Words of Patrick Henry

[PhantomPhixer]

These words were spoken by Patrick Henry in Lexington one month before the 'shot heard round the world.' The British were arming themselves against the colonies, and Henry was issuing a warning.

I know I am speaking to the choir, but he paints an ominous picture:

“Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with these war-like preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled, that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, Sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask, gentlemen, Sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, Sir, she has none. They are meant for us; they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging.

“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. 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.”

[SHMIV]

Good quote. I don't reckon that one shows up in high school history books.

But, it should.

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[rlbellco72]

Good quote. I don't reckon that one shows up in high school history books.

But, it should.

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It was in the History books when I went to school, but then that was a different age! We still had prayer and said the Pledge of Allegiance every day in school. We were taught that defending the Constitution was a honorable and Patriotic thing to do. I served proudly in the U. S. Navy for that very reason. We had to learn the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States, we learned what the bill of rights were and what they stood for. We had to learn the Declaration of Independence and in some cases recite it in it's entirety.

What do we have today? I read a story two days ago about a young lady that got punished for not reciting the Mexican Pledge of Allegiance in a Spanish class because she believed it was un American to do so.

http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/to ... ledge.html

This was in a school district that allows students to opt out of saying the U. S. Pledge of Allegiance if they choose too. Our kids are no longer allowed to pray in public schools. Kids are now getting punished if they make a play gun with their fingers, something my friends and I did all the time in and out of school. Since my kids are grown with families of their own, I no longer know what goes on in public schools except what I hear in the news. And most of the time, it's not good imo.

So yes, SHMIV, it wouldn't surprise me to find that in today's United States, Patrick Henry's speech may no longer be in the History books. Here is a link to the posted speech;

http://www.ushistory.org/documents/libertydeath.htm

As for me, I stand with the Honorable Patrick Henry:

"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!"

Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775

[ffhounddog]

Good words. This is why I read here.