Category Archives: Paine

Europe in the Shadow of the US: What Does Paine’s and Our Common Sense Say about American Nature?

Posted on October 15, 2017 by

“We have boasted the protection of Great-Britain, without considering, that her motive was interest not attachment; that she did not protect us from our enemies on our account. But from her enemies on her own account, from those who had … Continue reading →

Posted in Paine | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Don’t go with the Flow

Posted on April 10, 2016 by

Going back a bit into the course, I want to write this blog post on the inequality of women. Quite a generic topic, I know, but something that really stuck out to me when we were reading the article about … Continue reading →

Image | Posted on April 10, 2016 by | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Paine and the Modern Connection

Posted on January 31, 2013 by

Thomas Paine was an interesting person as i am sure you all have read. He had a lot of good ideas and a lot of radical ideas, but mostly what i will be covering is how his ideas from his … Continue reading →

Posted in Democracy, Paine, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Don’t Exclude Me, Paine and Shklar!

Posted on October 16, 2011 by

In Common Sense, Thomas Paine expresses utter disdain towards Britain for its treatment of the colonialists.  Paine and his fellow civic republicans sought to limit the influence of the Crown since “her own interest leads her to suppress the growth … Continue reading →

Posted in Citizenship, Paine, Shklar | 6 Comments

Diversity: Threat and Value

Posted on October 9, 2011 by

As students at the University of Michigan we appreciate the many benefits of diversity. The University is composed of people of various religions, races, and ethnicities. Diversity is touted as one of the University’s core values. “The University’s diverse blend … Continue reading →

Posted in Paine, The Democratic Wish | 5 Comments

Why Paine’s Lottery Is Not Plausible

Posted on October 7, 2011 by

Thomas Paine’s pamphlet Common Sense reminds me of how the leader of a society must be able to interact with their public.  In the book he writes about how anybody should be able to rule due to a lottery, but … Continue reading →

Posted in Paine | 4 Comments

Troy Davis, Race, & the Justice System

Posted on October 3, 2011 by

The recent execution of Troy Davis has caused much media buzz. If you’re unfamiliar with the case, read here. According to Reuters, using data from the Pew Center, Georgia has the highest rate of incarceration—1 in every 13 citizens is … Continue reading →

Posted in Paine, Rand / Kemmis | 3 Comments

Thomas Paine: Champion of Civic Republicans or Closet Power Monger?

Posted on September 29, 2011 by

            Although he may never have known it, it is apparent that Thomas Paine embodied the characteristics of a Civic Republican, at least when he wrote Common Sense. It’s easy for us to see now; but even today, civic republicanism … Continue reading →

Posted in Paine | 6 Comments

Paine and Exclusion

Posted on September 27, 2011 by

The exclusions that Paine includes in Common Sense are undoubtedly still with us today. Religious intolerance, while not as explicit today, is still a very real problem in America. In Common Sense, Paine excluded Quakers and Jewish people explicitly and … Continue reading →

Posted in Paine | 5 Comments

The Paine’s of Exclusion in Today’s Society

Posted on September 26, 2011 by

In lecture we were asked to complete an assignment, as a group, referencing opinions that we formed about Thomas Paine’s Appendix and Crisis.  A question that particularly stuck out to me was, “Do you think Paine’s exclusions are still with … Continue reading →

Posted in Paine | 1 Comment