The Libertarian Party of Georgia holds the founders in reverence. We remember the 271st birthday of Thomas Paine on Tuesday, January 29th. It’s a good day to review his importance and some of his eternally stirring words.
Thomas Paine was the most important voice of the Revolution. In an era where a printed broadside was the state of the art for mass communication, Paine was a master of the political pamphlet. Born in England, he was advised by Ambassador Ben Franklin to go to the colonies. Paine landed in Philadelphia the year before the battle of Lexington and Concord started the war of Independence. His “Common Sense” early in 1776 popularized the philosophical and moral basis of the American Revolution.
Five months after the signing of The Declaration Of Independence, Paine published the first of a series of essays called The Crisis. It was so inspiring that General Washington ordered it read to the troops at Valley Forge. Today, as in 1776, Paine’s words are an inspiration to Libertarians and all lovers of freedom:
THESE are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but “to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER” and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God.
Happy 271st birthday, Thomas Paine! We could use you today!
