As the world confronts the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, the headlines are wrought with stories of market plunges, corporate destruction, executives headed to jail and families facing financial devastation.

We in no way mean to make light of these terrible circumstances or disrespect the people and families involved.

The Pony blog’s intent is to find the lighter side of the economic crisis and distract you with humor long enough for the seeds of hope to spring forth from the rubble. Seeds take time, as you may be aware. We just want you to know we’re here for you, buddy.

Hopefully, we’ll make you laugh. Though, just so you know, that’s a lot of pressure. Worst-case scenario (how many times have we said that lately?) you can grunt and sniff about how completely unfunny it is.

Seriously. We’re here for you — whatever it takes.

Now, about the name. It was one of former President Ronald Reagan’s favorite jokes and the punchline hits close to home in the current crisis. Essentially, a psychiatrist is asked to treat twin brothers with extreme personalities — one a pessimist, the other an optimist.

The pessimist’s treatment was a room full of toys. The boy burst into tears, refusing to play with any of them. He was afraid he would break them.

With the optimist, the treatment was a room full of manure. (Yeah, that’s right. We’re starting with a No. 2 joke to warm up the crowd. Remind me sometime to tell you about the two-story outhouse in Phelps, NY. True story.) Anyway, the optimist, true to form, climbs to the top of the pile and exclaims, “With all this manure, there must be a pony in here somewhere!”

I can’t say that would’ve been my reaction. But I always wanted a pony.

Let’s go see if we can find one!