In this passage, Thomas Paine asserts that the colonists have the right to form a new government of their own. He emphasizes that it is a natural right to create a constitution that reflects their interests and needs, rather than leaving their governance to chance or the continued rule of oppressive forces. Paine warns that by hesitating to pursue independence, the colonists risk allowing "eternal tyranny" to take root, thus advocating for decisive action to establish a government that serves the people.
What does Paine say the colonists have a right to do?
take time to think about what to do next
open a door to eternal tyranny
form a new government
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...
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