It was on this day in 1776 that Thomas Paine first published his pamphlet “Common Sense; Addressed to the Inhabitants of America, on the Following Interesting Subjects” (better known to us as Common Sense). This document is widely credited with pulling many colonists (and a fair number of founding fathers) off the fence and into the cause of American Independence
Among the arguments Paine made were:
It was absurd for an island to rule a continent.
America was not a “British nation”; but was composed of influences and peoples from all of Europe.
Even if Britain were the “mother country” of America no mother would harm her children so brutally.
Being a part of Britain would drag America into unnecessary European wars, and keep her from the international commerce at which America excelled.
The distance between the two nations made governing the colonies from England unwieldy.
The New World was discovered shortly before the Reformation.
Britain ruled the colonies for her own benefit, and did not consider the best interests of the colonists in governing
The document is available for reading online and is well worth taking some time to read.
Indeed many of our leaders today (from both parties IMHO) could use a little common sense.