...or does it? (From York Press)

...or does it?

11:09am Friday 14th September 2012 in Letters By Reader's letter

TODAY we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense.

No one knows how old he was since his records were lost in bureaucratic red tape. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies and reliable strategies (adults, not children are in charge). His health began to 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.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their children. Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense gave up the will to live after a woman failed to realise a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap and was romptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was predeceased by his parents, Truth and Trust, his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and his son, Reason.

Not many attended his funeral because few realised he had gone.

Colin Henson, Ullswater, York.