WHITNEY-L Archives

From: Rose Zella <>
Subject: [WHITNEY-L] Obituary
Date: Sat, 08 Sep 2001 17:31:34 -0600

I just received this and I don't know if it is pertinent but I think he
is probably a Whitney!!!

Today we mourn the passing of an old friend by the name of Common Sense.

Common Sense lived a long life but died from heart failure at the brink
of the millennium.
No one really knows how old he was since his birth records were long ago
lost in
bureaucratic red tape. He selflessly devoted his life to service in
schools, hospitals, homes,
factories and offices, helping folks get jobs done without fanfare and
foolishness. For
decades, petty rules silly laws, and frivolous lawsuits held no power
over Common Sense.
He was credited with cultivating such valued lessons as to know when to
come in out of
the rain, the early bird gets the worm, and life isn't always fair.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound
financial policies (don't spend more than 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, Common Sense survived cultural and educational trend
including feminism,
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 overbearing federal
regulation. He watched in pain as good people became ruled by self-
seeking lawyers and enlightened auditors. His health rapidly
deteriorated when schools
endlessly implemented zero tolerance policies.
Finally, Common Sense lost his will to live as the Ten Commandments
became contraband,
churches became businesses, criminals received better treatment than
victims and Federal
Judges stuck their noses in everything from Boy Scouts to professional
sports.
As the end neared, Common Sense drifted in and out of logic, but was
kept informed of
developments, regarding questionable regulations for asbestos, low-flow
toilets, smart guns,
the nurturing of Prohibition Laws and mandatory air bags. Finally when
told that the
homeowners association restricted exterior furniture only to that which
enhanced property values,
he breathed his last. 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; Rights, Tolerance and Whiner. Not many attended his
funeral because
so few realized he was gone.
(A couple of apologies and a lot of tongue in cheek.)
RZP

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• [WHITNEY-L] Obituary by Rose Zella <>