Tale of two quotes

Over at Random Acts of Patriotism he quotes one misguided individual:

"I am pleased with Obama. I think he’s brilliant. The Republican Party should get out of his way and stop trying to hurt him. It would be good…if he could be a dictator for a few years because he could do a lot of good things quickly." - Woody Allen

and a much maligned Iowan:

It is a paradox that every dictator has climbed to power on the ladder of free speech. Immediately on attaining power each dictator has suppressed all free speech except his own. -Herbert Hoover

I doubt that any of my readers would have trouble in figuring out which quote is to be lauded.

Woody Allen's Proposal

(Added to my daily reading list)

Wisdom of Patrick Henry

"They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. 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 British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of (Washington) Boston! The war (For the soul of the Republic) is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.

Patrick Henry

Found at Green Mountains Homesteading who kindly sends a few readers my way each day. Thank you.