Commerce
Index 
Commerce
"Besides, what do we have to do with setting the world at defiance. Our plan is commerce, and that, well attended to, will secure us the peace and friendship of all Europe" Common Sense, Thoughts on the Present State of American Affairs, page 7 I might add, "and of all the world's nations". I agree here with Paine that we should stop trying to influence the way other people govern themselves and just trade at their border and ours, for whatever they and we have to trade. No sanctions, embargoes, import levies, etc. etc., just open trade. No punishments for nuclear intentions or laws that allow women to be beaten by their husbands, just trade. But Paine's example of "good" trade - weapons, one of his many, many contradictions. |