imported post
Do you really think that my point is that every man should be a rock, an island unto themselves?
Do you think that Patrick Henry meant that he would starve before purchasing food, if he didn't agree with the source of any food available?
Or, do you think that he was saying that he would rather die, than be told what to think, what God he could worship, whether he could be taxed without representation?
Do you truly think that Liberty consists of buying food that is "pure", or gasoline that has no "taint"?
Do you really want to trivialize the idea of a person choosing to be able to stand up for what they believe in; to bring it down to buying subsidized food? Liberty has nothing to do with your examples. Liberty is being able to express free thought. Liberty is being able to participate in free worship. Liberty is about being willing to stand up for the things you believe in, free of fear.
Read it again: "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!"
Nothing in there is talking about food, or gasoline, or if trees from a National Forest are being used by private businesses to make paper, or whatever petty example you are talking about.
His question is: What oppressions are you willing to suffer, so you can be "safe"? What Liberty will you concede, what fundamental principals of a free society will you surrender, in order to find "peace"?
For him, and me, none. I will always speak my mind. I will always worship what God I choose, or none at all. I will not suffer my principles to be set aside, to please others.
My vote will always be for the person who I believe has the best interest of this country, and its founding principles of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, at heart.
My point is yours should be to.