I have a flight delay in Denver so I have a few minutes to post something.

On my last flight, I was reflecting on the future and the tough choices we have to make as a nation in how we are going to defend not just ourselves but quite possibly western civilization from growing threats from the east as the European powers choose the path of appeasement and capitulation to threats of unrest and violence by minority immigrant populations.  We have a Chamberlain decision to make as we decide to stand tough in the face of fascism or to retreat to try to secure peace in our time.

This speech came back to mind during my ruminations on what a proud and strong country America has been.  It first came to my attention about eight years ago and I truly feel it is one of the greatest pieces of rhetoric in the history of mankind.  It rivals anything Julius Ceaser or Winston Churchill said to rally an army or invigorate a nation.  The speech I speak of is Patton's speech to the third army.  The same one immortalized by George C. Scott in the movie Patton.  That version however greatly watered down and the harsh, honest language expunged.

I believe that every high school student in the country should be required to read and study this speech in the course of their American history studies.  Please go read it for yourself in its original glory.  The speech may not be safe for work as Patton used four letter words to weave a rhetorical tapestry in the same way one of the great masters would paint in oils.

On to the speech. 

Some background and research about the speech if you are really interested, as well as a third person version of the speech.