ON THE WALLABY- 20th September 2006

"In the country of the blind the one-eyed man is king”- Erasmus c.1469 - 1536

THE SAD PASSING OF COMMON SENSE

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 she was since her birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

She 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, how to be a good neighbour, life isn’t always fair and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies spend more than you earn and reliable parenting strategies not children are in charge

Her health began to deteriorate rapidly when well intentioned but overbearing social regulations were set in place.

Reports of six year old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate: teens suspended from school for using mouth wash after lunch: a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened her condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job they themselves failed to do in disciplining their unruly and sometimes rude children.

She declined further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer Panadol, Sun lotion or a band-aid to a student – but could not inform the parents when the student became pregnant and wanted an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as kindness and compassion as loving your fellow human became contraband, 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 is hot, spilling a little on her lap and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by her parents, Truth and Trust a short while ago; her husband Discretion; her daughter Responsibility and her son Reason.

She is survived by three step-brothers; I know my rights, Some one else is to blame, and of course the one with a loud voice...I’m a victim.

Not many attended her funeral because so few realized she was gone.

If you can still remember this great Being pass this on.

Carpe diem

Tony

Tony Fountain

Professional Speaker, auctioneer and author

Sydney NSW Australia

If you would like to subscribe a friend or colleague to these free “On the Wallaby” email bulletins, click here and place their email address in the subscription box .