What is one reason that thomas Paine brings up the oppsing arugment that the colonies have been well protected by the bitish?

Thomas Paine addresses the argument that the colonies have been well protected by the British to highlight its flawed reasoning. He points out that the protection provided by Britain has often come with significant costs and limitations, including the imposition of harsh taxes and restrictions on colonial autonomy. By emphasizing this point, Paine aims to encourage colonists to recognize that true security and self-governance can only be achieved through independence rather than reliance on British rule. Ultimately, he seeks to inspire a sense of agency and the necessity for a break from colonial dependence.