Thomas Paine on Anonymous Writers - February 14, 1776
Published anonymously by Thomas Paine in January of 1776, Common Sense was an instant best-seller, both in the colonies and in Europe. It went through several editions in Philadelphia, and was republished in all parts of United America. "A Covenanted People" called Common Sense "by far the most influential tract of the American Revolution....it remains one of the most brilliant pamphlets ever written in the English language."Paine's political pamphlet brought the rising revolutionary sentiment into sharp focus by placing blame for the suffering of the colonies directly on the reigning British monarch, George III.First and foremost, Common Sense advocated an immediate declaration of independence, postulating a special moral obligation of America to the rest of the world. Not long after publication, the spirit of Paine's argument found resonance in the American Declaration of Independence.
But, it all started with Common Sense, the writing that sparked an American Revolution.
Kind of Omitted this passage, didn't you.
'Common Sense' was a polemic in the true political sense.
It was not a personal attack calling people names and running backwards into the darkness.
These were also Thomas Paine's words in the preface to his treatise on monarchy and individual freedom........
"In the following sheets, the author hath studiously avoided every
thing which is personal among ourselves. Compliments as well as
censure to individuals make no part thereof."
A lot different than a blog where people are called jerks and assorted names...............
jeff's idea of the posting is correct in the ideal sense...however, when i read it, i thought immediately like norm..that the ideal ignores the cliche,' 'consider the source,' something necessary in today's world. the ideal (anonymous postings) works when the agenda is a mature, reasoned, constructive one. the anonymous postings we've seen over the last few months were used mostly to disparage and attack.
The greatest thing about this country is that we all should have a voice no matter how distasteful that might be to others. Whether said in stealth or open view.
Jeff
To quote you, "I will resign my membership if this blog particpates in censorship"
You are well aware of the blacklisting and removal of posts which are critical of JAAB. Cant have it both ways, one moment pro free speech via anonymity then participate in censorship. Seems funny JAAB was so critical of Dale and other Judges for stifiling the voices of opposition wherein JAAB blacklists people from writing and/or removes posts which are critical of JAAB. Not to mention the harassment anyone who speaks against JAAB gets.
Maybe you ought to read your dislcaimer/claimer which states we can sensor and/or do what ever we want with your posts.
Norm you are and always have been ahead of the times, wise beyond your years and a very good adversary (one of the few motion to suppress I ever lost was to Norm before Judge Dimitrouleas many many years ago) Continue enlightening this blog, mi amigo.
"common sense" was porno, man
I say vote for Gore and, pleae, Norm, leave the field for "Name" BLANK to post as "Anonymous", and tell us what you truly think!
"Paines's" ????
I have practiced in both Broward and Palm Beach civil courts for about 18 years. I find Palm Beach far more efficient in terms of my ability to move my cases (ESPECIALLY Family Law cases) and the judges, in general,more pleasant to work with. When I am in Broward there seems to be a sense of hostility in the air and I have been personally bullied by several Broward judges despite my being prepared, professional and polite.
To the extent this blog can bring about some change, I am all for it. It seems to already have done so. What I do not like is the name calling and personal attacks. I think it is very possible to get one's point across without taking the "low road".
I also think many here underestimate the stresses placed upon judges by heavy dockets, daily difficult decisions and sometimes unprepared and lazy lawyers. Are resources available to help judges deal with these issues they face?
Does Broward need a great deal of change? Without a doubt. However, there are many fine, bright, thoughtful and kind members of the judiciary in Broward as well. Why not highlight those folks and put an end to the name calling.
The end of the "good old boys" club in Broward seems to be underway. I suspect many on the Broward bench would welcome the change but can't themselves speak out. How about constructive suggestions as to how to allow the best and the brightest we have in Broward to lead us into the future. Quit the nasty name calling. It demeans the process.
My 2 cents.
JAAB-
I'd like to know the policy on your blacklisting. Why don't you disclose that you blacklist posters and frequently remove comments you dont like? Who makes the call on what stays and what goes? Bill? Craig? Jeff?
You are just as controlling and manipulative as the ones that you condemn if this is the practice you have taken to.
Cronyism? What about JAAB cronyism!
I wonder how long this post will last and who will actually see it?
Im sure that if there was blog technology back in 1776, I can only imagine the anonymous posts spewing assorted names which George III, his administration and eventually Paine would have endured after the publishing of Common Sense. I can only imagine the anonymous posts that would have been up about John Hancock, who wrote his name so large that the King could read it without his glasses. All fueled by people who wanted change and those who resisted that change. People are unique individuals when giving the free opportunity to be. I know that this exchange would never happen today in N Korea, Iran, Sudan, etc... Focus on the message and change, not the distractions that are naturally born by it.
I for one have been repeatedly attacked for stating factual issues, but have yet to have any of my posts not posted, despite one threat to do so. I have repeatedly demanded my principle and other attackers identify themselves especiall for their slanderous unsupportable labelling while never ever offering one iota of rebuttal or evidence to refute what I and many, many others have posted. so at least I can affirmatively and positively say that thus far, my postings which have only lent support to others gave survived any alleged censorship. And I still believe that those who want to say anyhting should come out and identify themselves. Otherwise it's like an anaerobic bacteria that can't survive the air and the light of day. No guts, no glory, at least not as quickly.
There are a lot more of us than they think. It is not only lawyers that are watching. They are on the run and they know it. Why else would they attack the person and not the facts? It is a desperate move for they realize their time is coming!!! Freedom of speech, must be a new concept in Broward!!!
Is this the same Norm Kent that was appointed traffic hearing officer by dale ross and jay spechler?
What an idiotic response! We know who you are and we know what you are about. Soon the FBI WIIL KNOW TOO!!
Norm,
Did you notice from Jeff's reply he uses the G.W. Bush playbook as well as Gelin?
Deflect, Deflect, Deflect, and never address the issued raised. How about a straight answer regarding the blacklisting and removal of posts?
Blacklisting and the removal of posts against JAAB are not "distractions from the message and change" its censorship.
Just like Bush and the WMD's you can keep your head in the sand and ignore talk of censorship but the people who read this blog know it happens and that it could happen to them.
INRE: the Paine excerpt
It seems appropriate to mention the New Yorker cartoon that originally started this whole controversy with the caption: "On the Internet, no one knows you're a dog." It was just a joke. Actually, everyone has an IP number and can be tracked down, if necessary. It's a phony controversy. But it is surprising how terrified many editors in the MSM are of the talkback from their readers; they can delete abusive comments, of course.
I'd rather be lurking
...
As the debate rages in Broward County between the Status Quo Brigade of Judges and a few good ol boy lawyers (Motto: "It’s our Court System and we’ll run it however we damn please.") and the upstart Brigade of Brave Broward lawyers, there is a nice reprint of Thomas Payne’s Common Sense pamphlet on the Broward Blog.
Printed anonymously in February 1776, Common Sense serves now to remind us why reasoned anonymous critique is a backbone of American Democracy.
The Broward Judiciary’s “Diversity Committee” immediately responded to the Blog's defense of anonymous critique with a press release stating “anything written about Common Sense has absolutely nothing to do with the Broward Judiciary.”
Rumpole says that what these lawyers have done is nothing short of remarkable. We who labour here in Miami well know the feeling of being “a stranger in a strange land”. Ask any Judge who was a practicing trial lawyer before ascending to the bench, and they will tell you that “going to Broward” is one of the things they miss the least. These Broward Blogging Lawyers have drawn intense media coverage of their Courthouse. (Of course, lets give credit where credit is due. They were ably assisted by a bevy of Judges whose propensity for making outlandish statements from the bench, or getting arrested, was remarkable.)
The Broward Bloggers succeeded in bringing down the Chief Judge, and have opened for discussion with the current judicial leadership topics like why the rate of defendants sentenced to State prison in Broward is the highest in the State by far.
In a very real sense, Blogging is the 21st century American’s answer to the anonymous pamphleteering during the Revolutionary War. It is no surprise that of all the countries on earth, it was the United States that brought forth blogging to the forefront of political action.
Questioning authority by reasoned critiques of those who govern, is in our blood. It makes us proud to be a small part of this legacy of democracy.
Mr. Rumpole,
Do you remove posts you do not agree with form your blog? Do you block certain IP addresses from your blog? If you did, would you reveal that to your readers? What do you think about the fact the JAAB makes a habit out of doing that?
I wonder what Thomas Paine would think of that- only those deemed worthy get to speak?
Crazy, long winded blogs quoting stupid "creative writing" (high school quality) drafts of useless short stories is something that should be blocked.
BS does not just stand for B...sh.t.
Without this blog there is no change. Keep up the good work.
more lies, is that the best you got blacklisted?
What proof do you have that posts are blocked, blacklisted or removed?
Blacklisted's post about being blacklisted was posted--what did he post (within the bounds of decency) that was allegedly blacklisted?
there are bounds of decency on here?
Is this the same Norman Kent that's lambasted the establishment for years, and now is a hearing officer? Hypocrisy has no apparent bounds either!
Poor, Bri. Blacklisted (?) and still writing away. Man, you need some help.
Like a guy that doesn't have a friend in the world. The closest thing to his heart is this blog, or so it would seem.
Don't make fun of people that may suffer from mental illness. People who take their meds can be productive members of society. Help people in need, someday it could be you who needs love and compassion.
What kind of help do you suggest? Shock treatment or something?
craig
always going back to brian, maybe you need some help with that obsession. funny thing is that everytime you walk by him at the courthouse you keep your head down and cower. how come you can never say anything to his face.
Still trying to gate crash an idea that didn't involve you, Bri? Grow up, or better yet, do something that doesn't involve the obvious absorption of SELF.