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"The present state of America is truly alarming to every man who is
capable of reflection. Without law, without government, without any
other mode of power than what is founded on, and granted by courtesy.
Held together by an unexampled concurrence of sentiment, which is
nevertheless subject to change, and which every secret enemy is
endeavoring to dissolve. Our present condition, is, legislation without
law; wisdom without a plan; a constitution without a name; and, what is
strangely astonishing, perfect Independence contending for dependance.
The instance is without a precedent; the case never existed before; and
who can tell what may be the event? The property of no man is secure in
the present unbraced system of things. The mind of the multitude is left
at random, and feeling no fixed object before them, they pursue such as
fancy or opinion starts. Nothing is criminal; there is no such thing as
treason; wherefore, every one thinks himself at liberty to act as he
pleases. "
Thomas Paine
"Common Sense"
January 1776
capable of reflection. Without law, without government, without any
other mode of power than what is founded on, and granted by courtesy.
Held together by an unexampled concurrence of sentiment, which is
nevertheless subject to change, and which every secret enemy is
endeavoring to dissolve. Our present condition, is, legislation without
law; wisdom without a plan; a constitution without a name; and, what is
strangely astonishing, perfect Independence contending for dependance.
The instance is without a precedent; the case never existed before; and
who can tell what may be the event? The property of no man is secure in
the present unbraced system of things. The mind of the multitude is left
at random, and feeling no fixed object before them, they pursue such as
fancy or opinion starts. Nothing is criminal; there is no such thing as
treason; wherefore, every one thinks himself at liberty to act as he
pleases. "
Thomas Paine
"Common Sense"
January 1776