Thomas Paine’s Common Sense begins with the statement that because there is nothing wrong, it doesn’t mean anything is right. He begins by explaining that America is a good example and that people should stand up for their rights.
Paine thinks that America is the best example of a country free from monarchy, and will lead the way to democracy. Paine believes that America will be the great example of freedom from monarchy and the start of a movement towards democracy. He says that it is inevitable, no matter what anybody does. He also claims he’s never met anyone who believes the US and UK will split. He gives us many reasons to make this happen. He argues that America has the potential to be a global hub of trade. We have the money and the potential. As long as Britain controls us, the king keeps us in poverty so that we can’t become the great power we could be. He talks about our distance from the British. It is impossible to monitor us or control the continent due to the distance. Even with the latest advances in travel technology, I do not think England could control this continent.
Paine then compares America with a newborn baby that is drinking milk. He says as the child grows older, it doesn’t need to start eating meat since it can get by on just milk. The truth is that America needed Englands assistance at first, but with time we became independent and no longer needed them. Paine was right, America did become independent. As he speaks about the eventuality of independence from Britain he gives the impression that it must happen very soon. In the same way as the earlier example, we lose a lot of money to England every day. Imagine how much more we could earn if we were to separate. It is true that the United States has become a major player in global commerce and economics.
Paine explains how the English are responsible for the disappearance of America’s resource. It’s a good example to help Americans not only see where all their resources go but also how we can become self-sufficient against an impending war. The British are dependent on places such as America and India. It would take several months to get resources from India or other countries in the region. We needed to leave England because they had a monarchy that was hereditary, meaning the leader of your country was chosen by blood. It didn’t really matter if someone was politically prepared or not, because most people weren’t. He stressed the importance of our society being able to elect who will represent us.
Representatives should do what’s best for their country and its people, not what they want. Because their fathers were kings, it does not mean their sons are as qualified. The king will not make laws to help anyone, including you. His only concern is his own interests. Paine also states that a Monarchy similar to Englands would be sinful. He believes that only God should be able to recognize a man as a ruler. Paine also shows and discusses all of the positive aspects that will come from leaving the United Kingdom. It is because of this lack of freedom that people in England migrated to America. The United States would be wise to grant the right for anyone to follow any faith or belief.
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