We The People

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 that 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 question 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 towards the majesty of heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.

Countrymen, 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 -- to know the worst and to provide for it. I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the Obama White House for the last year and a half, to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House?

Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with these warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation -- the last arguments to which Statesmen resort. I ask gentlemen, Citizens, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motives for it? Has Barak Obama any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of power and control?

No, Countrymen, he has none. They are meant for us; they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the Progressive Democrats have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Countryment, we have been trying that for the last year and a half. Have we anything new to offer on the subject? Nothing.

We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, Countrymen, deceive ourselves longer.

Countrymen, 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 Congress, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the Presidency and Congress.

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 Presidency. In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope.

If we wish to be free -- if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending -- 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 fight! I repeat it, Countrymen, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts is all that is left us!

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 an Obama Official 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?

Countrymen, we are not weak, if we make a proper use of the means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. Three hundred million 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, Countrymen, 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, Countrymen, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, Countrymen, 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, Countrymen, let it come!

It is in vain, Countrymen, to extenuate 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!

This country was founded on certain principals.  These principals were based on God Given Rights.  These were and are considered Certain Inalianable Rights: Life, Liberty, and the Persuit of Happiness.   Our Fore-Fathers believed that the people were the best to decide what was and is best for them.  They gave us the Freedom to be who we wanted to be, what we wanted to be, and gave us the opportunity to be the best that we can be.  They believed in Small Goverment, with Limited Authority, and leaving their Power solely in the hands of the People.

The Federal Government, today, is taking control, ever so slightly, yet quickly, of our lives.   Not taking the control as a ruling Power over the People, but in the sense of the things that help us live our lives.  This includes Banks (monetary), Business (GM, Chrysler, Fannie Mac, Freddie Mac, etc), the American Dream (taking money from the rich and well to do, and redistributing it to the less fortunate), and more to come.

With the Democrats in control of the Senate and the House of Representative, The President, and the Cabinet, there is not much that cannot be passed and put into Law.  They are pushing Bills through Congress at an amazing pace.  There are Bills being introduced and giving no time for any of the Congressmen to read it (ie. The Stimulus Bill, Cap and Trade, bailouts, etc), and the push is on for Health Care Reform which President Barack Obama has yet to read.

It is my opinion that The Federal Government has overstepped their boundaries.  It is not all of The Federal Government, but the majority.  There is a chance to change things, overturn or repeal that which has been done, but that comes in 2010.  At that time, the Senate and the House are up for re-election.  We can change what is going on.  The people have a voice and it is being heard.  What most members of Congress and the President have forgotten is that they work for us, the People.  The Government, as stated in Declaration of Indepence, is of the People, by the People, and for the People.  This basic right has been over-looked, but is about to be realized, once again.

There are times ins Country's history where challenges are presented.  These challenges can change the face of the country, for good or for bad.  It is my opinion that this Great Country has been presented with a challenge.  This challenge is the Far Left Liberal Government that has control, for now.  The path that this Government decided to go is toward a Socialist Style of Government.  This is where there is Big Government, Limitied Liberties, where Wealth is considered for All People not those who earned it, and where the People  have No Say as to the Direction of their Lives.  Our Founding Fathers established this Nation on Freedom, Liberties, Limited Government, and the ability for each and every Person to decided for themselves their lives their Happiness and their Liberties.  The Federal Governent was never meant to control anyone or any state.  Since the New President has been sworn into office, chunks of our businesses, economy, liberties, financial institutions, and lives have been taken away.  GM, the Federal Government now has controlling interest in it.  The bailouts to the Financial Institutions with guidleines that are controlled by the Federal Government.  The attempt to push through Cap and Trade, which will Control Industry and how they run.  Health Care Reform which will take over approx. 16% of our economy, not to say the Government having say and control on what care we are given.  Given time, more and more of our Country, the People will fall under the control of Our Government.  This cannot be aloowed to happen.  That is why we have elections.  In 2010, the damage that has been done and will be done, can be corrected.  It is up to the People of this Great Nation to stand up, let their voices be heard, and tell the Federal Government, "You have overstepped your boundaries, and now we are going to take back Our Country."  This Federal Government was suppose to be made Of the People, For the People, and By the People.

I love my country, and I do not like the course the Government is taking it.  There are a few in Congress who are looking out for the People, and there are those who are looking out for themselves.  This is our Challenge, and one that The American People and rise up to and overcome.  Remember, the President is only as strong as the Congress lets him be.  The Path can be changed, and Our Country Reclaimed.  Let Freedom Ring, and In God We Trust.........God Bless America.