Thomas Paine's American Crisis

Paine began his essay/pamphlet thus:

December 23, 1776

THESE are the times that try men's souls. 

The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but [s/]he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. 

Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. 

What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. 

Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.

November 5, 2024

THESE are also times that try the hearts, souls and backbones of woman and man alike. We do not yet know whether the American Electorate has, in the 2024 general election, brought an end to the nearly ten year long national nightmare which is convicted felon Donald Trump.

But we DO know that WE are citizens of a great nation, regardless. 

Citizens are responsible. Citizens have duties, responsibilities.

As such, if Donald Trump is again put in office, our obligations are to the US Constitution, and each other.