A comment posted to my Patch blog at 5:41pm, Sunday, 1/5/12 by Pat Craig.
Worth Reading and should be sent viral!!
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"At a moment of historical urgency very similar to what we currently face, a delegation of Patriots met in St. John’s Church in Richmond, Virginia, on March 23, 1775, less than a month before Gage sent out his troops that fateful April morning.
One of the speakers that day was a man whose rousing oration is regarded as one of the greatest speeches in American history, said near the beginning of his talk:
his is no time for ceremony. The question 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 offence, 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.
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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. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? 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.
I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past.
We have trod this path before. We know where it leads, having watched it both overseas and at home.
Today, federal agents and agencies arm themselves with weapons of war and hundreds of millions of rounds of ammunition not to combat an outside threat, but to oppress this nation’s citizens, as the would-be elites, long lost to the common man and imagining themselves superior, set about removing “Liberty’s teeth;” the last and greatest obstacle to imposing their well-intentioned tyranny where everyone is entitled to a “fair share” of what they are willing to let us have.
Pray for peace, protest with passion, and prepare yourself for war.
The fine gentleman from Virginia cited above had made the same grim determination before arriving in Richmond.
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. 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!
When shall we be stronger indeed, if we give up the implements of freedom without contest? There can be no peace when tyrants order Americans to bow down and surrender.
They, and they alone must withdraw… or else the choice is made.
Tread carefully.
