Core 100 Final Exam Argumentative Essay As Thomas Paine Said ✓ Solved
Core 100 Final Exam Argumentative Essay As Thomas Paine said:
As Thomas Paine said: “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 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 everything 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." His words ring as true today as they did then.
In examining Paine’s quote, we must consider how, as citizens of the United States, we have taken our natural rights of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” for granted. In a two to three-page argumentative essay, discuss how we have taken our freedoms for granted. What is the Government’s role during times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic? Did our founders intend for our natural rights to be disintegrated in such times? What is society's role in lessening the impact of a pandemic? Do our rights to freedom of association and movement trump the general welfare? What is the Federal Government’s role in keeping the economy stable? Did the founders intend for Governors and the President to have emergency powers to shut down or restrict privately-owned businesses? Should the government compensate businesses affected by public safety measures, akin to eminent domain? These are the questions to consider when starting to brainstorm and write your paper.
Paper For Above Instructions
The quote by Thomas Paine serves as a timeless reminder that the value of freedom is often understood in times of adversity. His assertion that "Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods" raises profound questions about how society values its freedoms, especially in the context of crises. In this argumentative essay, I will explore how the American populace has often taken its freedoms for granted, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, I will analyze the roles of government, society, and individuals in balancing rights with public safety. Throughout the essay, I will draw upon historical perspectives, foundational principles, and contemporary events to substantiate my claims.
The Historical Value of Freedom
To comprehend the gravity of Paine’s words, one must first recognize that the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are foundational to American identity. These rights were enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, which emphasizes individual liberty as a cornerstone of governance. However, in the face of adversity, such as war, economic downturns, and public health crises, these freedoms have often been tested.
The COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic presented a unique set of challenges that forced society to reassess the value of personal freedoms. On one hand, the right to freedom of movement and assembly was curtailed to protect public health. Lockdowns instituted by various state governments reflected a broader governmental response to an unprecedented health emergency. Critics of these measures argued that such restrictions were an overreach of governmental power, undermining the very liberties that American citizens cherish.
Government’s Role in a Crisis
Governments, both federal and state, are tasked with safeguarding public welfare, especially during crises. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government's role included instituting quarantine measures, mandating mask-wearing, and distributing vaccines. These actions, while controversial, aimed to protect the general populace's health. However, questions arise regarding the balance of power and the potential disintegration of natural rights. Philosophers like John Locke, whose ideas heavily influenced America’s founders, posited that the primary duty of government is to protect the natural rights of individuals (Locke, 1690).
Natural Rights vs. Public Safety
In aligning Paine’s assertions with contemporary contexts, it becomes evident that the discourse surrounding individual rights versus public safety is complex. Are rights to freedom of association and movement sacrosanct, even in times of crisis? This question underscores the philosophical debates around natural rights versus the common good. The Constitution grants citizens certain liberties, yet it also allows for reasonable restrictions when public safety is at stake. Therefore, while individual rights are essential, they may sometimes need to be weighed against collective welfare, especially during a public health emergency.
The Economic Impact of Government Restrictions
The economic ramifications of COVID-19 restrictions further complicate the discussion. The government's role includes stabilizing the economy through various measures, such as financial aid for struggling businesses and individuals. The question of whether the government should compensate businesses impacted by pandemic-related restrictions parallels the concept of eminent domain. Just as the government may seize private property for public use, the question arises whether similar principles should apply when public health mandates compromise business operations. That said, businesses sustain their basic liberties and warrant consideration and compensation due to enforced closures.
Conclusion
As citizens, we must navigate the delicate balance of natural rights and societal welfare, particularly during crises. The government's intervention, whether through health mandates or emergency powers, is often essential to protect public health and safety. Yet, as we seek stability, it is imperative that we remain vigilant against the potential erosion of our freedoms. As Paine's words echo through history, they remind us that the value of our liberties should never be underestimated, particularly in trying times. Freedom is indeed a celestial article, one that demands recognition and respect from each citizen, especially as we confront new challenges together.
References
- Locke, John. Two Treatises of Government. 1690.
- Paine, Thomas. The American Crisis. 1776.
- Smith, Adam. The Wealth of Nations. 1776.
- Mill, John Stuart. On Liberty. 1859.
- Constitution of the United States, Amendment I.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020). COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines.
- National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2021). Economic Impact of COVID-19: A Focus on Small Businesses.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools.
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2021). The Impact of COVID-19 on Public Health and the Economy.
- Brookings Institution. (2020). The Federal Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Overview of Actions Taken and Economic Assistance Provided.