“Reason obeys itself; and ignorance submits to whatever is dictated to it.”
-Thomas Paine
If Glenn Beck says the government wants to tax your breathing under the guise of global warming legislation, that doesn't mean it's true. If Sarah Palin tells us that health care reform is an evil plot, it's more a reflection of Sarah than it is health care reform.
"Suspicion is the companion of mean souls, and the bane of all good society."
-Thomas Paine
The issue isn't really what matters. What matters is to cast doubt on whatever position your opponent takes on the issue.
"A little matter will move a party, but it must be something great that moves a nation."
-Thomas Paine, Rights of Man
Political polarization is not the path to true leadership. When politics refuses to go beyond party at all costs, it remains small, unable to lead. Greatness and leadership is usually found outside the boundaries and comfort of party.
"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 Paine, Rights of Man
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
Of more worth is one honest man to society and in the sight of God, than all the crowned ruffians that ever lived.
-Thomas Paine
And so it appears that the Illinois governor is one ruffian that is now proving his true worth
“There are two distinct species of popularity; the one excited by merit, the other by resentment.”
-Thomas Paine
Too often it seems as if our political leaders and those seeking power pander toward the worst in people – intolerance and resentment, fear and prejudice. Achieving popularity by inciting the darker passions in people may win elections, but it does not constitute merit.
“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 this duty he establishes a precedent that will reach to himself.”
-Thomas Paine
“What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly”
-Thomas Paine
True for any aspect of our lives, but particularly significant today with the rising cost of energy, in terms of dollars as well as the social and environmental consequences of our energy culture.
It is easy to tell a lie, but it is difficult to support the lie after it is told.
-Thomas Paine
How easy it is to be swept up in the moment and find yourself stepping over the line between fact and fiction. How hard it is to explain it after the moment has passed and hindsight casts its critical eye.
