Join Democrats Abroad UK for a celebration of Thomas Paine and his influence on the Declaration of Independence.
Lewes local boy Thomas Paine’s Common Sense was published in January 1776 and six months later was an inspiration for America’s sporadic acts of rebellion to become a War of Independence.
America was born from an idea, which can be summed up in two words:
NO KINGS! (Oh all right then, NO TYRANTS)
Paine was brilliant and stubborn. One biographer, Paul Collins, called him “a walking revolution in human form - the most dangerous man alive”. Paine never led men into battle, but George Washington had his pamphlets read to the troops over and over, especially before difficult battles. Paine could say bluntly what they needed to hear: “Don’t follow me. You can do this yourself”.
Lewes already had a reputation for anti-monarchy and pro-republicanism when Paine arrived in 1768. He was impressed that anyone could vote and run for public office, which he then apparently did. It is certainly where he started his writing and political career, with the pamphlet The Case of the Officers of Excise, a plea for better pay that nearly kicked off Britain’s first nationwide industrial dispute. And that is what caught the attention of Benjamin Franklin.
There is a shocking convergence this year of the 250th anniversary of Common Sense and the Declaration of Independence with the very possible end of American democracy. Donald Trump's White House Chief of Staff during his first term, retired U.S. Marine Corps General John Kelly, has publicly stated that he believes Trump fits the definition of a fascist. This November's midterm elections may well be the last roll of the dice to prevent the United States from completing a Trump led descent into authoritarian rule. When asked after the Constitutional Convention of 1787 what form of government it had created, Benjamin Franklin famously replied "a Republic, if you can keep it." Whether you are registered in a swing district/state, a deep blue or red one, this year more than ever all who believe in democracy must vote in order to save our American Republic.
This July 4th the town of Lewes is holding a Festival of Democracy to celebrate Paine and the freedoms he demanded. The next day, July 5th, Democrats Abroad of Lewes, Brighton and Sussex is holding a rally of speeches, comedy, music and, most importantly, voting. Everyone is welcome, but we especially want the 300,000 American voters who live in the UK to make this pilgrimage. Make a weekend of it. Register to vote and request your ballot for the midterm US elections from the town where it all began!
People choose a government
The government makes laws
The laws control a leader
Let’s get together, celebrate the day and show them:
IT’S NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND!
When? Sunday 5 July 2026
Time: TBC
Where: Lewes, home of Tom Paine and the Headstrong Society. Exact location TBC
Questions? Contact DAUK Brighton & Sussex Team [email protected]
Will you come? Fill in this google form to let us know and we will send you the link to the RSVP page when it is ready. Want to volunteer to help? Let us know in the form as well!