Glenn Beck - Glenn Becks Common Sense: The Case Against an Out-of-Control Government, Inspired by Thomas Paine

Two hundred and thirty-five years ago, a British citizen with only a basic education set off to make a new life for himself in the British colonies. For two years he worked hard and watched as his fellow colonists grew tired of British oppression. Then he decided to act. Using his contacts in the publishing industry, Thomas Paine anonymously released a pamphlet that made the case for revolution using extraordinarily logical, straightforward, indisputable arguments.

He called it Common Sense .

Once Paine put his feelings into words, he realized that he wasnt alone. Only seven months passed between the release of Common Sense in January 1776 and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Seven monthsa pinpoint in the history of time, but a moment that put the colonies on an irreversible track toward revolution and, ultimately, freedom.

Seven months that changed the world, forever.

Today we find ourselves back in 1776but this time our path forward isnt so clear-cut. The abuses being perpetrated by our government are just as obvious now as they were then, but instead of rising up with a collective voice, we sit idly by and watch as our hard-won freedoms slowly dissolve into a puddle of apathy, political correctness, and outright corruption.

We feel helpless and alone as we hear confusing debates over obscure issues play out on the airwaves daily. But thats the lie. The infighting and the purposeful division promoted by our political parties is a simple ploy to keep us from uniting. After all, a citizenry that fights among itself over petty differences is too busy to notice the real cause of its problems.

As you read the details of the immense harm that both parties have done to our country, you might find yourself wondering what can be done to change our course. I lay out several options, but I want to be clear that none of them includes violence. Thomas Paine and his fellow revolutionaries shed their blood so that future generations would have access to weapons immeasurably stronger than muskets or bayonets: the weapons of democracy. Those are the tools that we will use to usher in a second American revolution, a revolution that wont be fought on battlefields, but in the hearts and minds of the three hundred million people lucky enough to call America home.

Over the years, many revolutionaries have used sharp tongues instead of sharp knivesand the results have been extraordinary. Martin Luther King, Jr., for instance, once said to his supporters: The question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will beThe nation and the world are in dire need of creative extremists.

It was inflammatory language, but he meant that it is much easier to simply die for a cause than it is to find inventive, effective means to fight for it. Violence is the easy way outbut its also a sure path to discrediting everything you stand for, something that those opposed to him found out the hard way.

Nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral questions of our time, King said while accepting the Nobel Prize. He continued, [man must] overcome oppression and violence without resorting to oppression and violence. Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.

History has proven that King was rightand so our new revolution of thought begins right nowwith you.

Thomas Paine was an unremarkable man living in a remarkable time. He proved that it doesnt take celebrity, stature, or wealth to make a differenceit only takes someone willing to say the things that need to be said. Well, I am no Thomas Painehe was an extraordinary writer, a renowned motivator, and a heroic patriotbut the words that follow also need to be said, if for no other reason than to ease my own conscience.

If you believe that its time to put principles above parties, character above campaign promises, and Common Sense above allthen I ask you to read this book, declare yourself a creative extremist, and then pass these words along to others who may agree with something else that Martin Luther King, Jr., once said:

The hottest place in Hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great moral conflict.

Do not remain neutral. Do not sit idly by. Do not let others speak for you. Silence has gotten us nowhere so its once again time for our collective voice to make a simple yet powerful demand

Dont Tread on Me.

I think I know who you are.

After September 11, 2001, you thought our country had changed for the better. But the months that followed proved otherwise. We began to divide ourselves and the partisan bickering that had been absent from blood donor lines and church services started all over again.

You sometimes argue with friends about politics, not because you are a political activist, but because you think the issues are actually important. You have strong beliefs, but you also have an open mind and a warm heart.

You try to do the right thing every day. You work hard, you always try to do your best, and you play by the rules.

You have credit cards, but you can make the payments. You have a home, but with a loan you can afford. Maybe you bought a flat-screen television that wasnt exactly a necessity, but youve never been reckless.

You dont have much in savings and your retirement plans have lost a significant amount of money.

You may go to church, but most weekends, you dont really want toyoud rather sleep in or play with your kids. Besides, it bothers you that people cut each other off in the parking lot right after the service.

You have children and, like all families, you also have your share of problemsbut youre making it. You constantly hope that your kids dont notice youre bluffing as a parent most of the time.