Welcome to the Thomas Paine Project Blog. As the blogname implies, we are hoping to spark discussion and hopefully action with regard to the many challenges facing America both now and in the future. We are non-partisan, and seek reasoned debate as oposed to the name-calling and yelling each other down that has passed for public policy discourse over the last several years. That may provide some with entertainment, and vent our frustrations with the system, but it does little to address the issues that are of critical importance.

It is a shame that so many those we trust to represent us in government have decided to join in the free-for-all, rather than set about doing the people's business. In the sound-bite driven media world we live in, too many of our legislators, executives, and even justices have succumbed to sloganeering, rather than debate, careful deliberation, and action. As is reflected in the business world, results are what matters. Polling numbers for all government institutions are at an all time low - a response to the lack of results produced. The ideal espoused by the framers of the Constitution - a citizen representing his fellow citizens in the public interest - has been replaced. The image many view our elected officials in is that of a self-serving scoundrel using government service as a stepping stone to the hog trough of easy money and influence. This is not to say all or even most in government are corrupt - I have faith that many are hard-working with noble intentions, doing the best they can in a bad situation. My point would be that the extreme polarization of the parties, and the media hunger for scandal and bad news fan the flames of discontent in this country, and minimize our willingness to truly work together, respecting each other's viewpoints, towards the solutions we all seek.

This will be open forum for comments. We ask that you respect our goal of keeping the debate both factual and civil. Check in often as the topic list grows.

with common sense,
Robert L Brandner
Chairman & Publisher