briarpatch, points to ponder no doubt, and much truth. Many no doubt however, died fighting, and in a spiritual sense, found their freedom, while dying for it.
It will, in the end, depend on whether life, or dignity (freedom) is more valuable to the individual. Some will bitterly hold on to freedom, and some will whimper at death, much as they did in their captive life.
In my past and now retired career of 20 years, I stood alongside men whom would fight for what was right, regardless of the cost, and watched others unsuccessfully want to be among those men, without the cost. And I also saw men give up without so much as a small struggle.
I never tried to make a warrior out of someone that was not. These men came and went in my career many times. I found that they either were, or were not, long before they came on the force. They had to want it inside, bad enough to sacrifice. Most don't.
I not too long ago, had a conversation with a retired business man in our church. The conversation turned to standing up for what was right. This man, whom is much liked in our church, informed me that he had never been in a fight in his almost 70 years of life. He stated that he had never stood up for anything nor anyone, nor would he, and his goal was to have everyone like him.
I am 6'3" and weigh about 245. This man is about 4" taller and 40lbs heavier but, has never, nor will ever fight for ANYTHING, or anyone.
I told this man, that I would, and have in the past, assisted a stranger in trouble, regardless of the odds. He told me that he knew that about me when he met me, and had heard it as well. I truly don't understand this mentality.
What is life, without freedom, and at what point does one tell the other, I will not take any more of this. I have paid the price for standing up for what was right more than once in the politics of L.E., and looking back, even with the costs, it was worth it. It's not for the respect of others, as much as the personal dignity and "self respect".
If something is "hidden" it is not only out of the reach of the confiscator, but also the confiscatee. So what good is it?
How is there a difference in fighting and dying for your rights in a group of like minded men, than alone on your front porch? Is one more comfortable dying in a crowd?