ithout reserve. These men continue to run our governments as though it were their own personal domain, and although the very foundations of our country crumble before them, we still have political campaigns couched in pomp and circumstance. This is no time for ceremony. The question before all Americans is one of a pivotal moment to this country. For my own part I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject, there should be freedom of debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at the truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which I hold to God and our country. Should I hold back my opinions at such time, for fear of giving offense?, no!, I would then consider myself guilty of treason toward my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the majesty of heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.

It is natural for men 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, until she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in returning a great nation to true liberty? Do we count ourselves among those who, having eyes, see not, and having ears, hear not, the things which 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 provide for it.

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience. I have 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 Judicial, Legislative or Executive branches for the last ten years, to justify those pleas which Americans have soothed themselves with?. Is it that insidious smile with which our pleadings for balanced budgets or term limits or jobs (as they always promise) has been received? Trust it not, for it will prove a snare to your feet. Do not allow yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our pleadings arranges itself with these warlike preparations (terrorism bills and the like) which darken our land. Are heavier regulations and greater federal authority in all matters necessary to achieve a better nation? Have we shown ourselves unwilling to be reconciled, that force must be called in to win back our trust of government? Let us not deceive ourselves. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which despotic rulers resort. I ask you, what else can this martial array mean, if it s purpose be not to force us to submission? Can you assign any other possible motives for it?. Does the US Gov t have that many enemies within our own borders?, to call for all this accumulation and consolidation and concentration of federal power and authority? No, they don t have as many as they would like you to believe. They are meant for us; the greater portion of the population, they can be meant for no other. The purpose of the war on drugs and the associated confiscatory laws in conjunction with the IRS and total control of our monetary system are to achieve complete bondage, and to finally quench the chains which the Aristocracy of the US Gov t has been so long forging. And what have we to oppose them? Shall we try argument? We have been trying that for the last ten to twenty years. Have we anything new to offer on the subject? Nothing. We have examined and elected, petitioned, boycotted and protested the subjects in every light of which it is capable; but it has all been in vain. Shall we resort to humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, deceive ourselves any longer.

We have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the State Legislatures and Senates, and have implored their interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the Federal Government mandates. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrance s have produced nothing more than additional insults; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the "necessary mandates". After all these attempts, in vain, should we indulge the hope of redress and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free --- if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long

waiting --- should we just abandon the struggle in which we have been so long engaged, for liberty and freedom, and to which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon?, I say, not until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained. I also say we must fight! I repeat it, we must fight!, an appeal to arms, and to the God of Nature is all that is left us!

They tell us, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. On the lips of every mouth, are the words "but what can we do?" But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a Federal garrison shall be stationed in every town or region? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging that delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? We are not weak, if we make a proper use of the means which the God of Nature has placed within our power. Two hundred and fifty millions of people, armed in the cause of Liberty, and in such a country as that which we posses, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations; and who will raise up the indignations of all peoples to fight our battles with us. The battle, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, we have no choice. If we were coward enough to want to, it is now to late to retire from the fight. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Oklahoma! The war is inevitable --- and let it come! I repeat, let it come!

It is in vain, to extenuate the matter. Reasonable people may cry peace, peace --- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the Capitol will bring to our ears the bootclap of UN troops! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that Americans wish. What would they have? Is life so dear, and 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!"

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