Thomas Paine wanted to end slavery

"Thomas Paine wanted to abolish slavery at the same time that American Independence was won, but the pressure from slave owners was too great to overcome, and so it was left to another man to finish the job. Early in life Abraham Lincoln was inspired by Paine's writings, particularly his essay advocating the abolition of Negro slavery. Lincoln said, "I never tire of reading Paine." As a result of Paine's influence, Abraham Lincoln became the Great Emancipator and saved the Union."

WOW. And only six people showed up at Paine's funeral: 'At the time of his death, most American newspapers reprinted the obituary notice from the New York Citizen, which read in part: "He had lived long, did some good and much harm." Only six mourners came to his funeral, two of whom were black, most likely freedmen.'

I have learned much about Thomas Paine in the last 24 hours. Thank you Bill Maher! I've also learned more about the self-proclaimed "patriots" of the Tea Party. Tea Party "patriots" are not like the Founding Fathers. They are more like the people who repudiated Thomas Paine. I guess I should be glad that Glenn Beck thinks he's like Thomas Paine. LOL!

Tea Party not like the Founding Fathers