In this essay, Paine justifies the reason why he says America must break away from Britain. He believes that the King of England and the soldiers that enforce his rules are tyrants that are oppressive and should not have the power to create the unjust laws they have. This is exactly what Britain did. They used their oppressive power to create unjust and unnecessary laws. "Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but 'to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER,' and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there no such a thing as slavery upon earth." Here Paine describes how being forced to follow these unjust laws makes him feel, like a slave. No person should ever feel like a slave to their government. I believe that in order for any government to be successful, the governed must have some respect and trust in their government. the relationship between America and Britain before the revolutionary war had neither.
Paine continues by explaining that war is not a first resort, it is a last resort, only to be used because nothing else worked. no reasoning could convince Britain to become more reasonable therefore war was necessary. He calls on all of the Americans to fight for their independence from Britain, "...I call not upon a few, but upon all: not on this state or that state, but on every state;". He wants the help from everyone and knows that if the majority is not on board, a revolution will be impossible to fight. He ends by giving the people hope that if everyone does come together and fight to be free, there is hope for an end to the tyranny that is England. The people will be able to rule themselves and have freedom from the slavery of British laws and regulations.
No comments:
Post a Comment