks.

Events in America have taken on a nightmare quality. The sturdy fence posts of our Constitution, American Dreams, and Integrity have been battered beyond recognition.

Somehow, the annual cattle drive has been taken over by Guests from the Dude Ranch. They seem to get some of the concept, but continue to scatter cows into the mountains and canyons. The real cowboys have been told that they cannot use their horses but must instead trust these overly enthusiastic city-slickers with their most valuable horses.

Emotions have been running pretty high every day of this cattle drive and if we continue to allow the cows to scatter in so many different directions, no one will reach their destination in their journey of the American Dream.

It is time for a new fence to be built. Not to keep everyone out, but to Restore Order Within. There is a need to shore up the leaning fence posts and replace the rotten ones. Our barbed wire needs to be stretched tight and we should be more diligent on keeping watch along our fence lines.

Our points of view are better represented when ALL of us work toward keeping good fences and sharing the labor so that no single group takes on the entire burden for everyone else.

Like any cattle drive, sometimes we need to stop and rest in the shade a while. Our cows have journeyed a long way and still have a many miles to go before the trail ends.

Quite a few opinions are being expressed on how close we are to making sure that all the cows reach their destination. Some of us are very grateful to see where we have been and how far we have come and others think that we haven't moved fast enough.

Don't let the Cattle Rustlers scare the herd. We are much stronger when all of us decide that being an American is far more important than blazing new trails on rocky unforgiving terrain.

I am simply expressing my own personal point of view as I lean upon my Fence Post. Like anyone else, my view is limited to what I know and how I feel. I know what it is like to be charged by a cow or run over by a horse. I know what it is like when your horse wants to act up and causes fear in your heart.

Not everything in life is a perfect fit. No one person can expect everyone else to wear the same size cowboy boots or like the same style of hats. We can't always agree which breed of cow is superior over another breed.

What we can do is recognize that all breeds of cattle and horses can exist together. The Guests from the Dude Ranch can respect that a Cowboy has had some experience with green-broke horses and wild cows. And that all fences can be mended if Both Sides use the correct tools to do so.

Each of us have something to contribute to this wonderful nation of ours and it is long past time for all of us to quit dwelling on the rot and be grateful for being a citizen of the greatest nation on earth.

Comments

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Why not be direct in your comments and say what your "beef" (pun intended) is from those you depict as the guests from the dude ranch? The Constitution, etc are doing better all of the time. It's a shame to denigrate the progress that has been made in order to long for the good old days.

-- Posted by Geordey on Mon, Jul 22, 2013, at 6:10 PM
Bonnie

There's always one or two strays that try toead the herd off the trail but eventually they either work with the herd or they starve when the storms come.

-- Posted by TundraRat on Mon, Jul 22, 2013, at 7:19 PM
I like your stories, and how the can show that life is much the same as ..well, "life"

-- Posted by jessiemiller on Mon, Jul 22, 2013, at 7:50 PM
I'm a fan of Star Trek and I particularly enjoyed the episode where Jean Luc encountered a Tamarian who could only express himself in metaphors. I used to want to be like Jean Luc so I've tried to do some translating of this blog.

A good fence post must be the structure of an individual's view of his place in the world. - KHGal thinks that some people's view of his place in the world is not as good due to some quality issues with the fence post. She has some rules though. We have to "accept responsibility for its upkeep". But who is to decide on this quality. If you agree with KHGal does that make your fence post good quality?

High Level Fence Posts (Constitution, American Dreams, and Integrity) -- KH Gal thinks these fence posts "have been battered beyond recognition". I am translating for KH Gal but I don't agree with this.

Cattle drive -- This is a metaphor that conflicts with the fence posts however it introduces new action metaphors.

Guests from the Dude Ranch -- I don't think that KH Gal respects these people. They may not be from Mountain Home or maybe they are the military or their families in Mountain Home that don't know the old Fence Post ways. KH Gal thinks that they cause problems.

Real Cowboys that "cannot use their horses", I believe is a reference to gun control. However there have been no new gun control laws so I think the real cowboys still get to use their horses.

Enthusiastic city slickers -- have to be the police who get to use the most valuable horses (better guns).

Cows -- They do a lot of scattering so that must be something about where our focus should be - "the American Dream". However, it seems that only the Guests from the Dude Ranch are causing this scattering. I'm not sure that is fair analysis. What make the Dude Ranch people so wrong. Is it because we don't know them?

KH Gal is advocating a new fence to restore order or at least her perceived view of how the world should be run. She is very correct on saying that our points of view should be represented. I hope that she down deep believes that and also believes that would be viewpoints that are harder for her to accept.

Cattle Rustlers -- from the description I think that these are people who bring new, progressive ideas. It makes me think that KH Gal is not ready to include all viewpoints.

Cow breed -- I hope that this means political philosophy.

-- Posted by Sam_1776 on Mon, Jul 22, 2013, at 9:07 PM
Thank you for your opinions on what I had to say. However, there are more things in life besides politics and religion. We are not fighting a physical war but a spiritual one.

The Cattle Rustlers are the people who are not progressive but destructive to all aspects of life. I don't long for the old days, I only long for something that is much deeper and far more rewarding than the petty bickering and baiting that goes on in the world to day.

I used my viewpoint was quite honest about it. I am under no obligation to include anyone elses, It is MY Blog. I am tired of the bullying. Again, if you don't like what I have to say, go write something of your own.

If you find that rude or intolerant, so be it. I want to be able to write without all of of this poking and prodding.

Take what you want or throw it away, but quit trying to find an agenda, the only agenda that exists is my enjoyment of writing this blog and using my CHOICE of writing style to express my views.

What is rude is someone always wanting to pick a fight or trying to create some kind of controversy where there is none.

-- Posted by KH Gal on Tue, Jul 23, 2013, at 7:47 AM
And thank you Jessie and Tundra Rat for the kind words.

-- Posted by KH Gal on Tue, Jul 23, 2013, at 7:52 AM
Cattle rustlers might also be compared to folks who receive benefit from another's hard work. Somehow they feel "entitled" to what another's hard work has created "for them"

Sometimes it's the culmination of a lifetime of work, such as a rancher building his quality herd. Or maybe a few moments of writing one's thoughts about life.

Keep writing Bonnie, many of us enjoy your endeavors

Jessie

-- Posted by jessiemiller on Tue, Jul 23, 2013, at 9:09 AM
Am I mistaken in thinking that people are allowed to post opinions in this blog?

-- Posted by Sam_1776 on Tue, Jul 23, 2013, at 10:18 AM
An opinion is not translating or trying to interpret what my blog is about or my motives for writing it. If you respectfully disagree, just say that.

Please keep in mind when you are posting comments that someone has been honest enough to state that this is their opinion only.

I have never said that everyone else needs to have the same opinion. Nor do I personally attack any individuals.

I get tired of "opinions" that state that I am misguided instead of respecting my point of view.

Cattle Rustlers are those who attempt to steal something that never belonged to them in the first place. And by the theft, they take away your sense of security and peace.

City Slickers trying to manage a herd, want the bragging rights, but not the real work.

Different Breeds of Cows signifies that they know how to get along and are color blind when it comes to being neighbors.

Cowboys are represented by those who still want to do an honest days work without the chaos of well-meaning or greedy individuals.

Dude Ranch People want everything their way instead of respecting the fact that ALL of US are entitled to a choice in our way of life or values.

My point of view is not yours and in my blog I stated that very clearly. We all come from different backgrounds, ethnic origins and work ethics. I don't have a beef with anyone in particular in spite of what you think.

So please quit your jabbing. I don't expect flowery statements but I do think I am entitled to some respect.

-- Posted by KH Gal on Tue, Jul 23, 2013, at 10:45 AM
It's amazing that you continue to blog here with this kind of reception, KH Gal. Which I'm very thankful you do. You, and maybe 2 others (1 of who hasn't blogged in quite a while) are the only blogs I read.

It's so easy to get caught up in the drama on this website.... and yet you keep your blogs clean and fresh.

It's disspointing that so many "grown-ups" treat eachother the way they do here.

-- Posted by ktlm on Tue, Jul 23, 2013, at 11:05 AM
:)

-- Posted by jessiemiller on Tue, Jul 23, 2013, at 11:11 AM
Keep the inkwell full, KHGal! You can always plck a tail feather off some of the turkeys that are around and sharpen it to make a pen if you have to. :)

-- Posted by wh67 on Tue, Jul 23, 2013, at 11:40 AM
I had a hard time interpreting all of the metaphors which is why I asked for more directness. I appreciate Sam 1776 providing some definitions among the mixed metaphors.

I still have one question though. KH Gal what "spritural war" is going on? Isn't this country founded on freedom of religion and a separation of Church and State.

-- Posted by Geordey on Tue, Jul 23, 2013, at 12:46 PM
If you cannot understand something, I don't think at this point, I can adequately explain it to you.

Separation of Church and State has nothing to do with a Spiritual war. Freedom of Religion means that you can have your own interpretation of God and His Ways and I can have mine.

Let's leave it at that. And try to have a nice day.

-- Posted by KH Gal on Tue, Jul 23, 2013, at 1:01 PM
Thanks Geordey.

KH Gal, what is the spiritual war about? What are the issues?

-- Posted by Sam_1776 on Tue, Jul 23, 2013, at 1:54 PM
Ephesians 6:12

and that is all that I am going to help you with.

-- Posted by KH Gal on Tue, Jul 23, 2013, at 3:10 PM
By referencing Ephesians 6:12, you seem to be indirectly saying that you see evil looming over us. That's too bad.

I prefer Ephesians 4:32. "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

Picking on groups of people, even hidden behind a metaphor, does not strike me as kind. That is why I commented on the metaphors, to provide some fairness to those groups of people. I had not meant to be unkind in my comments, but I suppose that I was.

-- Posted by Sam_1776 on Tue, Jul 23, 2013, at 4:50 PM
Bonnie:

Keep blessing us with what you write! You do a great job and you do it in your name---not hiding behind some fake screen name pretending to be someone else. You are very gifted and talented.

Do not feed the trolls. They are a waste of your time, talent and energy and are really just far too ignorant to even understand. Spend time on the things and people who matter:)

Hang in there lady. Rose colored lenses are abundant and evil is upon us but few can see. Take care! Thanks again for a great blog!

-- Posted by OpinionMissy on Tue, Jul 23, 2013, at 10:33 PM
I would say that apply's equally to both conservatives and liberals.I'll SAY THIS WHY IF LIBERALS ARE FROTHING AT THE MOUTH DO WE HAVE SO MUCH CONSERVATIVE NAME CALLING?? you want me to hear your message but you want to curse me first tell me how that works??????? AND you can say what you want MR Limbaugh leaves a lot to be desired.YOU call SHARPTON AND JACKSON....race baiters ......what do you call LIMBAUGH..... A TRUTH SAYER??????? wHAT IS GOOD FOR THE GOOSE IS GOOD FOR THE GANDER.......THIS blog is about personal opinions not cut and paste propaganda........have you really got something to say??????? or is that beyond you ???????

-- Posted by lamont on Thu, Jul 25, 2013, at 1:41 PM
Again, this blog is not about politics. It is much deeper than that and I don't want more division, I would like all of us to recognize our common ground and to quit the fighting.

Lamont, I think that we can never make up for the wounds inflicted upon your soul. But I respect your opinion and your view just as much as I respect the right for everyone else to have one.

This blog isn't about race either. We are all singly held accountable for our actions and deeds. All Americans Need To Take A Personal Inventory and step back from the thousands of words that are being spoken in anger, resentment and even hate.

-- Posted by KH Gal on Fri, Jul 26, 2013, at 8:44 AM
It must be about DEEP preaching.

-- Posted by Geordey on Fri, Jul 26, 2013, at 9:02 AM
KH GAL.......DID I INSULT SOMEONE????? seems we have two lengthy post's and they are both cut and paste and that was all I was pointing out.

Please don't feel any need to make up for whats happened to me I don't need any of that kind of patronizing, what I need is for it not to be repeated.God has taken good care of my soul.I will continue to give to humanity, of me till the day I die and beyond.I will be remembered,and that most certainly crosses the racial devide.

TALK TO COOL BREEZE I DIDNT BRING RACE IN HE/SHE DID.I purposely stayed out of this post till then..............you have a good day

-- Posted by lamont on Fri, Jul 26, 2013, at 9:40 AM
The blog must be about Cattle Rustlers and Guests from the Dude Ranch who are bad and the true Cowboys who are good.

It's also probably about the conflict between opposing forces: the fence posts to keep the cattle in and the cattle drive to move forward.

I'm not sure how the cattle drive will be successful if we are saying negative things about everyone except the true Cowboys.

-- Posted by Podkaine on Fri, Jul 26, 2013, at 9:50 AM
Lamont:

I am not trying to patronize you, I am only recognizing where you are coming from on your own experiences.

Remember Everyone, This is about my view of the Fence Post.

I don't expect everyone to have the same point of view, but I would rather that we keep it impersonal without any labeling other than the "characters" in my blog.

PodKaine:

How is it negative to describe someone's behavior? Are we not allowed to say anything except pleasant things, if so every book published would have to be burned.

-- Posted by KH Gal on Fri, Jul 26, 2013, at 11:06 AM
Putting people into groups and assigning characteristics for these groups is something that the KKK, Hitler, and McCarthy liked to do.

KHGal how is it negative to express disagreement with that tactic in your blog? I notice that on the other blogs, disagreement is allowed.

-- Posted by Podkaine on Fri, Jul 26, 2013, at 5:20 PM

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