Tom and the Queen of Oz
To this day the work of Thomas Paine is not generally accepted by "the Establishment" in Britain. Elswhere in the world he is recognised as the father of modern democracy.
His outspoken criticism of the Monarchy, the Church of England and the Government was published in a number of best-selling books and pamphlets of the eighteenth century.
He went to help the colonies in America free themselves from British rule and was invited to France to help guide their revolution. His disgust at the wanton executions almost cost him his life. By an incredible piece of luck he escaped the guillotinee and returned to America where, in recognition of his service to liberty, he was presnted with a farm. He was now a londowner and, for the first time in his life, entitled to vote.
In the introduction I suggest that, in the days before fast-news, grandparents opinions about the English Civil War prevented revolutionary thoughts from taking root in England.
Today, political correctness is used by those in power to twist truth, distort justice and achieve whatever they wish.
Intro
Appealing to Reason, Tom Paine spoke his mind. English by birth, he warned mankind
Ignore at your peril The Rights of Man. A Crisis in the world began.
England remembered her cruel Civil War barely one hundred years before
But we have surrendered our natural defence. Do you remember of Common Sense?
Chorus
Tom, Tom where are you now? Turning in your grave?
Your name, once whispered in the ear now leaps from history’s page.
Verse 1
Three of his books have changed the world, but…
His pen made him a traitor, philanthropy no defence
Crisis echoed a watchword, Rights of Man, Common Sense
The founding Fathers looked to him, a budding nation to guide
Grateful America blessed him, in that country he died! Tom, Tom…
Verse 2
America free, he turns to France
International intrigue, long preceding James Bond
Called to guide revolution Tom found strength to respond
The French declared him a traitor for the clemency that he’d give
But death never knocked at his cell-door, fate declared he should live! Tom, Tom…
Verse 3
Could his coffin spark revolt? Well…
Back home England reviled him, terrible rumours were spread
Nonconformist by birth-right, he’s painted redder than red!
His corpse dug up by Will Cobbett for revolution at home
Perhaps the Customs and Excise cast his bones to the foam. Tom, Tom…
Verse 4
Modern Australians chose their own Queen, but…
After Cromwell in England, history blighted their hope
Lost in commonwealth fervour, those Puritans couldn’t cope
Time, they say, changes all things, breathe a sigh of relief
The monarchy Tom detested has changed beyond all belief!
She pays her taxes to the Inland Revenue. Ain’t she just like me and you? God Save the Queen! Tom, Tom…
Verse 5
Twisted words hide crooked deeds
Today his ideas are accepted, democracy is the word
Yet, the voice of the poorest has no strength to be heard
Money, plutocrat power, ideals tattered and frayed
If he’d seen to the future, would Tom like what he made? Tom, Tom…
Verse 6
Fake veneers hide profiteers
And were Tom here to advise them, could he find words they’d heed?
Monsters from the Atlantic spare no soul in their greed
Ruthless ranks ruling Europe through many a mystery deal
Change the law in their favour - make it legal to steal! Tom, Tom…
Verse 7
When might is right then mercy dies
But what of Nations United? - Civilisation’s bad joke!
Helpless men in blue berets, watch justice go up in smoke!
Terrors rise like the Phoenix, funeral pyre their nest
The children crushed like a flower, martyrdom all they have left! Tom, Tom…
Verse 8
Believe your own eyes, destroy the lies!
Money can’t measure compassion nor politics replace the truth
Let’s put an end to “correctness” and give back a purpose to youth
Fourteen hundred words outline a bold new President’s aim
Power returned to the people. But, if they fail, who’s to blame? Tom, Tom…
Coda
Leave your soldiers at home. Put your trust in fair trade!