Greed and the Demise of Common Sense

Today, I traveled to New Jersey and talked to the arrogant elitist, THE DONALD. No, I’m “just kidding”. I saw enough of him today when CNBC reported that one of his casinos had just filed for Chapter 11. THE DONALD wanted it emphasized that this was only one of his companies, not him personally. Interpretation – The shareholders, bondholders & everyone else this casino owed, got hosed, while THE DONALD sold his stake & got out early. While in business & in my personal affairs, I paid all my bills. (Maybe not always on time but all paid in full.) How dumb could I have been!! THE DONALD said he felt good about filing Chapter 11, & the publicity it will bring him, should help his TV show. I’m sure all those people left holding the bag, feel good about that, especially when they watch his mindless show!!

I know I strayed from my Peoria Watch theme but maybe not. Seems to me I read in our local media about bankruptcies being declared with resulting loss of jobs, retirement & medical benefits right here in our own community!! The media mentioned that some of the owners got out early & left their employees with nothing. I guess it’s a blessing we still have “parks & circuses”. However, even parks aren’t cheap anymore and Peoria parks are going to get a lot more expensive. (Think more taxes.) More on that subject later when we cover the RIVERPLEX!!

I’m going to print a copy of an obituary many of you may have already seen or even attended. If so, move to the last paragraph.

OBITUARY
Died 24/7/365 in America’s Heart, USA
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend by the name of Common Sense who had 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 value lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm and that life isn’t always fair. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not kids, are in charge).

His health began to rapidly 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. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student; however, they could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion. Finally, Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses, and criminals received better treatment than the victims.

Common Sense finally gave up the ghost after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot, she spilled a bit in her lap, and was awarded a huge settlement.

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 two stepbrothers; My Rights and Ima Whiner. Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. (Author anonymous)

A couple of years ago, I was asked to address my social club, The Noon Optimists, and my subject was the “Demise of Common Sense”. Wish I had received this mailing sooner but I did touch on some of the above idiotic happenings, in my talk.

I leave you with a thought for today – Democracy is the worst type of government, except for all others. (W.C.)