Quotes that Irritate Progressives

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Birthplace of Independent Conservatism


I must admit that I have fun irritating the progressive collectivists that dwell amongst us. For one I believe by understanding history we gain the knowledge and power to shape the future. Conversely in failing to understand history we undoubtedly will continue the mistakes of the past. Second I believe that wisdom is timeless. One only need apply the wisdom to the realities of present circumstances.

"Repeal that [welfare] law, and you will soon see a change in their manners. St.
Monday and St. Tuesday, will soon cease to be holidays. Six days shalt thou labor,
though one of the old commandments long treated as out of date, will again be looked
upon as a respectable precept; industry will increase, and with it plenty among the
lower people; their circumstances will mend, and more will be done for their
happiness by inuring them to provide for themselves, than could be done by dividing
all your estates among them." -- Benjamin Franklin (letter to Collinson, 9 May 1753)


"Freedom had been hunted round the globe; reason was considered as rebellion; and
the slavery of fear had made men afraid to think. But such is the irresistible
nature of truth, that all it asks, and all it wants, is the liberty of appearing."
--Thomas Paine, Rights of Man, 1791


"The only foundation of a free Constitution, is pure virtue, and if this cannot be
inspired into our people, in a greater measure than they have it now, they may
change their rulers, and the forms of government, but they will not obtain a lasting
liberty." --John Adams, letter to Zabdiel Adams, 1776

History and wisdom. I am sure to some these are just words of great men from a past era. Inapplicable to the "modern" world. But I ask... can anyone refute them. Even today?

My blogging has been light this week as I had make yet another adjustment to my schedule. As I will be out of town this weekend {pleasure not business} blogging will continue to be light.

I hope to be back at a regular content level shortly. Have a great weekend! See you in the blogoshere Sunday evening.

Comments

  1. Our feral government is an unintended consequences machine. Anyone with a passing notion of history and human nature can immediately see what the problem is.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Somehow Tom Paine is considered as some sort of hero by leftists who favor government taking our rights and property away.

    ReplyDelete
  3. dmarks - In his time Paine was truly a liberal. While recognizing property rights and the right to each to enjoy liberty he was in fact a socially mined person and believed government had a place in keeping the social compact if you will.

    I believe Paine was a complex man and indeed modern progressive collectivists can find Paine's writings supportive of their agenda.

    In a large sense I think they have just taken what Paine said beyond the borders of what he would consider rational. He was all things considered a great common man.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yep, Paine was complex...might we say
    'A Man for All Seasons'?

    ReplyDelete
  5. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  6. The above post was removed by blog owner because the commenter, whoever she/he is failed to abide by the above stated blog protocol.

    Sorry commentator, try again when you can observe the rules of this site.

    Les Carpenter
    Editor in Chief
    Rational Nation USA
    Birthplace of Independent Conservatiam

    ReplyDelete

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