Today I’m at the El Paso County Tea Party, so I have a guest blogger: Patrick Henry. I took the Facebook test “Which Founding Father are you most like?” and he was it. I don’t have his skill at oratory, nor at writing so it’s his turn. The first words may not be familiar but they are eery today; the closing ones you will know. He spoke without any notes in a voice that became louder and louder, climaxing with the now famous ending.
“They tell us, Sir, that we are weak – unable to cope with such a formidable ADVERSARY. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be next week, or next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed ….Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying spinelessly on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? . . .Sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just GOD who presides over the destinies of nations . . . The battle, Sir, it’s not to the strong alone. It is to the vigilant, the active, the brave . . . There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! . . .Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace! – But there is no peace. The war is actually begun! . . . Why stand we here Idle? What is it that Gentleman 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!”
Delivered at St. John’s church in Richmond, Virginia, March 23, 1775. This is just the ending of the speech; the full text can be found here.
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