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Author Topic: The American Crisis  (Read 1553 times)

Jocassee

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The American Crisis
« on: March 31, 2009, 06:37:25 PM »
By Tom Paine

At least we're not freezing our toes off at Valley Forge.
Quote
December 23, 1776
THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. 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 not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God.

Whether the independence of the continent was declared too soon, or delayed too long, I will not now enter into as an argument; my own simple opinion is, that had it been eight months earlier, it would have been much better. We did not make a proper use of last winter, neither could we, while we were in a dependent state. However, the fault, if it were one, was all our own [NOTE]; we have none to blame but ourselves. But no great deal is lost yet. All that Howe has been doing for this month past, is rather a ravage than a conquest, which the spirit of the Jerseys, a year ago, would have quickly repulsed, and which time and a little resolution will soon recover.

http://www.ushistory.org/Paine/crisis/c-01.htm
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AZRedhawk44

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Re: The American Crisis
« Reply #1 on: March 31, 2009, 06:46:07 PM »
Well, Graves... you're obviously a terrorist.  Spreading such seditious and treasonous smut as that...

 :rolleyes:

While I respect the words and sentiment, I fail to see the applicability of this post to the politics forum.  Or how this is different than a drive by post.

'splain pleez.  kthxbai.
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"But whether the Constitution really be one thing, or another, this much is certain - that it has either authorized such a government as we have had, or has been powerless to prevent it. In either case, it is unfit to exist."
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lone_gunman

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Re: The American Crisis
« Reply #2 on: March 31, 2009, 07:11:41 PM »
I agree with AZRedhawk44... 

Why did you post this at this time? 

Are you trying to draw a comparison between the epic struggles of the Revolution with the current economic crisis?
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Jamisjockey

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Re: The American Crisis
« Reply #3 on: March 31, 2009, 08:11:33 PM »
I agree, too, and instead of moving it, am locking it. 
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JD

 The price of a lottery ticket seems to be the maximum most folks are willing to risk toward the dream of becoming a one-percenter. “Robert Hollis”
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