Common Sense 2026: Striving toward an American Ideal for 250 Years...and Counting!

Thomas Paine published Common Sense exactly 250 years ago today. He encouraged the then British colonists to fight the establishment, revolt against evil monarchs, and declare independence from oppressive regimes. His message is as relevant now as it was then, and his other insights on abolition, reparations, women's rights, social security (way before it was called that), and true "justice for all" were as visionary as they were revolutionary! Let's imagine the United States of Paine, if we had truly embraced these ideals during his lifetime. Tom H. Sims is adjunct professor and VP of Institutional Advancement at Manor College outside Philadelphia, PA. He is also a self-publisher who studies the business of independent publishing in the United States. Benjamin Franklin may have institutionalized self-publishing and is often called its "Patron Saint," but Paine pushed the limits, incited a revolt, and was a best-selling author in his day. He certainly earned his place as a Founding Father for indie publishing as well as for this country.