The Death Of Common Sense

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, 
by the name of Common Sense. 
Common Sense lived a long life but died in the United States
from heart failure on the beginning of the new millennium.

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, 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 Revolution. Common Sense survived cultural and educational trends
including body piercing, whole language, and "new math." 
But 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 parents
when a female student was pregnant or wanted an abortion.

Finally, Common Sense lost his will to live as the Ten Commandments
became contraband, Churches became businesses, criminals received better
treatment than their victims, and federal judges stuck their noses in
everything from the Boy Scouts to professional sports.

Finally, when a woman, failed to realize that a steaming cup of
coffee was hot, and was 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 step ladders.

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 so few realized he was gone.

I have to give credit for this to the ever-popular "Anonymous."