Oh, my. How did we get from "Live Free Or Die" to "Be Scared Of Osama"?

[NNN0LHI]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_free_or_die

Live Free or Die
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"Live Free or Die" in the State Emblem"Live Free or Die" is the official motto of New Hampshire, adopted by the state Legislature in 1945. It is probably the best-known of all state mottos, partly because it speaks to an aggressive independence inherent in the American dream, and partly because of its contrast to the mild sentiments usually found in such slogans.

The phrase comes from a toast written by Gen. John Stark in July 31, 1809. Poor health had forced Stark, New Hampshire's most famous soldier of the American Revolutionary War, to decline an invitation to an anniversary reunion of the Battle of Bennington. Instead he sent the toast, which said in full: "Live free or die: Death is not the worst of evils."

A similar motto from the American Revolutionary War was "Unite or Die". A possible source of both mottoes is Patrick Henry's famed March 23, 1775 speech to the House of Burgesses (the legislative body of the Virginia colony), which contained the following line:

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!

[tularetom]

1. Actually we got from

Give me liberty or give me death

to

Take my liberty just save me from death.

[napi21]

2. That was a very long time ago! Unfortunately, people don't think

like that anymore!

Most are scared of their own shadow!

[mike_c]

3. best. post. tonight.

Kicking and recommending! :toast:

[AndyTiedye]

4. "Live Free or Die" Is Free As in "No Money" Not Free as in Freedom

"Live Free or Die" isn't about freedom.

It describes their attitude towards public assistance and those who depend on it.

"Live Free or Die" Is Free As in "No Money" Not Free as in Freedom.

[EST]

5. That motto will be there, when we need it.

Things are not as bad as they are likely to get. I am afraid there will be many of us who are going to have to make that choice.

I know what mine would be.

[yknot]

6. That is the $100,000 question

Pretty much sums up the tragedy of modern Americans: Fat, lazy, frightened... pathetic.

[AnnieBW]

7. "I May Die

But I die free." - a great line from this week's Stargate SG-1.