GLOBAL SENSE: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Front Matter

FOREWORD: What Would Paine Write?
- by Thom Hartmann

PREFACE: Safety and Liberty
- by David Wann

INTRODUCTION: Why Update Common Sense?
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The price of freedom is eternal vigilance. -- Thomas Jefferson

FOREWORD . . . . . . (p. vii)
What Would Paine Write?
-- by Thom Hartmann

• Thom Hartmann says democracy is the most resilient form of government, with roots in nature itself. How does democracy gain it's flexibility by reflecting the laws of nature (natural law)?
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• Hartmann says that Global Sense expresses what Thomas Paine would say if he was writing today. If you were Thomas Paine today, what would you want to say to the world right now?
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• Hartmann says that of the 81 democratic nations in the world today, all are under assault for authoritarian forces. He specifically names the large corporations. Do you agree or disagree, and why?
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• Hartmann draws parallels between 1776 and today by discussing the influence of the largest multinational corporation of Paine's day, East India Company, and by discussing the Alien and Sedition Acts promoted by President John Adams. What are the modern counterparts? How are they similar and different?
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• Hartmann urges us to oppose politicians who believe that campaign lies are defensible, that laws denying our civil rights are acceptable, and that the ends justify the means. How would you change politics today?

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For though at times the flame of liberty may cease to shine, the ember will never expire. -- Thomas Paine

PREFACE . . . . . . (p. ix)
Safety and Liberty
--by David Wann

• David Wann says that Global Sense author Judah Freed "proposes a cultural/political Big Bang." What does this mean? Does this also describe the impact of Common Sense by Thomas Paine? If so, how?
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• Wann talks about us craving security more than freedom. If this is true, why?
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• Wann says Global Sense argues that we can have both safety and liberty. How is this possible?

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Had the spirit of prophecy directed the birth of this production, it could not have brought it forth at a more seasonable juncture, or a more necessary time. -- Thomas Paine (2nd edition of Common Sense)

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . (p. 2)
Why Update Common Sense?

• The author writes, "peace and democracy are personal growth issues." What does this mean to you? Why would some people who care about personal growth not care about politics, and visa versa?
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• Please look over the summary outline of the book. Can you put these ideas into your own words? Does the structure and logic of the book make sense to you? If yes, why? If not, why not?
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• The author writes, "The cause of peaceful democracy is the cause of all humankind." How can this be true? What does this mean to you?
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• Paine wrote, "Many circumstances have, and will arise, which are not local, but universal." What is the meaning of universality? Can you give example of any universal values or concerns?

Global Sense by Judah Freed
Awakening our Power for Democracy and World Peace
> CLICK ON ANY CHAPTER FOR DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

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FOREWORD
What Would Paine Write?
- by Thom Hartmann

PREFACE
Safety and Liberty
- by David Wann

INTRODUCTION
Why Update Common Sense?
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PART I - Mindful Self Rule
and Modern Republics

. 1. Personal Democracy

. 2. Origin and Rise of Government

. 3. Constitutional Republics

. 4. A House Divided Against Itself

. 5. Clear and Present Dangers

. 6. Genuine Democracy

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PART II - Male Rule and
Authority Addiction

. 7. The Divine Right of Kings

. 8. Hereditary Succession

. 9. Inherited Wealth

. 10. Authority Addiction

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PART III - Thoughts on
the State of World Affairs
. 11. From Argument to Arms

. 12. Sacrifices to Superstition

. 13. The Seat of Wretchedness

. 14. Conquering the World

. 15. The Tyrants' Last Stand

. 16. Hints for Global Democracy

. 17. A Government of Our Own

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PART IV - Our Ability for
Democracy and World Peace
. 18. Common Global Sense

. 19. Global Sense Counts

. 20. The Price of Peace

. 21. Practical Idealism

. 22. Morality, Spirituality, Politics

. 23. Seed Time of Good Habits

. 24. Begin the World Anew

AFTERWORD
Self Rule:
Our Responsibility, Our Birthright
- by Dr. Vandana Shiva

About Thomas Paine
Who's Who