Thomas Paine- The American Crisis.

The main idea of this reading seems to be that the way England has been treating America should be treated and looked down upon the same as murder. Paine shows that the actions of the King are just as bad as if someone were to murder and innocent human being, and that just because the King has power he shouldn't be treated differently than an individual murder or criminal. Paine shows this when he says, "whether he who does it is a king or a common man; my countryman or not my countryman: whether it be done by an individual villain, or an army of them? If we reason to the root of things we shall find no difference." Paine also argues that God is on their side. He says that there is no way that God could help the King fight the Americans when the King is the perpetrator and America the victim. Paine shows this when he says, "I cannot see on what grounds the king of Britain can look up to Heaven for help against us: a common murderer, a highwayman, or a house beaker, has a good pretence as he."  I think he uses the argument of a higher power so people aren't scared to fight, if they know that God is on their side than they shouldn't have to worry about losing or being killed. This allows Paine to make the people feel confident and like they are doing the right thing. Paine also compares Americas situation to slavery. This seems ironic because as he is saying how it is wrong the way they are treating the Americans and how they shouldn't allow this, he doesn't say anything about freeing slaves.