On the Genius and Strength of Abraham Lincoln

“I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. ‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.” -Thomas Paine, The American Crisis Lincoln’s time in the …

On Having Sufficient Gratitude

“But if objects for gratitude and admiration are our desire, do they not present themselves every hour to our eyes?” -Thomas Paine, Age of Reason Hobbes said life was nasty, brutish, and short. There is no question that life is often hard, even nasty and brutish, certainly short. Even so, if you have time for …

On Hiding the Truth

Truth never envelops itself in mystery, and the mystery in which it is at any time enveloped is the work of its antagonist, and never of itself. Thomas Paine, The Age of Reason Truth is onto itself always, requiring nothing, and hiding from no one. Those that aim to deceive others from where truth lay, …

On Released Memos Justifying Torture

“An avidity to punish is always dangerous to liberty. It leads men to stretch, to misinterpret, and to misapply even the best of laws. He that would make his own liberty secure must guard even his enemy from oppression; for if he violates his duty, he establishes a precedent that will reach to himself.” -Thomas …

On Transparency in Government

A nation under a well regulated government, should permit none to remain uninstructed. It is monarchical and aristocratical government only that requires ignorance for its support. -Thomas Paine, Rights of Man It is the government with something to hide, or thinks itself justified in so doing, that we must fear most.

On the Servitude of Fear

“…the slavery of fear had made men afraid to think.”  -Thomas Paine, Rights of Man Fear is the enemy of reason. Fear invites suspicion, prejudice, division.  Overcoming fear is the path to freedom.

On God’s Wrath

“Belief in a cruel God makes a cruel man” -Thomas Paine We can have a loving God, or a cruel one. The true values of God are reflected in the actions of those whom profess belief.

On Bailouts and Economic Panic

“‘Tis surprising to see how rapidly a panic will sometimes run through a country. All nations and ages have been subject to them.”-Thomas Paine, The American Crisis No age or epoch of humanity has not eventually found itself the victim of its own base instincts. Fear, greed, and panic spread through the body politic like a virus, …