Another interesting email I received and thought I would share:
Rob
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 millineum. No one really
knows how old he was, since his birth records were lost long ago 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 had no power over Common Sense.
He was credited with cultivating such valued lessons as to know when
to come 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 that 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
Technical 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 condtion.
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.
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.