“Government ought to be as much open to improvement as anything which appertains to man, instead of which it has been monopolized from age to age, by the most ignorant and vicious of the human race. Need we any other proof of their wretched management, than the excess of debts and taxes with which every nation groans, and the quarrels into which they have precipitated the world?”

Transparency! Where is the transparency??!!

It appears that Paine was describing the Obama,Pelosi, and Reed axis.

The problem with a representative democracy is that no Good man would willingly rule over another. And when a society declines morally and intellectually, there are far fewer reluctant servants than willing rulers.

Jim, you never give up do you. Unfortunately, TP is right, but it shouldn't be so - occasionally in history there have been good men that represents the people. But, GREED, bigotry, intolerance, and ego get in the way. Yes, we are still ten feet from the cave.

This is the very reason the American system of jurisprudence based on the charter of the Constitution LIMITS the power of government. Instead, those in power endeavor to transform the government into a ruling class that educates us to believe that they are the boss, and we must obey. Nothing could be further from the truth. I find it surprising that most 'party men' agree that the other party is totally corrupt while their own party has only the 'rare' errant representative...

The government is ten feet from my cave. They want to take it, and I aim to keep it.

How true,how true, how true! The present administration is walking, living proof!

In Paine's day, the list of greviences paled in comparison to today's tyranny and slavery at large. Add to Paine's observed awful situation an ever expanding 2nd plank of the communist manifesto and the larceny of funny-money, the groans from wretched management only becomes more deafening.

Amen, Mr. P. !

Simplicity is the key to understanding our founding doctrines of honest, natural, Just laws ordained by the Creator. These are timeless. Therefore it seems as yesterday is as today.

It is always the manipulation of the management class, to take a bribe, where tyranny takes place. Upper management rarely if ever takes sides with the wage slave, general labor. But with the independent they will do business. Leaving the less, to educate, up to you. I Really like Archer's comment ! Five more stars, for a great quote and comments.

" Ten feet from the Cave " is the best yet ! tokens anyone ?

In my efforts for seeking a government of the people, completely ignoring elected officials of course, I observe Fairness, reality, education, dedication, Stability, independence, loyalty, logic, intelligence, and kindness.