The American Crisis - Revisited

Dave Evans is a retired businessman and an American idealist who began serious study of history at West Point. Living abroad for most of the next forty years, he developed a perspective on the roots of American greatness influenced by his travels, the nation's reflection across the globe, and his remove from daily political struggles. Dave shares the disappointment of many Americans with the country's political direction and the increasing partisan divide. This volume offers observations on three transformative leaders - George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Joan of Arc - and suggests how their leadership examples can inspire a renewal of the United States. Much as Thomas Paine stirred Americans to seize and hold independence in 1776, the author endeavors to persuade and embolden his fellow citizens to restore American unity. It is simply Common Sense. During spring of 2022, Dave completed a 4200-mile cross country bicycle trip along the Pacific coast, across eight states from San Diego to St. Augustine, Florida, and from Washington D.C. to the Midwest. His daily conversations with fellow citizens left three distinct impressions. Americans from all the nation's many diverse backgrounds and political beliefs were - without exception - generous and helpful in providing the assistance needed for the trip to succeed. Secondly, Americans are immensely proud of this country - to a degree unobserved elsewhere in the world. Finally, despite their differences all Americans shared one viewpoint in common - the national leadership of both parties is not working in our best interests. They hope that the current American Crisis can be resolved and Common Sense restored to our governance. These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sun-shine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it NOW, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. -Thomas Paine, The American Crisis (1776 - 1783) Perhaps the sentiments contained in the following pages, are not yet suf¿ciently fashionable to procure them general favor Tis not in numbers but in unity that our great strength lies; yet our present numbers are sücient to repel the force of all the world. The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind. -Thomas Paine, Common Sense (1775 - 1776)