Thomas Paine Reflection

After reading Patrick Henry's inspriring speech it took no time for me to dive into this excerpt by Thomas Pain open-minded and ready to experience another example of revolutionary motivation. I wasn't disappointed. Thomas Pain opens up with "The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman". This statement is very powerful, and to me means that it's easy for someone to stand up and be "brave" during easy times, but true bravery lies in those that will rise up against extrordinary odds. By saying this, Thomas Pain has encouraged the readers to rise up against Britain especially now, when hope is in short supply. Another excellent point Paine had was when he said "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". The reason why this statement is so successful in it's diction is because not only does it expose Britain's slave-like ownership of our supposedly independent country, but it goes even further, almost sarcastically, to say that slavery is wrong. This over-achievement on Paine's behalf leaves absolutely no room for arguement, and the blatantly obvious statement he makes creates the same feeling of ridicolousness that he feels towards Britain's rule. To conclude, Tomas Paine uses great motivational techniques to inspire Americans to revolt against Britain and fight for what is just.