Flag         Dissent and Patriotism          Flag

By James LaJocies


Our Declaration of Independence is certainly the most sacred American document of free expression even before ‘free speech became a part of our ‘first amendment rights’. This declaration is free speech and clearly a statement of dissent. This dissent ultimately lead to the revolutionary war against England, which was the most powerful nation in the world at that time, and to the birth of our Nation.

Before America had a constitution, Bill of rights or a Nation, all we had were the dearly held concepts of life with freedom and liberty, as scribed with in the Declaration of Independence. This vision of liberty was the torch that spawned dissent and wove a new sense of patriotism for liberty. All of which, none of the above could have been accomplished with out dissent.

Through out our history, dissent has always been the driving force of free speech and liberty. Thomas Jefferson once stated, “Dissent is the essence of patriotism.” What needs to be understood from this quote is that patriotism goes beyond ones love or devotion to their country and all of which the country stands for, such as: Freedom, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness. So how is it that ‘Dissent’ and ‘Patriotism’, which would seem to be at odds with each other, would also be woven together as part of the foundation of patriotism? 

Patriotism is not just pledging allegiance to our Nation, nor voting, displaying our National Colors, serving on a jury or being a defender with the armed forces of America. These would certainly qualify as patriotic acts, but they do not stand alone in defining patriotism. Patriotism is categorically, the ‘love for or devotion of ones country’. Love for your country, is  the driving inspiration which allows us to perform patriotic acts, to feel and believe that we are indeed patriotic. 

Dissent was the fuel that drove our Founding Fathers to pool together their wisdom and provide for us a Nation, with a foundation that we need to pursue life, liberty and happiness. When they scribed out our Constitution and Bill of Rights, they knew that Americans would have ‘free will’. Free will to be as patriotic as we choose. With the introduction of our First Amendment Rights of ‘Free Speech’, Americans were virtually guaranteed the right to express their views of patriotism in whatever form they chose.

In America on election day, citizens will converge at polling places and cast a ballot ‘yea or nay’ for a candidate of their choice or an issue they may support. Not only are they expressing their support, they are also exercising their rights to ‘Free Speech’. At the same time, citizens are also expressing their dissent to those candidates or issues they are in opposition too. In the voting booth we are expressing our approval and dissenting against our opposition. ‘Free Speech’, very patriotic.

If a group of citizens were to gather to peacefully demonstrate their beliefs with marches or speeches in a public forum, such as our parks or streets, we accept this as an exhibition of ‘Free Speech’.  Even if we do not agree with the views demonstrated, it is ‘Free Speech’ just the same and a wonderful means of witnessing our Constitution at work.

If a bystander is watching this free speech demonstration and comments,
“This demonstration is un-American.” Simply because they may not believe in the issues that are being expressed, their statement is ‘free speech’ and protected. But the statement in of itself is un-American. For peacefully demonstrating your views is as American as baseball, and apple pie, per say. It is dissent and it is inter woven with in the fabric of patriotism.

Just because someone’s opinion differs then that of the public main stream, and they demonstrate this opinion, does not mean that they are any less patriotic then the individual who stands and watches the demonstration march by. In fact, their demonstration of the issues are an expression of their love of their country. And remember, ‘love of country’ is patriotism. Their deep rooted concern of what they believe to be right and to bring this opinion to the public’s attention, is an expression of their ‘love of country’. It is their way of righting a wrong. Yes, it is dissent. But, it is as patriotic as the days of our revolution. It is patriotism.

"Dissent is not only with in the due bounds of our constitution, it is vital to democracy.", Senator Clifford P. Case once quoted. Dissent is free speech and free speech is the essential building block of a free society. Whether you are voting, signing a petition, writing letters to your elected representatives, or marching in an organized demonstration, you are exercising free speech. You are expressing dissent, "the essence of patriotism." You are patriotic.








Copyright Pending 2004