Quote Originally Posted by Vodin View Post
I personally don't believe everything will come to a halt and explode into a SHTF situation. I see the government plodding on and making life , liberty and survive ability near non existent. They will eradicate the old thought and train the new thought. They already have malleable minds that they can twist into the proper thought. It is the old thought and upbringing that will be the battle to win.

A more modern and paraphrased version of Patrick Henry's speech:

Different men often see the same subject in different lights; therefore, it is to be hoped it would not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen, if, entertaining as I do, opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, should speak forth his sentiments freely, and without reserve.

This is no time for idle, worthless, gaudy ceremony.

The question before the country is one of awful moment . It should be considered 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 fulfil the great responsibility which is held to God and country. Should one keep back his opinions, at such a time, through fear of giving offence, one should consider himself as guilty of treason towards his country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the majesty of Heaven, revered above all earthly rulers.

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 syren, till she transforms us into beasts. Is it the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Were 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 our part, whatever anguish of spirit it might cost, we should be willing to know the whole truth, to know the worst, and to provide for it.

There is but one lamp by which our feet should be reliably guided: and that is the lamp of experience. There is no way of judging of the future, but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there had been in the conduct of the present regime, to justify those hopes with which gentlemen had been pleased to solace themselves? Is it that insidious smile with which they hope to sway the electorate? Trust it not, it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss.

There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free--if we mean to preserve inviolate those rights for which we and our ancestors have contended with their all, including their very life's blood--if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon, until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained--we must resist! An appeal to the Powers of Heaven, is all that is left us!"

They tell us, sir, that we are weird--unable to cope with what they please to call "business as usual" and "new normal". But when shall we be more able? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and state surveillance 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 back, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us, hand and foot? We are not weak, if we make a proper use of those means which have been placed in our power. People armed in the just cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are completely the equal and superior of any force which our enemy can send against us.

The struggle is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, we have no choice. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat, but into base submission and absolute slavery! Our chains are already forged. Their clanking may be heard, in preparation for their eternal attachment!

It is in vain to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, peace, peace--but there is no peace. 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? May Heaven forbid it for all time!