The Last Ditch by Tom Paine

THE LAST DITCH

A sad anniversary

Published by Tom

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It is two years today since Mrs Paine died. I visited her memorial this morning and reflected a little on that sad time. I don't think I fully appreciated then, in my grief, just how blessed I was to be so well supported by family, friends and even by my readers here. I was not able to give much attention at the time to all the kind comments you made on my post announcing her passing, but I can assure you I have read them often since and taken comfort from them. When statists say that people of our persuasion are unkind and uncaring, I know better. Thank you.

7 responses to “A sad anniversary”

  1. Fred Thrung Avatar
    Fred Thrung

    A sad anniversary indeed. I pray that your thoughts will be about the happy times, not the end times.

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  2. Dick Puddlecote Avatar
    Dick Puddlecote

    Fred has said all that needs to be said. Our thoughts are with you today, Tom.

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  3. cascadian Avatar
    cascadian

    Nothing is forever……….. we all find out, too late.
    To have known such a wonderful woman for 37 years makes you extremely fortunate. I’m sure you told her that this morning. Equally I am sure you harbour some fantastic memories, that is as it should be.
    “The road goes ever onwards” as Bilbo told us, he also chose his companions for the journey well.

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  4. Moggsy Avatar
    Moggsy

    Gandalf: “End? No… the journey doesn’t end here. Death is just another path… One that we all must take. The grey rain curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass. And then you see it.”
    Pippin: “What, Gandalf? See what?”
    Gandalf: “White shores… And beyond. A far green country, under a swift sunrise.”

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  5. Chromatistes Avatar
    Chromatistes

    Your post two years ago was outstandingly poignant. Had you done nothing since, it would have cemented your reputation. Happily, your audience has enjoyed your Great American Adventure – a well-merited indulgence.
    What was the top speed you warily obscured?

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  6. Tom Avatar
    Tom

    Thank you. Mostly I was compliant to local citizen standards; i.e. within 10-15mph of the limit, but there was one perfect clear evening on a long straight empty road in the south-west with a view to the horizon when I was able safely to let her rip and reached **mph. Speranza still has 25% in reserve at that speed, so she probably still thinks me a wimp.
    *As the NSA reads everything I don't feel like confessing to a crime online. B^)

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  7. Moggsy Avatar
    Moggsy

    Unlike in the UK no one can make you, the 5th amendment protects you. You do have the right to remain silent and I think a court still can’t legally draw an inference from that.
    Tho if you had asked I would have advised against saying your last line… or the line before that… In fact everything after “horizon”.
    You should have had yourself on retainer ^_^ and consulted.

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Tom is a retired international lawyer. He was a partner in a City of London law firm and spent almost twenty years abroad serving clients from all over the world.

Returning to London on retirement in 2011, he was dismayed to discover how much liberty had been lost in the UK while he was away.

He’s a classical liberal (libertarian, if you must) who, like his illustrious namesake, considers that

“…government even in its best state is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one.”

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