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DEXTER - “These are the times that try men's souls.” So said Thomas Paine in his epic essay, The Crisis, on December 23, 1776. His aim was to persuade his readers to be aware of their human rights and democratic equality. He wanted American citizens to reject hereditary rule with all its rank and privilege. He argued for independence from Britain and abhorred the misery and poverty resulting from rule by an aristocracy with rank and privilege, not just in America, but world-wide. He called for a government that respects human rights. He felt rights and liberties were the essence of a persons humanity, and every person is born with equal rights, regardless of their social status or economic well being. We have a crisis unfolding before us today. Only a few are seemed to be aware of what is happening all around them. It is affecting people all over the world. Everything seems to be converging into a crisis situation: volatile energy supply, climate change, severe weather conditions, terrorism, financial turmoil, food shortages, political instability and human rights abuses all over the globe. Has our American governments rule become similar to the aristocratic rule of over 200 years again where a few wealthy and powerful benefit, and many suffer? The Abbott Memorial Library will discuss this and other issues on June 25th at their monthly meeting. The public is invited. |
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