A long time ago, in a galaxy seeming far away, a Patriot spoke these words that are as timely, today, as they were in 1775:
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.
-Patrick Henry
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