The Death of Common Sense

Common sense leaves this world

03.04.2009

A S EXPECTED a front-page letter and story last week about teenagers showing up in Napier for a rave brought immediate responses from our readers.
Most were from parents who couldn't believe others simply dropped their children, including young girls, in the CBD without checking any details.

One letter writer mentioned the existence of a "common sense" email.

M. Brown has kindly sent it into me and there are parts of it I would like to share with readers.

It is an obituary to common sense and many points ring true.

"My parents told me about Mr Common Sense early in my life and told me I would do well to call on him when making decisions.





"Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not children are in charge).
"Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job they themselves failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.

"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 took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglars can sue you for assault."

Liquor store owner Virender Singh may like this paragraph updated to include "your own shop".

The Otara shopkeeper was cleared last week of using excessive force against two teens who were trying to rob his shop.

His crime - he defended himself and his livelihood.

He was stabbed following an altercation outside his store.

He wielded a hockey stick - his attackers a knife.

Unfortunately we read about robberies and attempted hold-ups of dairies and other small businesses on a weekly basis.

"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 three stepbrothers - I Know My Rights, Someone is to Blame, and I'm a Victim.

"Not many attended his funeral because so few realised he was gone