Can We Resurrect Common Sense?

I can't pinpoint exactly when common sense died, ceased to exist, or whether it has been in hibernation, but it is a fact that its absence has had a profound effect on us all. The category of the utterly stupid, mundane, and moronic things that people shouldn't do is growing at an alarming rate. Common sense would have eradicated most of this and it is time for Common Sense to make a comeback.

Nothing outrages me more when smart people avoid their natural instincts and do very stupid things. It's even worse when people have the ability to profit from their dumb exploits by filing lawsuits to make it someone else's fault. Remember the lady that put the very hot coffee between her legs, burned herself, and has the audacity to sue and win a lawsuit against McDonald's? The original damages amounted to $2.86 million but that was later reduced to less than $640,000. Read the full story here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liebeck_v._McDonald%27s_Restaurants

How about the man that sued a cleaners for $54 million dollars for his lost pants? This saga has lasted for nearly 4 years (May 2005) and the man who sued was a former judge. He should have known from all people that this was groundless. Then again he tried to abuse the system. This story is at http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/12/18/pants.lawsuit/index.html.

Add this to the countless internet e-mail scams that just don't sound right like finding true love in Nigeria, Russia, or other parts unknown. How about shipping goods across the world and expecting to profit and then surprised to know that you just conspired in the possession of stolen property. How about that click online with the promise of something free. There are many other embarrassing ones that we would not confess to anyone.

My parents (who are not so outraged) taught me the important tool of common sense and not to say I have not been tricked or lied to, my odds were just improved. I don't take too many free lunches or reply to my spam mail and trust anyone just because they know my name. I also don't trust everyone in a business suit with a smile. After 11 years in the financial services industry, please don't. Remember these folks played a large role in the financial crisis which brings me to some of my suggestions of the new rules of common sense.

The Outraged Citizen's rules of Common Sense

Here a just a few tips that could be useful:

• Buy only what you can afford and I'm not talking about your credit card limit.
  
• Free isn't always free, i.e. lunch, contest, giveaways. You are paying for it somehow and you just don't know it.
  
• No one has your best interest in mind no more than you do. That means that most people don't what you to do things for you, they want you to do things for THEM.
• Congress read bills before voting on them. Actually this goes for everyone. Read contracts and agreements before you sign them, especially if you were not the one who wrote it.
• Be mindful when reading your e-mail inbox. That virus you have on your computer maybe because of the latest naked celeb picture your "friend" e-mailed you.
  
• Be sure who your "friends" are. In the world of Myspace and Facebook your friends should be people that you actually and physically know. There are clear differences between a friend and an acquaintance. This will be clear when you are faced with obstacles later.

As with all things, this is just a start. Use the valuable lessons taught by your parents who are wise elders (or should be). We will all be a lot better off and a lot smarter.