Most of us studied the American Revolution to some degree in school. So, names like Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, Paul Revere, Sam and John Adams, George Washington, and John Hancock are recognizable. However, probably the one person that was most responsible for whipping up support for the revolution was Thomas Paine.
Thomas Paine wrote a series of pamphlets under the general headings of “Common Sence” and “The Rights of Man”‘. These sold out as fast as they could be printed and were even read out in town squares and church services to those that couldn’t read. One of the pamphlets, published on December 23, 1776, stated in part: “What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly….”. That capsule of wisdom applies today as well as it did in 1776. So what do we esteem too lightly in today’s world? How about these items for starters:
Our country’s freedom. Paid for by those in our military that give their lives over to that cause. But it is free for us.
- Freedom to move around our cities and states in relative safety. Paid for by our local, county, and state police. But it is free for us.
- Freedom to buy an unending list of goods, foods, and services. Paid for by parents, or government. But free for us.
- Freedom to plan our lives and careers with no oversight from the government. Paid for by our capitalist form of economics. But free for us.
- Freedom to vote for the persons we feel best qualified to hold elected positions. Paid for by our forefathers in setting up and maintaining a republican type of government. But free for us.
These things and many others we have come to esteem too lightly as proven by our willingness to allow far left people and organizations to rape, murder, burn, rob, and riot. The rioting in Minnianapolis (and then spread) has been long in the making. It has been carefully planned and funded. It just needed a spark to hold up as a cause. The reality is that the planners believe in the theory that no crisis should be allowed to go to waste.
The fact of the matter is that it is only a tiny percent of the population that are marching around burning and looting. The rest of the population watches. We watch while a relative handful of well-funded organizers go about stealing our society, our form of government, and our freedoms.
As Thomas Paine further wrote, “These are the times that try men’s souls”.
Let me express my point of view in an issue that, I have always been convinced of it, also concerns my country.
It is indeed a great pain and a great concern to attend the events of these days, for those who know America, love them and know how important it is for the world. These feelings arise from my personal conviction, which is not enough, to put an end to the disparities that make up the country, the expectation of replacing a leader who seeks only enemies, who divides, minimizes, does not even invite calm. There is the need, and currently it lack, a policy capable of solving the country’s structural racism and the ability to understand the reasons behind the anger and desire for change.
It would take a shot, an unexpected, a character that shows everyone what a true American leader is and how he behaves. But this woman and this man, for now, cannot be seen.
I hope to be grossly wrong.
Aldo: Trump was elected to change the mess in D.C. He is doing that and it isn’t always pretty or popular, but that is why we elected him. I don’t think we can blame him for whatever flaws have existed for many years in the U.S. Racism exists in most if not all countries, it hasn’t been invented here, or by Trump. While it continues to get better, I would be the last person to say it is totally right yet. However, I don’t see how anyone can argue that burning, looting, and violence fixes any social divides.
Absolutely a dispute must be civil. Destroying does not serve to change things, just as it is not necessary to cut the brim of statues, or to defile them as happened in Italy.
I have nothing against Trump in particular but, not living there, I can’t honestly have a clear idea. And this is the reason I prefer not to go into the affairs of other countries. From what I read and see on TV it seemed a little too “detached” in this circumstance. I expected him to take some more proactive initiatives, as an entrepreneur he is. Even in consideration of the forthcoming elections, it was perhaps an occasion to intervene with greater decision, as “father of the fatherland”.
Certainly in many countries there are problems related to racism. In Italy, for example, we do not take long-term initiatives for the migrant problem for which we are the first landing, but at the same time we do not have an economy capable of welcoming all these poor wretches who have had the misfortune of being born in countries in constant conflict or other situations of poverty.
Thanks for your input that help me understand better.
However, I remain convinced that the current leadership in the world has some deficit of charisma.
I hope to have other opportunities to learn from you.
Ken, great article, and let’s hope that those who are watching the destruction and chaos know what to do come November and will not fall into the mud that is being stirred as what is best for America.
Thanks, Lynn. I share your hope for November.
Love the U S History Ken. People forget that we are a young nation and that “our democratic experiment” is always one generation away from failing. Thanks for your article my fellow patriot!
You are right, Danny. Let’s hope this rioting young generation is not that “one generation”.
Thanks, Joel.
Another great and well-pointed article, Ken. Thank you for writing and sharing it.