Thomas Paine's Opinion on The Bill of Rights

(I wrote this from the perspective and opinion of Thomas Paine with great accuracy, and also through his voice. Enjoy!)

October 10, 1789

Dear Journal,

I have just received some good news from my dear friend Mr. Franklin in the United States, and he has alerted me that the congress has reached an agreement and that a Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution on the 25^th of September of this year. I am in high spirits to hear this news for I have always sided with the voice of the common man. I would hate to see the United States take on the nature of Britain’s form of government over its former colonies. I believe in man’s natural equality, especially in the sight of God. I do not believe in any form of hereditary government! I do not want to hear about any such nonsense! Only a democratic republic may be trusted to protect the equal rights of men, and this Bill of Rights, I believe, accurately reflects this thought. The government itself however is indeed evil, the more power it shall hand over to the common folk, the happier I shall be, for a harmonic society is a self-governing society. I believe, this Bill of Rights, is a foremost step to this harmonic society. I have managed to get a copy of this prestigious Bil of Rights, and I must say that I am dazzled most by the tenth amendment to this Bill of Rights. It is absolutely correct that the powers which are not listed in the Constitution should be given to the people and the states! I agree fully on this subject. Furthermore, I am fond of article nine, because it further guarantees that the rights of the citizens are protected. I can not stress enough how important a weak government is. In my opinion, it is the only one worth even taking a glance at. I have, since my leaving of America, pursued my dream of inventing my smokeless candle, and crafting an iron bridge, however, I am somewhat saddened that I left the country soon after it had gained its independence, seeing how far it has gotten now, makes me wish to be a part of it once more.

Thomas Paine