Thomas Paine, in 1776, offered his country words that are important today as well, including the following  (my uppercase emphasis):

“What signifies it to me, whether he who does it is a king or a common man, my countryman or not my countryman, whether it be done by an individual villain, or an army of them? If we reason to the root of things we shall find no difference; NEITHER CAN ANY JUST CAUSE BE ASSIGNED WHY WE SHOULD PUNISH IN THE ONE CASE AND PARDON IN THE OTHER. Let them call me rebel and welcome, I feel no concern from it; but I SHOULD SUFFER THE MISERY OF DEVILS, WERE I TO MAKE A WHORE OF MY SOUL BY SWEARING ALLEGIANCE TO ONE WHOSE CHARACTER IS THAT OF A SOTTISH, STUPID, STUBBORN, WORTHLESS, BRUTISH MAN. I conceive likewise a horrid idea in receiving mercy from a being, who at the last day shall be shrieking to the rocks and mountains to cover him, and fleeing with terror from the orphan, the widow, and the slain of America.”

“THERE ARE PERSONS, TOO, WHO SEE NOT THE FULL EXTENT OF THE EVIL WHICH THREATENS THEM; they solace themselves with hopes that the enemy, if he succeed, will be merciful. IT IS THE MADNESS OF FOLLY, TO EXPECT MERCY FROM THOSE WHO HAVE REFUSED TO DO JUSTICE; and even mercy, where conquest is the object, is only a trick of war; THE CUNNING OF THE FOX IS AS MURDEROUS AS THE VIOLENCE OF THE WOLF, AND WE OUGHT TO GUARD EQUALLY AGAINST BOTH.”