While I understand the mourning of the loss of common sense in this nation, this is NOT

[Skidmore]

the reason why we need to jettison regulations and laws. Read this convoluted glop of twisted reasoning making its rounds on FB today.

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 can earn and 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 6-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 that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion. Common Sense lost the will to live as the 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 could 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, by his wife Discretion, his daughter Responsibility, and his son, Reason. He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights,I Want It Now,Someone Else Is To Blame,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, do nothing.

[arcane1]

1. That ranks right up there...

with the current "Chinese Feng Shui will give you money in October if you post this status" :crazy:

[salvorhardin]

2. That's an old one

It was written by Lori Borgman for the Indianapolis Star, March 15 1998.

Note: This piece was first published March 15, 1998 in the Indianapolis Star. It has since been published in newspapers and magazines around the world and is a favorite of radio talk show hosts. Last week, a Yoga magazine in Spain asked to reprint it.

The column is somehow more relevant today than when I wrote it 10 years ago. It is circulated widely on the Internet, often "edited' and "adapted" and sent to me several times a year. Imagine my surprise to see it attributed to some guy named Anonymous.

Following is the original column in its entirety.

Link: http://web.archive.org/web/20090403204946/http://www.loriborgman.com/The_Death_of_Common_Sense.html

[Skidmore]

3. Thanks. I'm gonna point out to some of my friends that they are not being original.

[tridim]

4. Common sense died when people stated believing everything they read or hear on the TV and radio

This entire paragraph is riddled with uncommon sense, and lies. Yet, millions of people will believe every word.