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Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death!”
March 23, 2010
On March 23, 1775, 235 years ago today, Patrick Henry gave his immortal speech, closing with the lines, “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!” According to eyewitnesses, many gathered that day at St. John’s Church in Richmond, VA, rose up and started shouting, “To arms, to arms!”
I think the American people have a very important choice: are they going to resign themselves to the ever growing chains of government control over their lives, submitting willingly like sheep to acquire some false illusion of peace and prosperity? Or are they going to fight against the forces of statism and push back? That is the great question of the day.
After seeing what took place in the House on Sunday, I believe the call today is “To arms!” Not to muskets or cannon, but to fighting for leadership that reflects, and respects, the will of the American people. It’s engaging with the weapons of new media, with new leaders running for office, about registering more voters to cast votes at the ballot box. It’s about rallying the American people to fight for the principles of free enterprise, limited government and individual freedom that have made this country great, and which, if renewed, will take this country to even greater heights.
[…] is the exact same reasoning the American Right and groups like American Majority is currently using to convince people that Obama’s health care reform is only the first step […]
Henry’s speech is so timeless. Many remember the end but throughout the speech there where real gems of wisdom. How he warned people to not be complacent when he said,
“Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren, till she transforms us into beasts.” or how he guided them to be realistic by stating “For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth — to know the worst and to provide for it.” .
a truly remarkable speech.
[…] is the exact same reasoning the American right and groups like American Majority are currently using to convince people that Obama’s health care reform is only the first step […]