There are few school children that cannot quote Patrick Henry's most memorable call to action: “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death”, but the speech itself given at St. John's Church in Richmond, VA in 1775, is much more than just those seven indelible words. For instance, it is important to note that Patrick Henry was a God-fearing Christian, and one that believed strongly in the faith, to which this speech itself, made it clear that the highest loyalty a man should have was not to an earthly king but to the "majesty of heaven". Further, Patrick Henry stated that the cause now presented to those contemplating rebellion against English tyranny, was quite straightforwardly whether one was ready to stand for freedom or to submit to "submission and slavery". These words weren't meant to be taken rhetorically, but were words demanding action, to which Patrick Henry's voice cried out that "the war is actually begun."
Patrick Henry was no equivocating politician, nor some double-talking lawyer, he was a man of the highest principal and of action, which is why he is so well remembered and revered to this very day. Patrick Henry believed in accountability and in being true to the just cause of the colonies' rebellion, but even more than that, he questioned those of little faith, who complained that now was not the time, or that the colonies were too weak, or that a compromise might be reached between us and our English masters, however, Henry knew that it was fear that often held men back, and so too it was weakness of mind, as well as there were those that would accept limitations of their liberty for a compromised life.
Yet, when we look upon America today, we must ask the question as to whether we, as Americans, have sold out the ideals and principles of Patrick Henry, and the answer to that question clearly shows the needle pointing to the affirmative. First, America at its highest jurisprudence level has over recent history, turned this country from being one that built its very foundation upon Judeo-Christian principles into a country that believes it has no need for the inconvenience of God and old-time morals, but instead can simply right its ship with the rudder of pure secularism. Additionally, Patrick Henry starting with the infamous British stamp tax act as well as later with the vociferous debate over our Constitution, understood well that the confiscation of a man's wealth by taxation empowered the State, often to the detriment of the people, so that rather than the State serving the people, it was the people that were subservient to the State.
Today, if Patrick Henry was alive, he would be dismayed over the awesome and awful State power that is wielded unfairly and intrusively over most of the common citizens of this country, as well as he would be quite concerned over the rise of the secular State and thereby theincreasing marginalization of our Judeo-Christian founding principles.
Patrick Henry's memorable words should still ring true to our ears today, and as we look upon this nation, that question should still be raised, is this liberty or is this in substance the death of liberty.