Contributed by DeLena Johnson
We the people of the United States are just plain worn out when it comes to politics. Add tired of politicians, campaigns and unbridled political rhetoric to that same list. It concerns me very much that the noise from the national election will cause Alaskans to stay home on November 8th.
As I go out to visit with the residents of District 11, I appreciate anyone who will take a few minutes to tell me about their circumstances, and what they believe would be best for Alaska. What I hear most of all, is the desire for thoughtful, commonsense leadership.
Luckily, my political hero and common sense mother kept articles worth rereading tucked away in her recipe box and bible. In an attempt to make this political season a little more pleasant, I will leave you with a light-hearted piece that she clipped from somewhere, perhaps the “Grit” newspaper.
From “The London Times," an obituary that was meant to wake people up and get them onto the business of problem solving. It read as follows:
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.
- Maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge). His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned, but overbearing 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, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.
He is survived by his 3 stepbrothers:
- I Want It Now
- Someone Else Is To Blame
- I'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.
It’s been a long campaign season, and now more than ever we must resuscitate Common Sense! Please vote on November 8.