Give me liberty or give me death!

Have you ever given a speech? If so, did you ever worry that what you said during that speech would get you killed? Of course not. It's important to remember this fourth of July that we have people to thank for this freedom.

Most people are afraid of public speaking--but not because they are worried about death, but rather mere embarrassment. Jerry Seinfeld remarked that fear of public speaking ranks higher than fear of death in our society--as he put it: So if you are at a funeral, you'd rather be in the casket than giving the eulogy.

Patrick Henry gave a speech once, in 1775, a stirring, moving speech. One that he knew might result in his death. His dedication to freedom was inspiring--to say the very least. I've excerpted just a few lines, but it is really worth reading the whole thing. Happy 4th of July!

"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 contending; if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon, until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained; we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight!! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us! ...

"Forbid it, Almighty God -- I know not what course others may take; but as for me -- give me liberty or give me death!"