Common Sense, Published on This Date



In 1776 Thomas Paine published Common Sense, a political and moral case for the colonists to reject subjugation by a monarchy far away. His message?

The British — what do we need them for?

Need. Now we're talkin'.

I dreamed I met Paine's ghost and we discussed our common interests in this country. It went like this:

You made a case for the utter needlessness of England in brokering our lives. How does need figure into revolution?

Everyone has needs. Ask Maslow. At the top is self-actualization. Unless a "partner" is necessary for that actualization, you have the obligation — to yourself — to distance yourself from that partner — forge your own path.

Is this need common sense?

It is. Unfortunately, many people misinterpret things as things they need.

Such as?

Stability. A sense of belonging. Being in the majority.

Being in the majority?

Yes. The majority is not always right.

But that's what self-actualization is. Especially for a nation — moving together.

Was Germany in the 1930s a righteous majority? You see, a democracy often gets what it wants. Or should I say, what it thinks it needs, translated, deserves. The popular vote is a dangerous thing. And a sense of belonging fuels the danger. And remember, there's only one letter's difference between danger and anger. Let me ask you this... Make America Great Again — for whom? or, alternatively, invoking Barack Obama, "Yes, we can!" Yes... we can do — what? And for whom?

So you're saying that what the people want and what they need are two different things, right?

No. History has shown they become the same when the majority rules.

So, a dictatorship or an aristocracy is a better determinant of need?

Oh, God, no. Any system, any government, any hierarchy of needs can go sour when want becomes need.

So what system can prevent that?

None. Even an "enlightened" democracy isn't bulletproof. We must use our brains and reconsult our innate sense of right and wrong. We have to stay smart.

Oh, I get it. Use Common Sense.

Unless it's gone away, but that really is what we need, don't you think?