Thomas Paine's Common Sense presents a series of arguments about why the American colonies should separate from Great Britain. For each of the passages below, put the meaning in your own words and indicate whether or not Paine has put forth a valid rationale for the colonies to seek independence. 1. I have heard it asserted by some, that as America has flourished under her former connection with Great Britain, the same connection is necessary towards her future happiness, and will always have the same effect. Nothing can be more fallacious than this kind of argument. We may as well assert that because a child has thrived upon milk, that it is never to have meat, or that the first twenty years of our lives is to become a precedent for the next twenty. But even this is admitting more than is true; for I answer roundly, that America would have flourished as much, and probably much more, had no European power taken any notice of her. The commerce by which she hath enriched herself are the necessaries of life, and will always have a market while eating is the custom of Europe. Vocabulary Valid - logical reasonable Fallicious - false Meaning: Valid or invalid? Circle one and then explain below: Question

Is it valid or in invalid??