Today I ask those of you who are true Patriots, those who still believe in man's unalieable rights, to read these words Patrick Henry said and to remember the great blessing of liberty that makes America different from everyother nation on earth.
Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!
I have this posted up in my own humble abode.
One of the most powerful and moving speeches in history.
Ping
They tell us, sir, that we are weak - unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of Hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot?
Sir, we are not weak, if we make a proper use of the means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. Three millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us.
Damn straight. My chains will NOT rest light upon me...and we are NOT weak.
I remember I memorized a goodly portion of this speech back when they actually taught kids this stuff.
They re-enact this every year about this time. We’ve been and it’s highly inspirational.
http://historicstjohnschurch.org/
Thanks for posting.
It’s a long way from that time when the leaders of our young country saw with clarity and humility the essential struggles we faced. These men faced their doubts and fears and then took the only action they could, given the principles they held.
It’s astonishing, really, that we existed at all, and for as long as we have. I somehow thought it would always be so. I was wrong.