Posted on 03/23/2010 2:56:25 PM PDT by raptor22
No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The questing 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 offense, 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.
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....
(Excerpt) Read more at libertyonline.hypermall.com ...
Its time for this generation of Americans to do what that generation did.
OUR PETITIONS HAVE BEEN SLIGHTED; OUR REMONSTRANCES HAVE PRODUCED IRRATIONAL VIOLENCE AND INSULT; OUR SUPPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN DISREGARDED; AND WE HAVE BEEN SPURNED! Patrick Henry
Judge Napolitano: Revolution is the Duty of the People
Leaving aside the other obvious virtues of the past generations, the sheer quality of their speech, the ability to masterfully turn a phrase, is remarkable. Even among people lacking more than a schoolhouse education, one finds letters from those times that would put most politicians to shame, nay most college graduates.
The reason? BOOKS. Books of high quality, written with eloquence and knowledge of how to employ the rules of grammar to enhance one's message. The only books availabe in those days were the classics. Thus, raised on the very best Western civilization had to offer, even a few years of study, and constant reading of the few great books most people could afford, made most people highly literate.
I attribute the decline in literacy and adeptness with language to the plethora of crummy books, TV, and really, really bad songs which flood the media and drown out the shining jewels of our noble literary heritage.
Somehow, I am gripped today with the desire to 'tear it all down' and start fresh, as plowmen, carpenters, printers and citizen statesmen. Alas, I know this is not possible, so I search as so many here on FR do, for a means to revitalize our culture while avoiding the Luddite mentality one encounters occasionally on the cultural fringes of America.
The internet serves as a means of raising one's IQ, and many, home-schoolers for example, use it for that purpose. But for the muddled masses, it's a playground of dumbed-down texting, a Philistine cesspool. You can lead a horse to the clear waters of enlightenment, but you can't make him THINK!
Thank you for posting this, and providing me with another source of worthwhile reading. The above post was intended for you also, and ALL.
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Well said!
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