Mike Moser "I Say" Published April 2, 2004

This obituary will sadden logical thinkers

I normally do not republish e-mails I receive but this one struck a note with me that was so deep that I had to share it. I guess it sums up the way I think and feel about a lot of issues these days. I often wonder if I am the only one who thinks this way.

I do not know the author so if you do, drop me an e-mail or a short note so I can give proper attribution.

Obituary
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend by the name of 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 value lessons as knowing 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) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not kids, are in charge).

His health began to rapidly deteriorate 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.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student, but could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Finally, 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 finally gave up the ghost after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot, she spilled a bit in her lap, and was 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 two stepbrothers, My Rights and Ima Whiner.

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still know him, pass this on, if not, join the majority and do nothing.

I think the above says it better than I could and I leave my readers with this last thought: Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put the tomato in a fruit salad.

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Mike Moser is the editor of the Crossville Chronicle. His column is published periodically on Fridays.