The delusive phantom of hope was not for Patrick Henry

• from Patrick Henry's 'Give me liberty or give me death' speech, March 23, 1775, St. John's Church, Richmond, Va.

"Mr. President, 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....

• 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....

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? ...

The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, 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, sir, let it come.

• It is in vain, sir, 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!"

via hogan at RedState.com

• P.S. Multi-millionaire Obama took the opportunity today to assert that the Declaration of Independence was a document contrived by rich guys, which did some good in spite of that:
  

7/4: "tenets first declared by men of property and wealth but which gave rise to what Lincoln called a new birth of freedom in America—"...

• from AP report, "Obama celebrates July 4th at White House barbecue," by N. Metzler via gateway pundit