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 one 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.
O 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 questions the morality of war and asserts that all criminals must be punished, regardless of their identity or affiliation.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this excerpt, Thomas Paine questions the morality of going to war and asserts that regardless of the identity or affiliation of the person or group committing crimes against him or his country, they should be punished. He rejects the idea that money can sway his support for war, stating that it is irrelevant who the opponent is or what crime they commit. Paine argues that there is no just cause to punish in one case and pardon in another.

Learn more about Thomas Paine's views on war and punishment