About Me
Dave specializes on topics related to the United States Constitution, founding principles, and American history...
Thomas Paine and Religious Liberty
In Thomas Paine’s day, no idea was more accepted than the idea that the church was inextricably connected to the state. Even so, Paine argued the rigid bond between religion and state was a dire mistake for civilization.
Thomas Paine, Execution Escape Artist
Americans generally remember Thomas Paine as the renowned writer of Common Sense, the most persuasive and popular case for American independence from the British crown. However, many may be unaware that the radical political agitator later returned to his native Europe, where his actions led him to be sentenced to execution in both England and France.
Thomas Paine, Bridgebuilder
Thomas Paine had many talents beyond writing, but the most surprising and under-appreciated was his aptitude for engineering.
Thomas Paine, The First American Whistleblower
In 2013, Edward Snowden’s revelations about the invasive nature of the American surveillance state raised many questions about state secrecy, the morality of state whistleblowing, and the role of government in general. What many don’t realize, however, was that the same dynamics were also at play during the American War for Independence, when Thomas Paine proved to be the first American whistleblower.
Thomas Paine, Abolitionist
In 1774, there was nothing more extreme than a belief in the abolition of slavery. Nevertheless, before there was Common Sense and The Rights of Man, there was Thomas Paine the abolitionist.
Thomas Paine, Tax Collector?
What would you think if I told you that America’s banner-waver of the American Revolution – often described as a “tax revolt” – was actually a tax collector? Well, I don’t have to allege it, because it’s true.
The Political Influence of James Wilson’s State House Yard Speech
Despite his own ideological proclivities, Wilson articulated the plain truth – that the Constitution was a federal model based on enumerated powers rather than general authority.