Imagine, if common sense — unencumbered by legal nuance, social convention or politics as usual — were the operative criterion in addressing a range of contemporary issues. To wit:
* When faced with an otherwise unmitigated disaster, such as the Gulf oil spill, why not use it to finally rally this country around alternative-fuel mandates and long-lapsed appeals to American self-sacrifice. And, yes, that includes, for example, carbon or gasoline tax scenarios offset by payroll or corporate tax cuts.
Recall how the American public ridiculed President Jimmy Carter when he characterized our late ’70s — late ’70s! — energy crisis as “the moral equivalent of war.” The media derisively acronymed it “MEOW.” Now, look at us. If we can’t learn from the Gulf explosion, we can’t learn.
* The Second Amendment didn’t anticipate, for example, automatic weapons for sale at gun shows. Let’s put a moratorium on listening to those who claim to channel the Founding Fathers on arms-bearing.
* Miranda rights were intended to apply to criminals — not international terrorists. Even the “public safety” exception was not carved out with catastrophic — possibly imminent — threats in mind. Widening the government’s interrogation prerogatives makes sense. In times of unconventional war without rules and enemies seeking salvation through slaughter, it’s not enough to know that the ACLU has your back.
* If any group has a statistically-relevant track record for something that is beyond-the-pale horrific, why not reach into our cataclysm-alert toolbox for the profile tool? It can be done without disrespect for nationality, race and religion, but with ample respect for human life.
* If you’re going to go hiking, don’t choose a venue that is anywhere near the border of an “axis of evil” country. Yes, you might get arrested. Even “axis of evil” countries, including Iran, have a right to act in their own sovereign interest when their border is illegally broached. And, yes, you’re not going to like the nature of your incarceration. But worse yet, your careless, cavalier act gives the encroached country leverage against the U.S. You will become an international pawn. And, yes, you’ve made Hillary Clinton’s job even harder, and she is not pleased, to put it diplomatically.
* The combination of ubiquitous media and jingoistic pandering is an unholy alliance. But how can a politician think he won’t get nailed for misrepresenting his military service? Vietnam, of all wars, is nothing to lie about. You did or you didn’t. Anyone who’s informed knows the context. Courting the yahoo vote is not a good enough reason to lie — or “misspeak.”
* When firing someone for “cause,” would that it were sufficient to cite incompetence.
* When awarding a Super Bowl, would that it were sufficient to cite outdoors in February in New Jersey for a nay vote.
* When you want to score valuable political points on an issue of substance — and not look like another off-the-rack, pandering hack — don’t deliver your message on Bubba the Love Sponge Clem’s show.
* Hard to believe that this state would still rather rely on trust-fund raids and disappearing stimulus dollars instead of long term, revenue-raising solutions. Ponzi’s days are over. And, yes, we’re obviously talking about targeting sales tax exemptions, including services and internet.
* In general, the lower the teacher-student ratio, the better. But frankly, that’s not the key variable in learning. The quality of the teacher — and parent — are determinative. The class-size amendment — now an exercise in costly overkill — needs to be capped at the school average.
* Imagine, a major American metro market without modern mass transit.
* Why, in a non-traditional, asymmetrical market with no mass transit would a city put an obsolete-at-construction baseball facility on the fringe of the region? And then compound it by resisting efforts to alter the unacceptable status quo in the face of relocation scenarios that are a lot more than speculation.
* Don’t text while driving. It should go without saying — or texting — even if the state of Florida can’t get around to banning it. Don’t have an OMG moment on the road.
* Tattoos. There’s a decent chance they won’t look as good 10 years from now. Or possibly tomorrow. And, no, we’re not talking butterflies on ankles. It’s the rare tat that complements evening wear.