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The Age of Dissent is Alive and Well in America Today.

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America's founding began the Age of Dissent.

America was created to specifically allow and encourage dissent.

The Founding Fathers knew the value of dissent for protecting human rights.

Dissent was a primary cause and the ultimate goal of the American Revolution.

When England became dictatorial in its dealings with the colonies, then squashed all attempts at reasonable dissent, war became the only viable option for the freedom-loving colonists.

After the Revolutionary War, other countries saw a rise in dissent among their people.

People began to see it was possible for a government to allow dissent while maintaining order and progress.

The Age of Dissent continues to this day.

Unfortunately, much of modern-day dissent is curtailed or used by power-hungry interests far different from the protester on the street.

Despite this, dissent is alive and well in America.

The internet has provided a wonderful place for dissent, as well as for the free exchange of ideas.

This is why the government seeks control of the internet.

THE AGE OF DISSENT: GROUP THINK

Many would call the 1960's the Age of Dissent. There were many mass protests on various issues, and great changes were accomplished. A lesser-known fact about the protests of the 1960's is the majority of protest groups were funded by the Soviet Union through various front organizations.

The communists saw an opportunity to influence the youth to accomplish subtle goals which, when taken as a whole, eroded American sovereignty and liberty. Although the various movements had noble aims, the problem of group-think allowed nefarious forces to prevail with absolute discretion and secrecy.

It is important to remember that although organized dissent is a powerful force for change, it is equally powerful when 'steered' by those with ill intent. No free-thinking person should ever blindly follow a cause or movement. All dissent should be voluntary, after careful consideration by each individual.

DISSENT CAN BE PATRIOTIC

Dissent in and of itself is neither patriotic nor treasonous. But depending on the motivations involved, it could be either one. The primary difference is that patriotic dissent is motivated by a desire to protect rights, while treasonous dissent is motivated by a desire to protect the rights of some at the expense of others.

For instance, it is noble to stand up for the rights of the poor. It is not noble to stand for their rights while violating others' rights through confiscation of personal property to benefit the poor. Constitutionally, it cannot be patriotic to infringe upon the rights of some to benefit others. All men are created equal.

The Constitution is our guiding document. The only way to judge patriotism in America is to judge it by the Constitution. Dissent supporting the Constitution is patriotic by definition. If it seeks to limit rights, it is treasonous. Basing our judgments of patriotism on the Constitution avoids many controversies.

The internet is alive with dissent from many quarters. Everyone from communists to libertarians use the internet as an outlet for dissent. This is good because real-world dissent is so heavily curtailed. However, it is always advisable to keep the Constitution in mind before joining a cause or affiliating with any group.

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