The United States is approaching the 250th anniversary of its independence, marking a milestone in what has been called the American Experiment. Events that took place in 1776 are credited with shaping not only the nation but also influencing societies around the world toward freedom and self-determination.
One of the key moments leading up to independence was the publication of Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” in January 1776. The pamphlet became widely circulated at the time and argued strongly for American independence from British rule.
“A government of our own is our natural right; and when a man seriously reflects on the precariousness of human affairs, he will become convinced, that it is infinitely wiser and safer, to form a constitution of our own in a cool deliberate manner, while we have it in our power, than to trust such an interesting event to time and chance,” wrote Thomas Paine in “Common Sense.”
Readers are encouraged to explore “Common Sense” further. The full text is available for free through the Library of Congress website.
Weber, a Republican, was elected to the Illinois State House in 2019 to represent the state’s 64th House District, replacing previous state representative Barbara Wheeler.
