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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 28, 2018)
22 Wednesday, February 28, 2018 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Through THESE EYES Jim Williams, Columnist Making sense of ‘Common Sense’ Not long ago I was read- ing the late Christopher Hitchens book “Hitch-22,” which was a fond look back at the life of a brilliant writer who was suffering from late- stage esophageal cancer. He frequently mentioned Paine. I had to admit that I was unfamiliar with who this guy was. Unsatisfied with this revelation, I did a little Google sleuthing and discovered who and what Thomas Paine was — only one of the most important figures in the history of our country. Paine wrote “Common Sense,” or what he called, “the little pamphlet.” This “pamphlet” was a rallying point for what became the Declaration of Independence. Initially published anonymously in January of 1776, “Common Sense” was written by an Englishman. At first, the working title was “Plain Truth.” Starting out as a series of letters, it became too large to publish in that form so Paine later elected to publish it in pamphlet form. “Common Sense” pre- sented to Americans during this time the most concise argument for freedom from British rule when many Americans were still unde- cided about which direc- tion the country should pro- ceed. What made “Common Sense” such a great book was that Paine wrote it in a way that the common person could read and understand it. “Common Sense” was written in only four sections, outlining each argument for independence, noting the dis- tinction between society and government, and explained the origins of monarchies and heredity succession from both a historical and biblical perspective. Paine argued in such a way it was clear that monarchies were obsolete and were no way to govern a new country based on free- dom and liberty. More importantly, Paine laid out in precise detail the disagreement with British rule. He explained in simple terms how ridiculous it was for a small English island to rule a huge and unexplored continent. He also pre- sented a big-picture view of America as more than just a British colony; it was now a new country made up of peo- ple from all over Europe and beyond. The book allowed Americans to see how British rule and it’s actions against America were not only immoral, but would see America as a British colony dragged unnecessarily into British wars. Paine’s pamphlet was the most popular book of the entire revolutionary era. Paine made political and moral ideas easy to under- stand for the common man. The book brought Americans together to debate political issues of the day. Disdaining large words and complex phrases, Paine wrote in a concise, simple way that helped make the book acces- sible to all Americans. Even Americans who were illiter- ate could hear the book read in public gatherings and become part of the debate. Despite this, many of the colonists were unsure about whether to declare indepen- dence or remain loyal to British rule. Many in fact were leaning toward rec- onciliation with the King. But the moving words of Thomas Paine eventually inspired the colonists to get off the fence and into a fight for their independence and the future of their country. In addition to “Common Sense,” Paine wrote several other pamphlets worthy of note. “The Rights of Man” offered Paine’s defense of the French Revolution. His views on this led to some jail time, and nearly got him executed. It appears that the ruling French didn’t take too kindly to an Englishman stir- ring up the locals with talk of social welfare, advocat- ing policies like progressive taxation, retirement benefits, and public employment. Not to mention voting for their rulers instead of having them appointed for them by the ruling monarchy. Later, Paine produced probably his greatest work, “The Age of Reason.” Here, Paine promoted deism, and challenges institutional- ized religion and the legiti- macy of the Bible. You can’t say that Paine didn’t know whom to piss-off in his life- time. Despite his influence, only six people attended his funeral. The importance of Thomas Paine and “Common Sense” to the founding of this country can- not be overstated. In 1805, just a few years before Paine’s death, John Adams wrote, “I know not whether any man in the world has had more influ- ence on its inhabitants or affairs for the last thirty years than Tom Paine.” I’m sure I would have dis- covered who Tom Paine was at some point, but I’d like to thank Chris Hitchens for his wonderful book, “Hitch-22,” which exposed me to the writings of Thomas Paine as well as many other things. Look for a column about Christopher Hitchens in the near future. 4 OUT OF 5 MEN SAY THEIR HAIR FEELS STRONGER, LOOKS THICKER... ROUNDABOUT: Council will decide at March 14 meeting Continued from page 1 The art will remain on display at City Hall through February 28. The committee is to meet to determine on a rec- ommendation on March 1 and will present their recommen- dation to the council in time for a decision at the March 14 meeting, Abbenhuis said. All three of the artist pro- posals have local connec- tions. John Fleming from Seattle, Washington has col- laborated with Jeff Wester of Sisters’ Ponderosa Forge and IronWorks to create “Butte.” Wester’s work is well-known in Sisters Country and appre- ciated for its form, function, and artistry. Danae Bennett-Miller lives in Tumalo, and her son Logan graduated from Sisters High METAMORPHOSIS 541-549-1784, 161-C N. Elm St. PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS The Barclay/Highway 20 roundabout will be an artistic focal point by fall of 2018. The city council will decide in March on what that art will be. School last year. The heron sculpture located in Barclay Park is her creation. Her proposal is titled “A Land of Contrasts.” “Mountain Helix” is the entry from Roger White Stoller of Portola Valley, California. He has a brother who lives in Sisters and has made numerous visits to the area. The art installation is The Sweetest Gift of All…A Beautiful Smile! Call now to schedule your complimentary consultation $300 discount for the month of March when you start a comprehensive treatment program. New patients only. Flexible fi nancing. Smile by Grace & The Brace Place! 541-382-0410 410 E. Cascade Ave., Sisters CentralOregonBracePlace.com projected for completion by fall 2018. The project is fully funded by a Federal Lands Access Program Grant (FLAP) in the amount of $200,000. Men’s Haircuts! Dr. Thomas R. Rheuben General, Cosmetic, Implant and Family Dentistry ~ Over 22 years Serving Sisters ~ We are preferred providers for Delta Dental PPO and Premier, MODA, Advantage, Pacifi c Source, Cigna and the V.A. 541-549-0109 | 304 W. Adams Ave. | Sisters FURRY FRIEND S 501 ( c )( 3 ) FOUNDATION Now located in the Sisters Art Works building (next door to Habitat ReStore) 204 W. Adams Ave., Ste. 109 Open Tuesday & Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mailing address: PO Box 1175, Sisters, OR 97759 Phone number: 541-797-4023. This ad sponsored by The Nugget Newspaper
