February 1: Thomas Paine reflections

"I believe in the equality of man; and I believe that religious duties consist in doing justice, loving mercy, and endeavoring to make our fellow-creatures happy."- Thomas Paine

Every day when I drive to and from work, I drive past this statue of Thomas Paine (1737-1809), and have seen him sitting here through the seasons, reflectively writing his thoughts with his rifle over his knee. He was "an English-American political activist, philosopher, political theorist, and revolutionary,.. and a Founding Father of the United States; he authored the two most influential pamphlets at the start of the American Revolution, and.. inspired the rebels in 1776 to declare independence from Britain" (Wikipedia). Dusted with snow, he seemed more pensive than on other occasions when the weather is brighter...he was truly revolutionary, but his quotes are not outrageous. We need to go back to the thinking of equality, loving mercy, and trying to do good by our neighbours in faith and hope to keep this nation great!