Question
What does Paine say America can gain by cutting ties with Britain?
A government of our own is our natural right: And when a man seriously reflects on the precariousness of human affairs, he will become convinced, that it is infinitely wiser and safer, to form a constitution of our own in a cool deliberate manner, while we have it in our power, than to trust such an interesting event to time and chance... Ye that oppose independence now, ye know not what ye do; ye are opening a door to eternal tyranny, by keeping vacant the seat of government. There are thousands, and tens of thousands, who would think it glorious to expel from the continent, that barbarous and hellish power...
A government of our own is our natural right: And when a man seriously reflects on the precariousness of human affairs, he will become convinced, that it is infinitely wiser and safer, to form a constitution of our own in a cool deliberate manner, while we have it in our power, than to trust such an interesting event to time and chance... Ye that oppose independence now, ye know not what ye do; ye are opening a door to eternal tyranny, by keeping vacant the seat of government. There are thousands, and tens of thousands, who would think it glorious to expel from the continent, that barbarous and hellish power...
Answers
GPT-4o mini
In this passage, Thomas Paine argues that America can gain significant benefits by cutting ties with Britain and establishing its own government. He emphasizes that having a constitution of their own is a "natural right" and suggests that forming such a government is a rational and necessary step. By doing so, Paine believes that Americans can create a more stable and secure political system rather than leaving their fate to the unpredictable nature of time and chance.
Paine warns that opposing independence could lead to "eternal tyranny," suggesting that by maintaining ties with Britain, Americans are leaving a power vacuum that could result in oppressive governance. He encourages a sense of urgency and pride among those who might support the cause of independence, indicating that many would consider it honorable to expel the British authority, which he characterizes as "barbarous and hellish." Overall, Paine presents independence as a means to achieve self-governance, security, and potential freedom from oppression.
Paine warns that opposing independence could lead to "eternal tyranny," suggesting that by maintaining ties with Britain, Americans are leaving a power vacuum that could result in oppressive governance. He encourages a sense of urgency and pride among those who might support the cause of independence, indicating that many would consider it honorable to expel the British authority, which he characterizes as "barbarous and hellish." Overall, Paine presents independence as a means to achieve self-governance, security, and potential freedom from oppression.