Interestingly, Paine once again plays with the political lexicon, giving it a new dimension, if not revolutionizing it. The revolution occurs first and foremost in the use of words. Patriotism is no longer an individual's love of a country, but an adherence to moral principles and a form of government, namely the representative republic. It's a fine quotation that sums up Paine's political thinking in a nutshell - and there's a lot more to say on the subject...
Superb comment. Right on-target. Thanks so much, brother. It is precisely this utter LACK of principle that is missing in the discourse today. It reminds me of the George Bernard Shaw quote that I sent around recently: "Capitalism has destroyed out belief in any effective power but that of self-interest backed by force."
My pleasure, Ken.
Interestingly, Paine once again plays with the political lexicon, giving it a new dimension, if not revolutionizing it. The revolution occurs first and foremost in the use of words. Patriotism is no longer an individual's love of a country, but an adherence to moral principles and a form of government, namely the representative republic. It's a fine quotation that sums up Paine's political thinking in a nutshell - and there's a lot more to say on the subject...
Superb comment. Right on-target. Thanks so much, brother. It is precisely this utter LACK of principle that is missing in the discourse today. It reminds me of the George Bernard Shaw quote that I sent around recently: "Capitalism has destroyed out belief in any effective power but that of self-interest backed by force."