The Death of Common Sense
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old
friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years.
No one knows for sure
how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red
tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as
knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, life
isn't always fair, and maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by
simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable
parenting strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when
well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place.
Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked
teachers for doing the job they themselves failed to do in disciplining their
unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get
parental consent to administer Panadol, sun lotion or a sticky plaster to a
student; but, could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and
wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten
Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals
received better treatment than their victims.
Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't
defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar can sue you for
assault.
Common Sense finally gave up the will to live,
after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She
spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
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 three stepbrothers;
I Know My Rights,
Someone Else is to Blame, and I'm A Victim.
Not many attended his
funeral because so few realized he was gone.
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