“The battle, Sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, Sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable; and let it come! I repeat, Sir, let it come!” — Patrick Henry

This excerpt appeared in Stephanie’s Random blog some time ago, and coincidentally, I listened to Patrick Henry on the way home from work today. I have to share that Patrick Henry’s speech, which I listened to thanks to Librivox recording, was inspiring. Whether he spoke it the way it was recorded or not, it was still great! I must have listened to it 3-4 times in a row, it was that good. It made me appreciate again that Patrick Henry, that America’s founders, gave a darn about what they were doing, that they were passionate about what they believed, and that doing the right thing wasn’t obvious…and could have just as easily gone the other way. Actually, it made me imagine I was listening to a podcast of Patrick Henry!

In one school district I know, there is a debate raging about whether to keep the FOSS content management system, or to switch to Microsoft CMS. Unfortunately for those involved, the MS CMS has already been purchased in advance, and every indication that a decision made–even though a successful initiative is already in place. The year long initiative of the FOSS Content Management system has lots of support, has been successful, features video testimonials from principals and dept heads. But, “We’re a Microsoft shop” is the unfortunate justification given for change.

To this, there can be only one response a la Patrick Henry….

No man thinks more highly than I do of quality products for our school district…But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The question before the directors is one of awful moment to our campuses and departments. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at the truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to our District. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of disloyalty towards my organization.

Assistant Superintendent, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of programmers. 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 educational service? Are we disposed to be of the numbers 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.

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past…Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of subjugation; the last arguments to which Superintendents resort. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free–if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges of campus and department web publishing for which we have been so long contending–if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained–we must resist conversion to Microsoft’s CMS! I repeat it, sir, we must resist!

Is Microsoft so dear, or tradition so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of inferior product and an unrealized CMS? Forbid it! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me FOSS or give me nothing!

Seriously, listen to the Patrick Henry recording at Librivox. It’s awesome, especially at the end!

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Everything posted on Miguel Guhlin’s blogs/wikis are his personal opinion and do not necessarily represent the views of his employer(s) or its clients. Read Full Disclosure