Response Paper- Threats to American Freedom

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Response Paper- Threats to American Freedom
Seabury believes the continental congress and local committees are undermining liberties because of the deplorable state the colonies have been reduced to. From the excerpt, he stated that the rights and liberties of the province are decided upon by an illegal committee operating without the sanction of the legislature of the province (Foner 154). These committees also refuse to work with those living in the colony, violate their rights and freedom and beat into submission those who try to voice this injustice. Physical and psychological tyranny has become the new norm as the mob is used to threaten those who support the British government. Furthermore, peace schemes are mocked and good measures are rejected. New York laws are made in Philadelphia by men from other provinces. Taxes are imposed without the consent of representatives and riots encouraged forcing people to submit to the tyranny of congress. To summarize, Seabury’s belief concerning the continental congress and local committees stems from the results of poor leadership skills of the continental congress and local committees. By undermining rights, opposing peace motions and violating the freedom of expression the continental congress proves to Seabury that the people of America are not capable of self-governance. It is prudent to note that American liberties can only be guaranteed through institutions that are appointed legitimately.
Additionally, Paine believed that the disadvantages of staying under European rule which compromised America’s relations with other country greatly outweighed the adva...