Regardless of the historical beginnings of the day's importance, it is clear that "the 5th of November" should become (and has become, to some degree) our new Independence Day. In light of that, Andrew G. Eggleston Sr. has adapted V's speech for this week's issue of The Libertarian Enterprise. I reprint it here:
"Hello freedom loving peoples everywhere.
Allow me first to apologize for intruding on your day. . .
I do, like many of you, appreciate the comforts of the everyday routine. . . the security of the familiar, the tranquility of repetition.
I enjoy them as much as any of us.
But in the spirit of commemoration. . . whereby important events of the past. . . usually associated with someone's death or the end of some awful, bloody struggle are celebrated with a nice holiday.
I thought we could mark this November the 5th (Guy Fawkes Day). . . a day that is, sadly, no longer remembered by taking time out of our daily lives to sit down and have a little chat.
There are, of course, those who do not want us to speak.
In the near future, orders may be shouted into telephones and men with guns would soon be on their way.
Why? Because while the riot club, tear gas and water hoses may be used instead of conversation - words will always retain their power.
Words offer the means to meaning and, for those who will listen, the enunciation of truth.
And the truth is there is something terribly wrong with this country, isn't there?
Cruelty and injustice, intolerance and oppression, and where once you had the freedom to object, "to petition the Government for a redress of grievances", to think, act and speak as you saw fit - you now have legislation restricting you and moneyed interests controlling the mass media and impromptu searches and surveillance coercing your conformity and soliciting submission.
How did this happen? Who's to blame?
Certainly there are those who are more responsible than others.
And they will be held accountable.
But again, truth be told, if you're looking for the guilty you need only look into a mirror.
I know why you did it.
I know you were afraid.
Who wouldn't be with; escalating crime rates, war, disease, 9-11, Oklahoma City, Waco, Columbine High School.
There were a myriad of problems, which conspired to corrupt your reason and rob you of your common sense.
Fear got the best of you, and in your panic, you turned to the United States Government, currently presided-over by George W. Bush.
They promised you order, they promised you protection, they promised you peace and all they demanded in return was your silent, obedient consent.
Now we should seek to end that consent, the USA Patriot Act is a complete infringement upon your rights as an American under the Bill of Rights. The Central Government has removed your rights, declaring how you will act, speak, and think. They will listen to your personal phone conversations between you and your family, friends, or lover. They will tap into your computer and hack into everything about you, they will listen to your intimate conversations that take place in the privacy of your own home. And when they have decided you are a significant enough threat, they will break down your door and point guns into your face until you do what they say.
More than 400 years ago, a great citizen wished to imbed the 5th of November forever in the memory of free people everywhere.
Guy Fawkes hope was to remind the world that fairness, justice and freedom are more than words.
They are perspectives.
So if you've seen nothing, if the crimes of this Central Government remain unknown to you, then I would suggest that you allow the 5th of November to pass unmarked.
But if you see what I see, if you feel as I feel, and if you would seek as I seek, then I ask you to stand beside me, and remember that the 5th of November should never, ever be forgot."
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