The Englishman Thomas Paine was an inspiring founding father, patriot, and skeptic. His voice inspired America and just as often offended America. I seek to have a voice like his. A voice that puts ideas up for scrutiny, even “sacred” ideas.
This blog is dedicated to his skeptical nature, his powerful voice, and his use of reason. In the democratic republic of America we need voices like his again. Any idea that is to be legislated to the public, must be subject to debate and review.
It is because I am afraid for the future of my children that I MUST speak out. The words of Paine are of use here. “If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace; and this single reflection, well applied, is sufficient to wake every man to his duty.”
-Thomas Paine
“To all these champions of the oppressed Paine set an example of courage, humanity and single-mindedness. When public issues were involved, he forgot personal prudence. The world decided, as it usually does in such cases, to punish him for his lack of self-seeking; to this day his fame is less than it would have been if his character had been less generous. Some worldly wisdom is required even to secure praise for the lack of it.”
-Bertrand Russell: The Fate of Thomas Paine
The Voice of Paine 