Harvey Kaye is a personal friend as well as colleague. He has taught me a lot about American history, particularly FDR’s Economic Bill of Rights. In today’s interview I wanted to hear more about Thomas Paine.
I knew some basics about Paine, including his pamphlet Common Sense and what a pivotal role it played in the American Revolution. Given current events I’ve had a heightened sense of Paine’s relevance to our situation in America today, and wanted to sit down with Harvey to hear more.
Of all Paine’s extraordinary quotes, this is my favorite:
These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; it would be strange indeed if so celestial article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.
— Common Sense
The spirits of many of our great historical figures are speaking to us now, with guidance that lights our paths today. More and more, it serves us to listen. Who would have thought that knowing history could be such a powerful tool?
Harvey J Kaye is Professor Emeritus of Democracy and Justice at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and a member of the American Federation of Teachers. An award winning author and editor of 18 books — including THOMAS PAINE AND THE PROMISE OF AMERICA, THE FIGHT FOR THE FOUR FREEDOMS, and FDR ON DEMOCRACY — and he’s currently coauthoring a book with Alan Minsky of Progressive Democrats of America to be titled: SAVING DEMOCRACY: THE CASE FOR A 21C ECONOMIC BILL OF RIGHTS.
Thank you, Harvey!
