Live Free or Die

These powerful words are not only the motto for the State of New Hampshire, they are a battle cry once uttered in 1776 by Patrick Henry, one of the most influential (and radical) advocates of the American Revolution and republicanism, especially in his denunciations of corruption in government officials and his defense of historic rights. Mr. Henry was most remembered for his speech to the Virginia House of Burgesses, in which he said, "Give me liberty or give me death." With both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson in attendance, this speech was credited as the reason for the committing of Virginia's troops to the Revolutionary War.

In more modern times, and in other parts of the world, these words can carry a very sinister meaning. In places such as Iraq, they can herald utter destruction and death, ramming "democracy" down their collective throat with an imperialist fistful of shock and awe...

For me, the words are a way to express to anyone and everyone who drives by and reads them, that I am here and I will be heard. Far too many good people gave up their lives so that I would have not only the right but the responsibility to voice my displeasure at a government that fails to represent 'We the People'.

To quote General Emiliano Zapata, "It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees!"