I will to my dying day oppose with all the powers and faculties God has given me, all such instruments of slavery on the one hand, and villainy on the other, as this writ of assistance is.
Interpretation
The quote expresses a steadfast commitment to oppose oppression and wrongdoing until the end of one's life.
James Otis's quote emphasizes his unwavering dedication to fight against both slavery and corrupt practices, represented by the writ of assistance. This declaration reflects the courage required to challenge unjust systems and maintain integrity in the face of adversity, showcasing a profound conviction to uphold freedom and justice for all.
In practice
In a speech advocating for civil rights, one might reference this quote to highlight the importance of standing against injustice.
I am forced to get my living by the labour of my hand; and the sweat of my brow... for bitter bread, earned under the frowns of some who have no natural or divine right to be above me, and entirely owe their grandeur and honor to grinding the faces of the poor.
There can be no prescription old enough to supersede the Law of Nature and the grant of God Almighty, who has given to all men a natural right to be free, and they have it ordinarily in their power to make themselves so, if they please.
If we are not represented, we are slaves.
Now, one of the most essential branches of English liberty is the freedom of one's house.
It is a clear truth that those who every day barter away other men's liberty will soon care little for their own.
An act against the Constitution is void; an act against natural equity is void.
They said we were soft, that we would not fight, that we could not win. We are not a warlike nation. We do not go to war for gain or for territory; we go to war for principles, and we produce young men like these. I think I told every one of them that I would rather have that medal, the Congressional Medal of Honor, than to be President of the United States.
You are so afraid of losing your moral sense that you are not willing to take it through anything more dangerous than a mud-puddle.
I get stage fright and gremlins in my head saying: 'You're going to forget your lines'.
The future awaits those with the courage to create it.
I have never had a vote, and I have raised hell all over this country. You don't need a vote to raise hell! You need convictions and a voice!
God has given such brave soldiers to this Crown that, if they do not frighten our neighbours, at least they prevent us from being frightened by them.
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