Question

Me, or those that are in it, and to "bind me in all cases whatsoever to his absolute will, am I to suffer it? What

signifies it to me, 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; neither can any just cause be assigned why we should punish in the org case and pardon in the
other."
Which is the clearest and most objective summary of the excerpt?
Paine declares that it will take all the money in the world to convince him to support this war. He asks what difference
it makes who his opponent is or what crime he commits. In either case, Paine asserts that he must be punished.
Paine says that war is terrible, and ordinarily nothing could have convinced him to support it. However, he also
believes that if a person or group commits severe crimes against him, that party should be punished, no matter who
they are.
O Paine's claim that no amount of money could induce him to wage war is self-serving, but he argues rightly that
anyone who threatens his safety or the safety of his family should be punished.
O All the treasures of the world could not have induced me to support an offensive war, for it is murder; but if a thief
threatens to kill me or my family should I suffer it? Does it matter if it is a king, a common man, my countryman or
not? Should I punish one and pardon the other?

Answer 1

Thomas Paine argues that the identity of the opponent and their crime are irrelevant; they should be punished regardless.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this excerpt, Thomas Paine expresses his belief that it doesn't matter who his opponent is or what crime they commit; they should be punished. He questions the significance of the opponent's identity, whether they are a king or a common man, a countryman or not, or if the act is committed by an individual or an army. Paine argues that there is no just cause to differentiate between punishing in one case and pardoning in the other.

Learn more about Identity and punishment in war