Patrick Henry in the Virginia House of Burgesses delivering his infamous speech that swayed the decision to declare independence from Great Britain.

Okay, so according to Wikipedia, the quote is… “”An appeal to arms and the God of hosts is all that is left us. But we shall not fight our battle alone. There is a just God that presides over the destinies of nations. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone. 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.” — Patrick Henry

What happened to this sentiment in America?  As the years have gone by in our country’s relative infancy, we have watched as voter turnouts have been on steady decline.  Only when issues of race (Civil War, current election) or issues of unjust treatment of minorities (Civil Rights Movement) are staring us in the face do we, as citizens, have the courage to truly stand up and fight for something.

I believe there is hope for our country, but I believe that the only true way to rekindle that fire within our collective hearts is if we, those who enjoy the fruits of living in the greatest nation the world has ever known, stand up collectively and shout as Patrick Henry, “Give me Liberty or Give me Death!”.  If we stop accepting every tax bribe offered by every politician, every glamorous distraction shown to us by Hollywood, every drop of debilitating, mindless, escapist forms of self-indulgent entertainment and focus on what’s important — creating a better future for ourselves and for our children — if we can do this, I know that one day, we will realize the vision of our noble forefathers.  We will be able to stand with pride that we have made a change, a difference.  We will look once again on our flag, our country, and our government, and we will realize…

We are free.