The Death Of Common Sense
(From My E-Mail Bag)
Today we mourn the passing of an old friend, in the USA, by the name of Common Sense.
Common Sense lived a long life but died recently in the United States. No one really
knows how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.
He selflessly devoted his life to service in schools, hospitals, homes, factories
and helping folks get jobs done without fanfare and foolishness. For decades, petty rules, silly laws, and frivolous lawsuits
held no power over Common Sense. He was credited with cultivating such valued lessons as to know when to come in out
of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, and that life isn't always fair.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you
earn), reliable parenting strategies (the adults are in charge, not the kids), and it's okay to come in second. A veteran
of the Industrial Revolution, the Great Depression, and the Technological Revolution, Common Sense survived cultural and educational
trends including body piercing, whole language, and "new math."
His health declined when he became infected with the "If-it-only-helps-one-person-it's
worth-it" virus. In recent decades his waning strength proved no match for the ravages of well intentioned but overbearing
regulations. He watched in pain as good people became ruled by self-seeking lawyers. His health rapidly deteriorated when
schools endlessly implemented zero-tolerance policies.
Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate,
a teen suspended for taking a swig of mouthwash after lunch, and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student only worsened
his condition. It declined even further when schools had to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student but could
not inform the parent when a female student was pregnant or wanted an abortion.
Common Sense lost his will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband, churches
became businesses, criminals received better treatment than victims, and federal judges stuck their noses in everything from
the Boy Scouts to professional sports.
Finally, when people, too stupid to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot,
were awarded a huge settlement, Common Sense threw in the towel. As the end neared, Common Sense drifted in and out of logic
but was kept informed of developments regarding questionable regulations such as those for low flow toilets, rocking chairs,
and stepladders.
Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion;
his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He is survived by two stepbrothers: My Rights, and Ima Whiner.
Not
many attended his funeral because few realized he was gone.
