A Response to Patrick Henry's Speech to the House of Burgesses - by Danny Schwartz

Mr. Henry: Your words at the church moved me, and no less. The rivulets of thought that sprang so readily from your mouth brought my head to a point of overwhelming curiosity. I could not for the life of me think what a man of my stature, pray, might do to strive to achieve such a lofty goal as to free the shackles of this country, liberate us from the tyranny of the British. I own but a tavern, lead a simple life, befriending those who come to my establishment. They say I am the kindest man in Richmond. Maybe they are right, and I am flattered, but what actions might I take to achieve what is rightfully mine? I am no more harmful than a squirrel in an acorn tree! Is vigilance, as you say, truly necessary? To prove what? That we are but vigilant? The British have angered the colonies with unwanted taxes, and I myself have suffered already. What benefit might vigilance provide? And what of bravery? True, it requires heart to stand up to what is wrong if what is wrong is the authority. I feel the frustration, as do many others. But what can my bravery do, save get me into trouble? I keep a tavern! I lack the ambition of yourself and many townspeople.
I feel your sentiments, their sentiments, and yet, those sentiments cannot manifest themselves within me as a desire to take action. In spite of the persuasiveness of your speech, I cannot help but feel the fight belongs in Boston. There they are unafraid to act out against this tyranny. It is an awful thing, tyranny, but should rebellion not be left to those who aspire it? These thoughts trouble me. I do not believe in my own ability to act, but at the same time liberty has meaning. Liberty is not everything, but without it, everything is nothing. Thus I respect your cause, and strive to make it my own.