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?
O 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.
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

The excerpt by Paine asserts that it doesn't matter who his opponent is, and whether the crime is committed by an individual or an army, they should be punished. However, he mentions that all the treasures of the world could not induce him to support an offensive war.

Step-by-step explanation:

O Paine argues that it does not matter whether his opponent is a king or a common man, his countryman or not, or whether the crime is committed by an individual or an army. He believes that there is no difference and no just cause to punish in one case and pardon in the other. Although he declares that it would take all the treasures of the world to convince him to support an offensive war, he questions whether he should suffer if someone threatens to harm him or his family.

Learn more about Paine's views on war and punishment