One for All, All for Dumb

Our nation is really becoming dumb. From the hierarchy of government, to even folks like you and I, we as a collective whole have become really, really stupid. It's not for lack of trying however on some parts. We've seen a surge in college and technical trade type school enrollments in the last decade, but what I am getting at is just simple, plain old common sense. You know, what people might have had fifty or so years ago?

You might be thinking, "what a pompous jerk". No, maybe. I can tell you specific instances of me lacking common sense, but suffice to say, there is at least one tech at apple, dell, and various other computer companies that curse my name and wish I would stop calling with idiotic questions.

The common sense thing is really paramount in life. Without it, we seem to either flounder or flourish, with some luck the latter. I have personally witnessed various accounts of a lack of common sense in the world of emergency medical services, allow me to give some brief examples.

Example number one. When using a nail gun, don't look away. Looking the other direction while firing nails could result in a nail going through your hand. Then you will be taken to the hospital by ambulance with a board nailed to your palm.

Example number two. This should be a no brainier. Don't drink and drive. Don't drink, then drive. Don't smoke heroin and drive. Don't smoke crack and drive, etc., etc. Sad as it is, we still have television commercials advocating the dangers of doing such. From my point of view, engaging in substances that can alter any part of the mind or body and then driving may result in you crashing into someone, or something, and either being arrested, or taken to the hospital with various injuries, and me cutting your clothes off and observing that you did not follow the golden rule of wearing clean underwear as your mother warned you too. When I arrive at an accident scene, and it's after midnight, and everyone's sober, then I get worried, because someone is missing.

Example number three. Don't put objects in your rectum that don't belong there. This may result in surgery,, and at a minimum, a good laugh by all the emergency room and ambulance personnel when observing your x rays. Soda cans and hairbrushes do not belong in your butt.

Example number four. There is such a thing as the "five second rule", but that does not apply to public restroom floors.

Example number five. If you engage in taking illicit substances, and someone gives you something, and neither one of you know what it is, don't take it.

Example number six. When the prescription bottle states "do not mix with alcohol", then don't.

Example number seven. When riding a motorized two or four wheeled vehicle, and helmets are suggested, then heed the suggestion. Not doing so may result in you eating through a tube and your wife wiping your ass for the rest of your miserable existence.

Example number eight. If you are already living in poverty, and engage in sex, then use protection, the world doesn't need another you.

Example number nine. Don't attempt to pet strange dogs, they might bite you.

Example number ten. If you have a medical problem like perhaps a seizure disorder, and your physician has instructed you to take a medication to prevent seizures, then take it. You are not cured after one week, and not taking it may result in you having a seizure and either looking like a fool for not following directions, or worse.

Darwin himself would be proud, and I only wish we could follow common sense directions in life, but I guess things like these keep me in a job.

So keep it up everyone, and remember, having that doctorate in English lit. doesn't mean you will eventually do something incredibly stupid.