THE OBITUARY OF COMMON SENSE

Today we mourn the passing of an old friend, by the name of Common Sense.
Common Sense lived a long life but died from heart failure early in 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 and offices, 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, the early bird gets the worm, and 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 (or even last, as long as your
best efforts were given).

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." 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 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 six year old boys 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. It declined even further when schools had to get parental consent
to administer aspirin to a student but cannot inform the parent when the
female student is pregnant or wants an abortion.

Finally, 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 Boy
Scouts to professional sports. Finally, a woman who was stupid enough not to
realize that coffee is hot, and was awarded a huge pay-out for her
stupidity, caused Common Sense to finally throw in the towel.

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.