2010.54.2992

• Community struggles

Poster has a light tan background with stars in a circle. In the center is a large drawing of Thomas Paine in a brown coat with a white cravat. He is holding a book and a quill pen in a hand that is red. Below is a ribbon banner that reads, "All institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian or Muslim, apear to me no other than human inventions set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power and profit. Age of Reason." The upper right has black text that reads, "Thomas Paine wrote Common Sense in 1776. It communicated and clarifed the ideas and purpose of the American Revolution. George Washington ordered the Continental Army to read Paine's The Crisis written in 1777. Paine had a grand vision for the role of the common man in society. He was staunchly anti-slavery and was one fo the first to advocate a world peace organization; social security for the poor and elderly. But his views on religion would destroy his success. By the end of his life this essential patriot would be destitute and only a handful of people would attend his funeral."