"Mr. President, it is natural to man 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 till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly 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 to provide for it." -- Patrick Henry, 1775
What old Pat was rather eloquently saying was: Whatever the personal price to him for the freedom of our nation, he was willing to pay it.
Today, in a matter of hours, perhaps thousands of our fellow Americans paid the ultimate price for the liberty we prefer over tyranny and greater security. They did not know they would be called upon. That did not know they would be murdered by those who object to our ideals.
It's a very sad day, filled with pain for all of us. For some of us, pain so deep that it may be unbearable.
But it's also a day on which, if you are an U.S. citizen, to reinvest yourself in what it means to be an American. We are often imperfect as a nation. Often misunderstood or conflicted. But the ideals at the basis of our society are unshakably good and sound.
Our people can be bled and killed. Our buildings can be stricken and demolished. But the principles set forth by our forefathers are so fundamentally strong, they can only prevail.
Grieve for those lost today, but also, be proud.
