To establish any mode to abolish war, however advantageous it might be to Nations, would be to take from such Government the most lucrative of its branches. – Thomas Paine
Those who want to reap the benefits of this great nation must bear the fatigue of supporting it. – Thomas Paine
To say that any people are not fit for freedom, is to make poverty their choice, and to say they had rather be loaded with taxes than not. – Thomas Paine
Our citizenship in the United States is our national character. Our citizenship in any particular state is only our local distinction. By the latter we are known at home, by the former to the world. Our great title is AMERICANS — our inferior one varies with the place. – Thomas Paine