Patrick Henry

"Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" by Patrick Henry
http://www.liberty-page.com/foundingdocs/givemeliberty/main.html

"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. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the numbers 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."

Logos
Ethos
Pathos


Reaction:
I particularly favored the excerpt above because Patrick Henry deliberately states that America is in denial of its surroundings and it most open its eyes to the adversity. In his speech he proclaims that war is inevitable because all other attempts to compromise with Britain has failed. He profoundly says that the country will only fail in war if it does not take action and retreats into submission. His keen awareness of apathy in the country makes me feel proud that there are such leaders as he who acknowledge truth and attempt to mend faults rather than ignore them. Henry's speech evokes patriotism because it recognizes that one country should not be spoiled as a result of another country's action therefore any means, even war, is acceptable if it declares justice. He uses rhetorical question, connotation, and metaphors to appeal to the emotions of the public to persuade them to join the fight.

Diary:
I am aware of the future, and the future holds war. Most would like to blindly wish things would repair themselves, but this is false hope. For years we have suffered unjust treatment for a tyrant. Let them hear us once and for all that we will not be named their subjects any longer. War is on the rise. Again and again we tried peaceful negotiations with petitions but each attempt ended the same, with disregard. Watch us disregard them now as we fire our cannons! War will shed a new light it which we shall prevail. Our distain will not be fixed until all issues are heard and respected. There shall be no peace until we are granted our freedom.