THE SPIRITS SPEAK
This is an interview with the Spirit of Patrick Henry, American patriot
and orator who spurred colonial revolt in the South by oratory. Later
he fought to add the Bill of Rights to the Constitution. His answers
are channeled through Speaker Gerald Polley, and Speaker Linda J.
Polley provided the questions.
* * *
1. What do you think of the American government
today ?
A. It has often been said if one cannot say something good, one should
not say anything at all. I sincerely wish there is something good that
I can say, but when one is faced with ignorance, corruption and total
imcompetence it is hard to find anything at all to say.
2. Do you still believe everything you accomplished was worth it?
A. I am more concerned with that what we failed to accomplish, rather
than that that we accomplished. Though we planted the seeds of liberty
we failed to rip out the seeds of greed, of ignorance, hatred and
bigotry. It was our intent to create a place where that which
was within each man could reach its full and most wonderful potential.
But we failed to recognize that in some men there was evil and not
good. And that which was created had the potential to fester evil as
well as to bring forth the fruits of good. Even wise men in their zest
to go forward make mistakes.
3. If you were in material form today, what cause would you be
supporting and which would you be fighting hardest against?
A. I would
be supporting those fighting for their independence against tyranny. I
would be speaking for those who want to save this fragile world in
which we live from those whose only concern is the profit margin. I
would be raising my voice against those who in their supreme and utter
ignorance, consider themselves better than other men because their skin
is a lighter co1or, or their face is a different shape. I would be
screaming in outrage against. Those who sell their public trust to the
privileged few, ignoring those who have no shelter from the rain, or no
food for their aching bellies. This is what I would be doing if I had
flesh today.
4. What do you think about burning the flag as a form of free speech?
A. It is hard for me to find words to express my feelings on this
issue, as I am one who is driven by the desire that all men have the
right to speak what is in their heart, if they are for or against any
issue. But I firmly believe that a man or a woman can speak their mind,
can stand in opposition on any issue and not use inappropriate
language, or by defiling the symbol of this great nation. When I see
from this world scenes of young men and women burning the flag and
stomping it into the earth I see them burning those who fought to give
them the right to speak. I see them stomping into the ground the bloody
bodies of those who died for their rights, and I am torn, torn
inside. I do not know how,to answer this question, for I wish every man
or woman to have the right to speak, but I desire that no one disgrace
the symbol of this nation. Though it is far from perfect, it is better
than most. 0n this 1 can say no more.
5. What do you think about changing the Constitution?
A. The Constitution is a delicate thing. There have already been too
many amendments. I do not believe it should be altered any further. The
expression of the law should now be what sets the course of the nation.
The 1aw must very carefully balance the Constitution. All the issues of
this day are amply covered by it. In truth I would like to
see some of the amendments taken away, but this is my PERSONAL
preference. Others might very well disagree with me. And by that very
Constitution, they have that right.
6. How would you propose the drug problem be handled?
A. In my day we looked upon the drunkard as a dispicable person, a
breaker of the 1aw and of the public order, and treated them
accordingly. I think these users of drugs should be treated likewise.
Like your dear companion I do not understand this attitude that they
are treated by many as sick persons. It is a sickness that is easily
cured and society must come to realize thai this is so. That these
people are not the victims but the fundamental purpatrators of the
crime, for whom all the other purpatrators exist. Until that day comes,
until people come to realize the harm these individuals are causing and
take action, the problem will never improve. If there is no longer a
demand for something, it will not be sold. For there will be no one to
buy it.
7. What would you do to improve this country if you could help?
A. Not really being that in touch with what is going on, I do not
really think I should answer this question. Things are so complicated
from the realm in which we now exist, it is hard for us to see
everything as we must see through the eyes of a few talented observers.
Undoubtedly I would change much, but not having a full knowledge I
should not say exactly what things.
8. Were you psychically inspired when you made your speeches?
If so, how?
A. When I spoke the words just seemed to flow from within. I often felt
as if I was saying things I had said before in other times and other
places, only changing them slightly to fit the circumstances. I do not
know if this is what you would call inspired or not. But what I said
was from within myself. And I felt myself attuned to the wills and
desires of all men.
9. Why did you desire this interview?
A. Because ny colleagues and I who worked so hard to establish this
nation have become deeply concerned about the way some of the things we
did have been twisted. For example, we never intended that a murderer
go free because a constable made a mistake in arrest-