The Crisis
by Thomas Paine
December 23, 1776
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“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.” – Thomas Paine
Freedom is found only in democracy. And by its nature freedom, like free-will, is its own enemy. For one is free to preserve it or destroy it. When the creed of a nation is eroded then the identity and integriity of that nation has been compromised and the liberty of the people is then endangered. The American creed is the Declaration of Independence protected by its Constitution. Patriots in Thomas Paine’s day took to the musket and canon to protect liberty. Today we go to the polls. Let your voice heard and VOTE. Preserve liberty and the right to do good consience through common sense.
CROSSROADS-Right Choices 