The American Crisis: Defined
Journal Entry #2
As the Committees of Correspondence gain exposure throughout the various states of our Republic, I must remember to communicate to my fellow citizens three extremely important points about the American Crisis. First, the danger to our FREEDOM of which I speak should not be considered just one more national problem, to be added to an already long list that includes the current mortgage-financial meltdown, the energy crisis, immigration, the war on terror, etc., though this danger bears upon all of them. In fact, this danger actually generates these problems, as well as making each immeasurably worse.

Second, this danger to our FREEDOM has an extremely long history- going back to the era of our founding- though it has gained enormous momentum and force since World War Two. Third, the time grows very short to oppose and counteract this danger. Free and open elections, an unfettered press, widespread literacy through public education, the internet, public forums, freedom of assembly- and of worship, cannot by themselves ensure our FREEDOM. Indeed, these are all necessary, but not sufficient. In fact, this danger is so extremely insidious (subtle and seductive, while treacherous or harmful) that its force and vitality can be amplified through these institutions, yet one might say its appearance is benign, perhaps even benevolent.

The American Crisis

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 his country; but he that stands 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 to lightly:-'Tis dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to set a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed, if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated...

I recall the eloquent words Thomas Paine composed to rally the American cause in the dark days of December 1776, as General Washington’s army faced near total military defeat. The American lamp of Liberty, lit in July of that same year by Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence, was in peril and would soon go out.


Paine’s pamphlet galvanized the political and military resolve of the American colonies to continue the fight against Britain. The American Crisis was read to General Washington’s army, soon to emerge from Pennsylvania- greatly diminished but determined- for a winter attack across the Delaware at Trenton the day after Christmas, 1776. The pamphlet’s effect was electric: the battle was won, as was the ensuing war. And ultimately the American cause.

Today, America once again faces a crisis that goes well beyond economics and is more profound than any political dispute. Unlike the conspicuous threat Great Britain’s policies posed to the colonies, the current threat to our liberty has gone largely unnoticed. Ominously, this danger remains completely unaddressed by both presidential candidates in this campaign season, though it impinges upon all areas of our society, as well as menacing our FREEDOM. It has also escaped the attention of America’s greatest scholars, scientists and even the nation’s media.


Upon reflection, I think it wise to employ- as in the days leading up to the American Revolution- Committees of Correspondence in order to gain the attention of my fellow citizens to the immanent peril, and to coordinate a popular response to it. Absent this, free institutions, individual liberty and a stable society will increasingly become scarce.