9/16: Early Radicals

"Among the natural rights of the colonists, are these First: a Right to Life; secondly to Liberty ; thirdly to Property; together with the right to support and defend them in the best manner they can..."

Here, Samuel Adams is addressing the three natural rights the colonists had, also in the words of John Locke. Life, their existence, liberty, their state of freedom in society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority in their life, and their property or belongings. Till today we are still entitled to those things, but under watch and control. We do have a right to life, liberty and property, however we must not abuse these rights, hence why we have laws and authoritative figures to keep watch over the people.

"Nor let it be said, in the present age that their black color (as it is commonly called) either subjects them to, or qualifies them for slavery."

Plainly put, the author was conveying his feelings about the inhumanity towards dark skinned or Black people. Basing their beliefs on Cain being marked with  a black mark, white people decided that they should be enslaved because anything associated  with being dark  is a terrible thing. The author, Benjamin Rush pleads with those who advocate for  American liberty to shine light on the situation and grant Black people their natural freedom. This is relatable in which America has the pledge on allegiance, which states "one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all." So with that said, the founders of the pledge wanted America to be based on justice and liberty. It is a natural  right, and it is not fair nor is it right to enslave someone based on the color of their skin as well as assume Biblical texts back up their ridiculous belief.

"But as the colony increases, the public concerns will increase likewise..."

Here the author, Thomas Paine was addressing that the larger the population, the higher the likelihood of problems. Each problem would not be addressed as quickly as possible, as opposed to a small population which had fewer problems because persons were near to each other. For example, while living in a small village, one would find that it would typically be a family because everyone knows one another, problems can be handled in a quicker manner and there are less problems. Versus living in a huge city, it would be hard for everyones needs to be taken care  of.