If 1775 were today

Breaking: A man calling himself Patrick Henry, who stated that war is “around the corner” arrived at a meeting of terrorist extremists in Virginia, determined to persuade his fellow terrorists to adopt a defensive stance against the government. He put forward a resolution proposing that Virginia’s counties raise militiamen “to secure our inestimable rights and liberties, from those further violations with which they are threatened.” Henry has already taken it upon himself to raise a volunteer outfit in Hanover County, and the FBI is investigating this development. Nevertheless, many extremists balked at approving any measure that might be viewed as combative, as some still held out hope for a peaceful reconciliation.

“I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided,” Henry said, “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 Democrat party for the last ten years to justify those hopes that this will not end in violence or tyranny?”

After several extremists had spoken on the issue, Patrick Henry said “Are fleets and armies necessary for reconciliation? Has the United States any enemy in this quarter of the world to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us; they can be meant for no other.”

Just over a month ago on February 14, the domestic terror group calling itself the “Provincial Congress” released its manifesto, declaring that the government was engaged in what the terrorists called “intolerable acts.”

In a speech before Congress in December, then President-elect Biden denounced the “daring spirit of resistance and disobedience to the law” which seems to be spreading like wildfire across the American continent.

Henry continued his speech, “Our petitions have been slighted, our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our requests have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne…we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to God of Hosts is all that is left us!”

“The war is actually begun!” Henry cried. “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?” As he spoke, Henry held his wrists together as though they were manacled and raised them toward the heavens. “Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty”—Henry burst from his imaginary chains and grasped an ivory letter opener—“or give me death!”