Man with the Big MouthMan with the Big Mouth  Born in England; moved to America when he was 37 and the rebellion was looming.  Born into poverty; not a fan of the wealthy or those with titles.  First wife died in less than a year; separated from 2 nd wife after 3 years.  Lost his job in England when he admitted that he had lied about goods being examined.  Life was full of scandal and questions about his integrity.

Paine: the Blessing and the Curse  Anonymous author of Common Sense …though not for long; charged with treason when England found out he wrote it.  His works were a huge hit during the American Revolution.  However, he was indiscreet and hot-tempered and misused his newfound privileges.  Went back to England, got kicked out; went to France, got kicked out; came back, never fit in again because of his thoughts and actions.  No one knows where his remains are.

Common SenseCommon Sense  P  This was not really “sufficiently fashionable to procure…general favor”; he knew it may not go over well.  Given enough time, anyone can be converted.  They have been “grievously oppressed.”  This is supposedly not personal; it’s simple facts.  Arms are the last resort, but that is where they now are; the king has issued a challenge and they have accepted.  This is a great cause that should be handled now and not left to future generations.

p. 326p. 326  “…a new era for politics is struck…”  They are way passed being able to agree; they must now break any connection with Great Britain.  America will go better without Britain as it keeps them from taking Britain’s side in any European conflict.  For the sake of trade and dominion, they must be free.  Britain did not do their job as a parent country and protect America from enemies.

p. 327p. 327  Parliament claims Great Britain is the only relation between the colonies.  Claiming to be the “parent country” puts more shame upon her conduct.  The tyranny that drove colonists to America is still present.  England can’t be considered the “mother country” when all countries in Europe has presence in the colonies.

p. 328p. 328  The fate of war is uncertain…you never know who will win depending on the location.  America’s survival plan is commerce…Europe needs America as a free port in order to get their hands on her goods.  Great Britain loves pulling America into conflicts that don’t pertain to them.  Why should we be submissive when we’re capable of standing on our own two feet?  The distance between the countries is proof that one was never supposed to rule over the other.

p. 329p. 329  Don’t ruin everything for the next generation…fix your own problems.  It’s easy to ignore the problem if it doesn’t currently directly affect you….however, look at what others are experiencing.  Any fix with Britain is likely to only be a temporary fix.  If you experience all of this and still support England, then you have the “heart of a coward and the spirit of a sycophant.”

p. 330p. 330  Don’t be timid and delay…stand up and take a stand!  You can’t reconcile when hate and wounds are as deep as these.  Governing yourselves is your natural right.  To try to appease Britain in “madness and folly.”  Can you restore time that is past? If not, then there is n hope of repairing relationships with Britain.

p. 331p. 331  “There are injuries which nature can’t forgive.”  Our actions are what keep us from behaving and seeming like common animals.  Stand forth!  “…receive the fugitive, and prepare in time an asylum for mankind.”  It’s time to split and stand up for ourselves. To battle we go!