A Statue, per chance, A Lesson

Now with all the fuss about statues perhaps there is one which is acceptable. This is Thomas Paine, in a small park down the road from the center of Morristown, not far from the Inn that Washington and Hamilton would hang out from time to time.

Paine one could say was sinless, at least as per the current standards. He donated what little money he made from his publishing to the Revolutionary cause, he then moved to France to assist that Revolution. He did get crosswise with Robespierre, but one could say anyone would have done so. He understood Liberte, Equalite, Fraternite as simple, freedom, individualism as per de Tocqueville, and the freedom of associations. He did not especially like Jefferson, and Adams found him even more strident than he was, but his words resonated.

His social views ring clearly even today. So perhaps we should look for the statues of those whose insight has lingered in a positive sense. Good old Tom!