Been reading Common Sense by Thomas Paine (as opposed to Common Sense by *generic contemporary leftist*) and thought I'd share a lengthy, but fitting quote. Strikes me as relevant given Blonde's collapsitarianism and Matt's desire to work towards restoration.
To talk of friendship with those in whom our reason forbids us to have faith, and our affections (wounded through a thousand pores) instruct us to detest, is madness and folly. Every day wears out the little remains of kindred between us and them, and can there be any reason to hope that as the relationship expires, the affection will increase, or that we shall agree better when we have ten times more and greater concerns to quarrel over than ever? Ye that tell us of harmony and reconciliation, can ye restore to us the time that is past? Can ye give to prostitution its former innocence? Neither can ye reconcile Britain and America. The last cord is now broken, the people of England are presenting addresses against us. There are injuries which nature cannot forgive; she would cease to be nature if she did. As well can the lover forgive the ravisher of his mistress, as the continent forgive the murders of Britain.
