The Father of the American Revolution

Every February, we as a nation celebrate--and rightfully so--the birthdays of two of our greatest Presidents:  Washington and Lincoln.  The Father of our nation and the man who saved our nation.  Both of these men are a huge part of our national heritage, but neither may have had the good fortune they had without the man called the Father of the American Revolution:  Thomas Paine.

Today is the anniversary of Thomas Paine's birthday (born January 29, 1737).  Most Americans may not realize (myself included before a few months ago) the legacy of Tom Paine.  His political tract, Common Sense, is the best selling book in American history.  In January of  1776 there were approximately two and a half million people living in America.  Over the next three months, by Paine's estimate, Common Sense sold 120,000 copies (historians' estimate: 500,000). That may not sound like much, but to put those numbers in the context of America today, it would be comparable to a book being released today and by the end of April selling 15 million copies (by historians' estimate, 60 million).

Common Sense was discussed and analyzed by thousands of American patriots, most especially those not of a wealthier breeding, and provided the impetus for the Revolution that would begin in earnest on July 4, 1776.  Paine not only talked the talk, he walked the walk:  after the colonies declared revolution, Paine signed on (at the age of thirty-nine) as a private in the army of General George Washington.  During his time in the army, when the colonies were suffering massive defeats, Paine also took the time to write The Crisis papers, a series of essays that were read to the troops to strengthen their resolve (Most famous line:  "These are the times that try men's souls....").

Paine would go on to serve our young nation in various capacities, but made tremendous mistakes in a) severly criticizing George Washington after he became President (Paine believed Washington had conspired to have him thrown in prison in France while Paine was there exhorting the masses during the French Revolution), and b) massively underestimating how hateful Christians could be when one questions their doctrine (as Paine did in his The Age of Reason) and came to lose much of the stature he had so richly earned.

When Paine died in 1809, a mere six people attended his funeral.

I have no idea what Thomas Paine would make of America today, but for all our faults and inanities, it's a hell of good place to call home.  So Happy Birthday, Mr. Paine--and thank you for being the impetus that got this crazy ball we call America rolling.

Peace,
emaycee