Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death

No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The questing before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.

If we wish to be free-- if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending--if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained--we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us!

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 those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The 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. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace-- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? 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!

For those that think we have lost no liberty, think about how long we will have to wait to fly now. Yes, safety is worth the wait, but we can't give up too much liberty just to have a little safety!

Also think about how many people won't fly now. Think about how many people get nervous when they hear a low flying plane. A neighboring town had a power outage the other night, how many people do you think turned on the radios to hear what had happened. A little nervous, yes. Do you blame them?

This is terror, this is what those cowards wanted! We can't let it get to us! I heard that the NE Patriot's cheerleaders didn't fly with the team. They skipped the game. This is ridiculous, they are giving in to the terrorists and this is a shame to all those who died!

Give me Liberty or Give Me Death!

Thank you for posting this wonderful speech. I helped my oldest son do a paper on this speech last year, and I was in awe then, as I am now, as to the eloquence and patriotism of this early American. May we possess many kindred spirits in this day and age!

For those that think we have lost no liberty, think about how long we will have to wait to fly now.

If you don't want to wait, wear a minimum of clothing and don't carry any luggage. Hey, nobody is making you fly. If you want the freedoms and liberty that Patrick Henry had, then travel like he did... on foot.

Hey, nobody is making you fly. If you want the freedoms and liberty that Patrick Henry had, then travel like he did... on foot.

Hey P-Marlowe I also said "Yes, safety is worth the wait,"! When it comes to a plane flying at 35,000 feet we need to accept a few minutes to assure safety!

My point is similar to what Benjamin Franklin said "They that can give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety"

We need to tread lightly.
Do we want our vehicles searched when crossing state lines?
Do we want to carry papers to allow us to move around the country?
Do we want our homes opened up to searches?
Do we want people stopped because of how they look?

How far are we willing to go to feel safe?
Even with loss of liberties like these, will people feel safe flying again?
Will people feel safe in tall buildings again?
With the threat of chemical warfare will people feel safe in their own homes again?

How far are we willing to go?

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.