Don't Reward Stupid, Lazy or Bad!

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Sometimes you have an "aha moment" that seems so simple, so common sense and so practical that you wonder why it took you so long to figure it out.

Then you start wondering why no one else has figured it out yet. And suddenly you realize others have, but they too think it's so simple or they're embarrassed or too afraid of repercussions to speak up.

It seems our ethical relativism, political correctness and tolerance stand for everything except traditional values and common sense these days. So my latest epiphany is, "Don't reward stupid, lazy or bad!"

This applies to everything, whether you're talking business, reducing crime, raising kids, or tipping the waitress.

The CEO of a company doesn't spur innovation or drive profits under his/her watch; or worse yet, does something to actually jeopardize the reputation or earnings ability of the company. Does a golden parachute or the resignation versus termination package punish or reward?

Does providing a career criminal free exercise facilities, cable TV, healthcare, meals, and access to a college degree punish or reward?

If your kid acts up, do you ignore the situation or enact some kind of punishment?

If you get lousy service at a restaurant, do you give the waitress a 20% tip?

And the list goes on and on.

How many times, in the spirit of, "compassion, tolerance or forgiveness" have we actually rewarded people for doing really bad stuff?

Until we say enough is enough, the insanity will go on. If you really want to stop stupid, lazy, or bad behavior, stop rewarding it!