As a fifth-grade teacher in Colorado, probably the most important thing I can instill in students is the belief that all their voices are important. Their future does not have to be inevitable. “Little voices” can make dramatic impacts on events. That is Thomas Paine’s greatest contribution to our country. His pamphlet, Common Sense, spoke to all the voices in the 13 colonies during a time of great fear and indecision. He gave a vast number of citizens a vision of what each could do, 176 days before the Declaration of Independence. A belief that power should radiate from the citizens. That message is still paramount to all our students today. For that pamphlet alone, Paine needs to be recognized as a intrical part of the American miracle.

Mark Wilensky,
author of “The Elementary Common Sense of Thomas Paine: An Interactive Adaptation for All Ages”
http://www.NewCommonSenseBook.com

Reading the words of Thomas Paine and the commentary both you and Mr. Wilensky have added I can’t help but think that many of our politicians today, and our news media reporters are of the “summer soldier and sunshine patriot” bent.

Haveing spoken this week with an honored veteran of 3 tours overseas, recently released from almost a year and a half of active duty as an administrator state side while several units under his command spent nearly the same time in Iraq, I am once again amazed at how little those of us here know about the sacrifices, heroism, and blessings that should be told about the men and women who are NOT summer soldiers or sunshine patriots. While we hear crying about the “many” who are killed in this war, he tells me that the casualties are lower than in any other war before…less than 1%. While I am the first to say that it is better if none should die. I do not wish for any to loose someone dear. But I also will say that there are things that are worth dying for.

He further tells me that he looses fewer men from his units when they are in-country than when they are home. He tells me with honesty and statistics… and the wisdom of one who has been there, that they are safer on the ground in Irac than here at home. They watch each other’s backs, are prepared and expecting trouble so are less likely to be surprised or harmed by it should it come their way. They are armored, armed, and ready.

Here death takes them by surprise… the drunk driver, the random shot, the car out of control that runs them down, the injury or illness that they do not have treated in time…

Little voices can make a difference. Each man and woman that goes to fight has a little voice, collectively they become a resounding force that cannot be stopped, unless the little “people” here at home bushwhack them… the snipers in Congress or in the media pick them off.

My friend tells me that the media could report 100’s of stories of heroism and generosity every day, if they only would. But that does not suit their agenda.

So maybe it is time for an agenda of litle voices, like Thomas Paine, who has not been forgotten after all these many years. I will share this blog with my friend and invite him to participate in this venue… or to suggest other ways that little voices can come together and maybe make a lasting impression somewhere, with someone, with you who read here if no one else. We, the Citizens…

Okay, I am done. I have maybe said nothing except to rant a bit. But I appreciate the opportunity to have my little voice heard someplace besides my own little room.

Thank you for the opportunity to share here.