I saw this bumper sticker on a car on campus the other day, and I must say that it scares me. If dissent is truly the highest form of patriotism, then that would imply that a true patriot would always be dissenting, regardless of whether the government was right or wrong.

Now, I have no problem with dissension when it's for a good cause. If the government is doing something that you think is wrong, then by all means raise your voice in opposition. But dissent merely for its own sake is immature and childish.

Simply stand up for what you believe in. If the government is doing something right, support them. If they're doing something wrong, oppose them. The issue is not whether you're dissenting or not. The issue is finding the truth and the moral high ground. Do what you think is right, but don't raise hell just for the sheer thrill of raising hell. That's just stupid.

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