To my Fellow Countrymen: No person thinks more highly than I do about the ability and tenacity of the great people in this Country. But different people often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not bee seen as politically incorrect if I share my view on the state of things and speak freely and without reserve. This is no time for partisanship. The reality facing this country is sobering. For me, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject should 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 ourselves and each other. Should I hold back my opinions now, through fear of offending, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards free people, and an act of disloyalty toward the majesty of liberty, which I revere above all earthly rulers.
Fellow Free People, it is natural to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are prone to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the spin of media until they transform us into beasts. Is this what wise people engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty would do? Are we so inclined to look the other way when our freedom is at stake? For me, whatever anguish it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and and to speak about it.
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Patrick Henry |
They tell us that we are weak; unable to cope with such a formidable adversary. But when will we be stronger? Will it be this week, or next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a government guard shall be stationed on every corner? Shall we gather strength by hesitation and inaction? Will we gather the means of effective resistance, by sitting on the couch, and pursuing the deceptive phantom of hope, until tyranny shall have us bound hand and foot? People, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which Freedom have placed in our power. Three million people are invincible by an force which tyranny can send against us. Besides, we will not fight out battles alone. There is the justice that truth and reason provide; and will raise up friends to help us fight our battles. The battle, folks, is not for only the strong; it is for the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, we have no choice. If we were stupid enough to desire it, it is too late to walk away. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are made! Their noise may be heard in every corner of the Nation! Resistance is inevitable, and let it come! Let it come!
To prolong the matter would be in vain. People may cry, Peace, Peace, but there is no peace. The war has already begun! The next viral campaign that we hear about will be that of resistance! Our best are already arming themselves! Why do we sit idly by? What do we wish? What do we want? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it one and all!! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!
If you were to rewrite a message from the past to people today, what would it be?
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