"Common Sense" by Thomas Paine applies as much today as 1776

Jan 16, 2024

The searing criticisms of an overbearing, unaccountable government in "Common Sense" by Thomas Paine ring as true today as they did in 1776.

The pamphlet expressed a radical democratic spirit. It encouraged everyone to evaluate the case for independence. Independence from a king was a highly innovative idea at the time. Human history has been dominated by strongmen; kings, dictators, rulers of all types. 

 

One of the key ideas in "Common Sense" is “We have it in our power to begin the world over again” This was truly revolutionary and influenced the Revolution and lead to the Declaration of Independence. 

 

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,—That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it,"

 

Thomas Jefferson described The Declaration of Independence as an aspirational document. It inspires mankind to an ideal. We need more of this, not less. When this was written, only white men who were landowners could vote. Over time, our country has expanded freedom and increased who can vote. We should be proud of this legacy.

 

The Declaration of Independence also states it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish government that interferes with the People's rights. This is astonishing. 

 

We have an opportunity to alter our government in the election this fall. Most Americans are against an open border and more money to Ukraine. We need to vote out any representative that supports these agendas. They are not representing their constituents. If we replaced most of them, that would send a clear message.

 

The US has a record $34 trillion debt. This is a truly depressing achievement. This is more than the value of China, Japan, Germany, India, and the UK economies combined. 

 

The debt has more than doubled since 2013. The US is spending about $2 billion per day on interest payments alone. This is dangerous for our economy and our national security. It is unsustainable.  

 

 

 

I predict 2024 could become very chaotic. Risk in 2024 likely will be highly elevated. We are in uncharted political waters. Market risk will likely be higher.

 

- Market risk will likely be higher. Protect your money. Reduce your market risk. Diversify. Have some guaranteed assets.

- The government will be pressured to increase revenues as debt increases. Raising taxes is one method. Create a tax-free bucket of money.

 

 

Your Personal Bank dividends are interest rate sensitive and will thrive in a higher interest rate environment. Dividends are likely to increase for the next several years due to higher interest rates. 

 

Your Personal Bank funds grow income tax-free and you can access tax-free. This shields you from likely higher future tax rates. You can grow your money safely, with guarantees, tax-free, and highly liquid.

 

 

Contact me at [e-mail] if you want info on how to thrive financially in 2024.