This warning from Patrick Henry has become disturbingly relevant in the wake of the Jan. 6 insurrec

[Jilly_in_VA]

This warning from Patrick Henry has become disturbingly relevant in the wake of the Jan. 6 insurrection
History News Network


On January 6, 2021, and again on its anniversary, rioters and their defenders invoked an almost mythological belief in “1776” and the most famous words of Patrick Henry – “give me liberty or give me death.” Henry’s speech is a favorite of the modern Tea Party and those who wish to deny federal authority or to ignore laws with which they disagree.

This, though, is to misunderstand Henry. His “liberty or death” speech was a response to British efforts to tax Americans unrepresented in Parliament and undermine the power of elected assemblies. His understanding of democracy is much more clearly shown in his opposition to ratification of the U.S. Constitution and then, later, his defense of the Constitution that he had opposed.

In 1788, Henry became the leading antifederalist, contesting ratification of the new Constitution. He warned that the federal government would become too powerful, too distant from the people. The presidency “squints to monarchy.” Henry almost defeated ratification in Virginia, but he lost. The Constitution was ratified.

When other antifederalists, led by George Mason, met to plan continued opposition to the Constitution’s implementation, Henry objected. He had opposed ratification “in the proper place – and with all the powers he possessed,” but having lost, it was time to “give it fair play.” Henry retired, refusing appointments as a Supreme Court justice, secretary of state, ambassador to France or Spain.

https://www.rawstory.com/patrick-henrys-warning-has-become-disturbingly-relevant-in-the-wake-of-the-january-6-insurrection/

[3Hotdogs]

1. That was George III's biggest fuck-up. The complaint, "No taxation....." could have been solved.

Give each colony one vote in Parliament.

Prime Minister: "The motion is to tax the fuckin' colonies. All if favor?" All against? The motion carries 212 for, to 13 against."

[3Hotdogs]

2. Interesting and sad, also. Patrick Henry's wife went insane and was chained in the basement of their

house. I believe that was until she died.