Monday, August 4, 2008

Tip #24 "Common Sense Died"

Tip #24: "Common Sense Died!"

Recently someone emailed me a copy of an article that was printed in the London Times.

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 he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He 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; life isn't always fair; and maybe it was my fault. His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned butoverbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-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 that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion. Common Sense lost the will to live as the 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 was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement. Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; his son, Reason. His is survived by his four step brothers; I Know My RightsI Want It NowSomeone Else Is to BlameI'm a Victim Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.

If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.

After I read the article, I was amazed at the accuracy and truly grateful for the common sense that has been passed on to me, not only by my mom and other family members, but friends and co-workers as well. I think we should all reconsider the value of using good common sense on an every day basis and make sure that it stays an important part of our life.

I remember an article being written in a Chicago newspaper about my previous employer Michael Krasny(The Founder of CDW). He personally hired me to be in sales for the then $200 Million organization that today stands over $6.5 Billion. The title of the article was "common sense, uncommon success." The article spoke about how well Michael treated his employees by rewarding them well for their efforts. I can attest to that. Michael is a generous man that treated his employees very well. Common sense right? Oh, how I wish common sense was common. Unfortunately, common sense is not common is it?

I challenge us to do our best to revive common sense from the dead. It is well worth it don't you think?

Tip #24 "Common Sense Died"


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