Thomas Paine Had More "Common Sense" Than Most of the Founders
He Wanted To End Enslavement and Provide Reparations
I've written previously about why most of America's Founders don't get a pass on enslavement. I've credited the first Supreme Court Chief Justice John Jay, who ended enslavement in New York and freed many of those he owned during his lifetime. America's second President, John Adams, never enslaved people though he did look the other way as some worked in and around The President's House, that later became The White House.
I overlooked Thomas Paine, the publisher of "Common Sense," who spelled out in no uncertain terms that slavery was wrong; he couldn't understand how supposed Christians could approve it. He said enslaved people should be freed and even suggested reparations. Here's a belated recognition that Thomas Paine got it right when others didn't.
To Americans:
“That some desperate wretches should be willing to steal and enslave men by violence and murder for gain, is [more] lamentable than strange. But that…
