“Thomas Paine’s” Open Letter to President Obama
I somehow missed the videos from “Thomas Paine” that went viral a few months ago. I rather like these and I find it hilarious that the guy portraying Paine is a former actor from the 70s Hawaii Five-O TV show!
While this video is addressed to President Obama, what I find interesting about it is that it could be directed at just about every president and congresscritter that have been in office during my lifetime. Basso’s choice of Thomas Paine to portray in these videos is probably quite appropriate as the real Paine if he were around today would be taking all of our politicians to the proverbial woodshed.
– John (Average Gay Joe)
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Thanks for posting this, John. I saw it a while back and intended to do the same.
Comment by GayPatriot — October 18, 2009 @ 6:31 pm - October 18, 2009
BOOSH!!!
Comment by ThatGayConservative — October 18, 2009 @ 7:42 pm - October 18, 2009
OK. You do realize that Paine was very much against all forms of Empire – our stationing of troops in 158 + countries would leave him apoplectic. He would also be very much opposed to going to war with any country without Congress declaring so specifically – not the weaselly language we use today to indemnify congress from the decision as they did when they advocated that responsibility to the executive in the case on the war on terror. I will not call myself a scolar on Paine per-see, but I’ve read enough of his life and writing to know that he would be appalled by America, not just under Obama, but what we’ve become over the last 50 years.
So an actor puts on a wig and make-up, pretends to be Thomas Paine, and you buy it hook, line, and sinker! Come on I know you’ve read as much if not more on Paine than I have. You should know better.
.
Comment by Sonicfrog — October 19, 2009 @ 1:45 am - October 19, 2009
Bruce: You’re welcome. I stumbled across these videos and enjoyed them so of course had to post one.
Sonic: Yes, I am aware which is why I thought his choice of Paine was perfect and also why I said:
“While this video is addressed to President Obama, what I find interesting about it is that it could be directed at just about every president and congresscritter that have been in office during my lifetime. Basso’s choice of Thomas Paine to portray in these videos is probably quite appropriate as the real Paine if he were around today would be taking all of our politicians to the proverbial woodshed.”
Comment by John — October 19, 2009 @ 5:23 am - October 19, 2009
Sorry, that didn’t register. I think I was too peaved when I watched the vid.
The problem is, that anyone who isn’t familiar with Paine will take this as “Paine is really pissed at Obama, but everyone else was OK”. There is way way too much twisting of the word of the FF’s to justify ones political agenda.
Comment by Sonicfrog — October 19, 2009 @ 10:38 am - October 19, 2009
I love Basso’s version of Thomas Paine, thanks for posting it. I have posted his work previously on my blog as well. Seeing yours made me look him up again, turns out he’s got a new video about our common bond as Americans… I had to make it my post for today.
Comment by Full Metal Patriot — October 19, 2009 @ 12:08 pm - October 19, 2009
Good find, Joe. I love Paine.
Comment by Tim — October 19, 2009 @ 12:54 pm - October 19, 2009
sonic, I think you’re on target with your comments… I didn’t read “Thomas Paine”, I read “Modern Day Conservative Chicken Little”.
He sounds more like Rush Limbaugh on a good day than Rush.
Comment by Michigan-Matt — October 19, 2009 @ 12:58 pm - October 19, 2009
Find Christopher Hitchens little book on Paine. it’s short, but a very good primer…. plus it’s Hitchens, that alone makes it more than worth the read!
Comment by Sonicfrog — October 19, 2009 @ 1:27 pm - October 19, 2009
Did I hear correctly that Thomas Paine wants to abolish the Electoral College?
Comment by RJLigier — October 20, 2009 @ 4:10 am - October 20, 2009