How John Adams and Thomas Paine Clashed Over Economic Equality

[Donnachaidh]

http://www.newdeal20.org/2011/03/28/how-john-adams-and-thomas-paine-clashed-over-economic-equality-39948/

In “Common Sense,” Paine pushed for economic equality for ordinary Americans. Which made John Adams a bit queasy.

Here’s John Adams on Thomas Paine’s famous 1776 pamphlet “Common Sense“: “What a poor, ignorant, malicious, short-sighted, crapulous mass.” Then comes Paine on Adams: “John was not born for immortality.”

Paine and Adams may have been alone among the founders for having literary styles adequate to their mutual disregard. “The spissitude of the black liquor which is spread in such quantities by this writer,” Adams wrote of Paine, “prevents its daubing.” Paine: “Some people talk of impeaching John Adams, but I am for softer measures. I would keep him to make fun of.”

They went on and on.

More at the link -- very interesting read...

[freshwest]

1. I don't know how much longer it will stay up there, but the text of Agrarian Justice...

Was on the Social Security website as a mission statement last year.

The churches of the day destroyed Paine's life. He spoke for the universal soul or spirit of mankind.

That really hurts the pocketbooks of a lot of people. I'll never stop loving and admiring him.

[JitterbugPerfume]

2. thanks -

that was fun.

It solidified my prior opinion of both men. I have always thought John Adams was an ass, this confirms it.