Common Sense

No, this isn't about the book from the Fox News guy. This is the nearly 250 year old original. However, it is surprising how many of the arguments are quite similar to arguments given today (though with twists.)

Paine spends a good chunk of the time attacking the British form of government. He has no use for a hereditary monarch (and quotes ample scripture to oppose it.) The institutions of parliament are also criticized. If parliament is supposed to be smarter than the King, why can the King overrule parliament?

In lobbying for independence, Paine points out the small size of the US as an asset. If the US got much bigger, it may be too difficult to actually unite in rebellion. Governing would also be much more of a challenge. He also cites the complacency of the British. They are already getting rich off trading, and don't need to worry about local matters as much.

Hmmm. This seems like it could be a good argument against the current state of the United States government. He argues for smaller scale, and regular elections so that the representatives are in touch with the needs of their constituents. (I'm guessing he didn't assume that would mean continuous campaigning and living in D.C.)

His view of religion and politics is also much different than the modern view. He uses biblical "stories" throughout to backup his points. However, he also proclaims great support for religious plurality within the country. (Freedom to use religion in politics without forcing certain religious believes on others.)

He also seemed to be an early Keynesian (predating Keynes himself by a couple centuries.) He was in favor of creating a national debt for the betterment of the colonies. (His immediate use for the money was for military, so perhaps "Reagan" would be the closer roll model.)

What would he advocate today? Perhaps he would be a leftist advocating improvement of social issues at home. Or maybe a rightist advocating a build up of the military. Or maybe some guy out in Montana advocating his own little country.