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November 01, 2006

Dissent to full...

We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. When the loyal opposition dies, I think the soul of America dies with it. Edward R. Murrow

Here in America we are descended in blood and in spirit from revolutionists and rebels - men and women who dare to dissent from accepted doctrine. As their heirs, may we never confuse honest dissent with disloyal subversion. Dwight D. Eisenhower

Freedom is hammered out on the anvil of discussion, dissent, and debate. Hubert H. Humphrey

Those who begin coercive elimination of dissent soon find themselves exterminating dissenters. Compulsory unification of opinion achieves only the unanimity of the graveyard. Robert Jackson

I grow weary of being painted as disloyal. Accused of being unpatriotic. I live in a country built upon dissent. I exercise the right to disagree and still be loyal. I practice the responsibility of observation of my government and my representatives, as all should.

For years I have dealt with this. Living in a small community in a largely republican area was difficult at best for someone that sees things alternatively to the consensus. I have been labled a communist for my views about Reagan. Marxist, Socialist, Liberal, Peacenik, Leftist, Radical. I have heard it all. I have been threatened for my opinions concerning Bush. I have been named a coward for my thoughts concerning recent wars.

Now, more than ever, I have come to the realization that I must speak more. Take a stand on your beliefs... make your beliefs known. Let us see which yoke I can be saddled in name to if I am clear what I believe in. Label on.

Posted by Ravennacht at November 1, 2006 11:38 PM Posted to Idealisms