"Give me liberty or give me death"

"United we stand, divided we fall" The quotable quote most memorably stated by historical American icon, Patrick Henry, is Greek in origin and coined by sixth century writer Aesop.

This "slogan" has never been in more need of scrutiny by the world community. It rings true that solidarity is the only way to stay strong. Once people, parties, countries or Republics are singled out, there are all the more breakable like brittle sticks by powerful, oppressive forces.

Maybe if the Soviet Union had adopted this slogan, the strength of the former "United" republics would still "Stand" strong, but as anyone can see, after the USSR "Divided" itself, all of the former republics did indeed "Fall" into wars, poverty, crime, homelessness and exploitation. It is no wonder that most people over the age of 30 who have a memory of life in USSR are nostalgic of times when neighboring countries weren't killing each other over land disputes or bombing schools. A time when homelessness wasn't everywhere, you could see a doctor when you were sick, you could go on vacation and the elderly received their earned pensions.
 
I am reminded of another other sayings, like "You don't know what you have until it's gone" and "Be careful of what you wish for, because you may just get it".

There is another famous quote by Patrick Henry " Give me liberty or give me death". Sometimes you get both.

B. Chartier