Michelle Davis

Thomas Paine's opponents (idiots) wrote about him/his work in the weeks following the release of Common Sense: -Common Sense was a blueprint for "bloodshed and desolation" -The pamphlet was full of "mischievous tenets and palpable absurdities." -Paine's work only encourages "the dark and untrodden way of independence and republicanism" -Paine was a "crack-brained zealot for democracy" -Common Sense "could answer no good purpose" -Paine had only written his tract for "ambitious purposes" -If Paine's work would be followed, "we abandon all prospect of preserving our importance," and "the ancient, sure, and experienced road to wealth and happiness." -Common Sense was "an outrageous in­sult on the common sense of Americans; an insi­dious attempt to poison their minds, and seduce them from their loyalty and truest interest." Individualism is lost on most people these days, sadly. They equate it with selfishness, which is ridiculous, and a path toward Socialism. No thank you.