Nov 09, 2006 20:32
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 Band Aid 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.
If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and
do
nothing.