Introduction

And so it is that I publish this first post on Common Sense - Part the Second. While this site might remain unseen by most, for those few who happen to glance upon its pages it is my sincerest hope that what you find proves to be an engaging and honest debate. I don't expect you to agree with everything written here, in fact, I would be ashamed if all that appeared on this site was simply a reiteration of your own beliefs. Thomas Paine was no moderate; he did not alter his ideals to appease others or retract his statements in fear of offending. No, what Paine did was to stand by his principles and venture into unknown and quite often controversial territories even when his closest followers were too hesitant to follow.

Paine was a revolutionary and without him, there is no doubt, there most likely would never have been an American Revolution. He awoke the masses to the injustices suffered upon them and truly became the first Founding Father. But Paine did not limit himself to one nation, nor did he think any one nation was best. Instead, he looked to the world's people as one nation who continually thirst for and deserved liberty. Despite all the oppression that had been inflicted upon man by religion and politics, Paine knew that the desire for freedom was a fundamental instinct and a natural law. No matter what nation you belonged, this ideal could simply not be extinguished nor denied.

This is why we need a Thomas Paine for modern times, now more than ever. With political parties constantly bickering over who is a better patriot, and religions continually squabbling over who has a more legitimate right to Heaven, we need someone who can cut through the political blinders and tell us the honest truth, though it might be difficult to hear. We need someone who can elevate us above our petty differences and unite us in our common interests. This world does not belong to any one country nor any one demographic - it belongs to all of mankind. This is the sacred charge given to us at birth by natural right; it is the right of man that Paine cherished above all things.

And so, let this site be a reflection of his timeless virtues. Let us use Paine's word to offer a refreshing new perspective on today's challenges.

"My country is the world, all mankind are my brethren and my religion is to do good." - Thomas Paine