Op-Ed letter to Mr. Thomas Paine.

Before Cosmo and Vogue began their assault on self-esteem with the introduction of their norms of beauty, some utilized the media to shape the paths of nations. It is Jan. 1776. Thomas Paine encourages revolution with his popular appeal to reason! Let's begin the debate.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Americans, Citizens of the British Empire,

Thomas Paine has published a piece of treason, which he ironically labeled, "Common Sense." Mr. Paine has said, "Using reason" will bring a rationale person to his erroneous conclusion. I hold that reason provides us with an antipodean result; indeed, Paine has used very little in the way of "Common Sense".

Mr. Paine begins the assault on his country by proclaiming, "Oppression is the consequence, but seldom or never the means of riches." Mr. Paine, since you purport to speak for all the colonies, how do you answer for slavery? Is slavery not the means to riches for American planters? What is more oppressive than slavery? You say that American and Britain cannot reconcile because, "There are injuries which nature cannot forgive," and later, "The Almighty hath implanted in us feelings...for good and wise purposes. They distinguish us from ...common animals." Thomas, since the Almighty has made you wise enough to know the offenses against your liberty, allegedly by your own empire, why are you blind to the offenses against the liberty of your Negro population? Further, if America cannot reconcile with her own government, how will America reconcile with her own own Negro population?

Thomas Paine says that wars are the result of the pride of kings, yet throughout the second half of his pamphlet, he suggests war against his own country on almost every page. He wisely avows, "It is the violence which is done...to our persons; the destruction of our property by an armed force;...which conscientiously qualifies the use of arms." Mr. Paine, what about the violence done at Lexington and Concord? Seventy-three members of the Royal Army were murdered. how do you justify the destruction of Thomas Hutchinson and Major James's house? How do you justify the destruction of 10,000 lbs worth of tea on December 16, 1773? If violence against persons and the destruction of property qualify the use of arms, is your country not justified in using arms to adjudicate these situations?

Mr. Paine's rhetoric is dangerous. Some may be tricked by his craft title, but with just a little bit of investigation, you fellow citizens will be unconvinced by this unreasoned, traitorous propaganda.