On Ordinary Americans

Paine then appeals to the emotions of his audience, made up of ordinary Americans, accusing them of being cold and uncaring if they don't sympathize with the people of besieged Boston. He insists that anyone with human feelings who looks at Britain's recent actions should conclude that a split is the only just and fair course of action. Even if peace could be made with Britain, Paine warns that King George III would set himself up as an authoritarian leader of the United States, which would ultimately ruin the country in the long run, even if peace could be achieved in the short term.