Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne! ...
...The war is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come. It is in vain, sir, to extentuate 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! 
By the Student,
This impassioned excerpt of a speech by Patrick Henry is appealing to emotion and reason, two things that if one doesn't get to you, the other will. He says that the war has already begun, but they don't know it yet. If you don't even know you're in a war, then you're probably at a disadvantage and Patrick wants to bring them up to date asap before they become a third-world country that Great Britain can rape of goods and money whenever it wants.
If he'd rather have death over being a slave, then he feels strongly about it and wants everyone else to feel the same. This is totally justifiable and comparable to the fire and brimstone ministers who where trying to get people to see the light for their own good.
By a House Member,
Today we had yet another meeting debating back and forth whether to finally take a stand against Britain. My friend Patrick has been preparing a speech pro-war and over the last week, I have heard it many times and have felt something every time so I was sure today that his speech would leave a lasting impact on anyone who is still against a rebellion.
I was right. He gave the speech so eloquently and I believe that I saw the spark ignite in the souls of many of my esteemed colleagues today (some previously on the other side of the fence!). It is certain, and Patrick agrees with me, that we will finally begin preparing for the inevitable war that has already started without us.
Wish us luck.
No comments:
Post a Comment