January 2008 THOMAS PAINE We can find few greater works to begin this new year with than those of Thomas Paine. His profound wisdom and championing of truth made him the single most significant person in the founding of this country and its constitution. The unfortunate power of religious institutions over the truth and minds of people still ban his writings in England. Please go to our science section for articles by Michael Roll, who lives and writes in the spirit of this great man. The conditions of this once great country as well as that of the rest of the world it has affected are dire. As stated in The New York Times on New Year's Eve, "There are too many moments these days when we cannot recognize our country...It was impossible to see the founding principles of the greatest democracy in the contempt show[n] for the Constitution, the rule of law and human decency...there is no excuse for for how President Bush and his advisers...forgot that it is their responsibility to protect American lives and American ideals, that there really is no safety for Americans or their country when those ideals are sacrificed...President Bush squandered America's position of moral and political leadership, swept aside international institutions and treaties, sullied America's global image, and trampled on the constitutional pillars that have supported our democracy through the most terrifying and challenging times." It is our resolution that all awaken in their hearts and minds to The Age of Reason in not only considering but acting on behalf of the dignity of human life and equality in awareness of The Rights of Man.   Following Native American Spirit are letters regarding assistance to the Pine Ridge Reservation. Please give this serious consideration as an equal member of the race of humankind concerned for the welfare of others. We honor the Native Americans for their harmony with nature, their unity with each other, their respect for the wisdom of the elders and the life of the children. We affirm the reversal of the attitudes and affects of genocide waged against the Native Americans for over 5oo years, continuing to this day.  May they be restored to their freedom, prosperity and greatness!   Rev. Wes Bailey