The Fight Over Common Sense: How the Tea Party and the Right Get Tom Paine Wrong

Every politician says they have it, but few understand its roots in American history and Tom Paine’s true legacy.

Published Jun. 29 2011 12:09AM EDT

articles/2011/06/29/the-fight-over-common-sense-how-the-tea-party-and-the-right-get-tom-paine-wrong/thomas-paine-rosenfeld_e74c7p — Hulton Archive / Getty Images

Does your local representative have some new legislation to propose this year? Chances are he or she will promote it as the embodiment of common sense.

Sophia Rosenfeld

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The Fight Over Common Sense: How the Tea Party and the Right Get Tom Paine Wrong

Every politician says they have it, but few understand its roots in American history and Tom Paine’s true legacy.

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Sophia Rosenfeld