even if those view differ from yours? or would you rather live in a country where everyone falls in line and follows and believes what the government says,and if they do have doubts keep it to themselves...for the sake of putting up a a solid united front? Given a choice between those two situations only (no other), which do you think serves the nation better in the long run and is healthier for freedom?
Please answer the question. Do not change my question or try to tell me what I am asking and then proceed to attack what you yourself are saying that you think I am saying. Also, since we live in the USA, and are americans, of course we feel the USA is the best country..it is natural to feel that way. So please don't answer saying you would choose the USA. The question is a choice between absolute denial of dissent because that's the best way to guarantee freedom, or absolutely ability to dissent against government for it is the best way to guarantee freedom.
2007-12-01 05:47:48 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
I believe the right to dissent is necessary to a free nation. Any nation that attempts to control the news media, and individual persons, soon becomes a nation in turmoil.
2007-12-01 05:56:30 · answer #1 · answered by mamadixie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I just answered a question from a Conspiracy nut. As much as I abhor the question, he/she has the right to ask it. And I defend the right to ask it. But remember it is a two-way street, and if I disagree with the dissent, then I have the right to question the dissent. Hopefully, that is reasonable.
So given the choice, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom and responsibility to dissent is the only choice for freedom. It may cause conflict, but liberty is more important than absolute harmony. I hope people are reasonable in their questions, though. So in all honesty, I don't really respect the question that is just dissent for the act of dissent. Hopefully, that is reasonable, also.
2007-12-01 06:17:32 · answer #2 · answered by robling_dwrdesign 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, of course I'd much rather live in a country with freedom, including freedom of thought and speech, including public speech.
Your question is strange, as you suggest preventing people from saying and hearing multiple points of view somehow preserves freedom, as it's the opposite of freedom.
A solid, united front supporting what is wrong is just wrong. Period.
When the people in power want to do wrong, citizens have an obligation to speak out against them.
That's why we have that pesky First Amendment (well, there's the religion stuff, too, which is also about freedom of thought and conscience).
Years ago Bill Moyers took a redacted copy of the Bill of Rights to Central Park (redacted as it was untitled, just the text of the amendments) and asked people what they thought of it.
Not only did most people not even recognize it, but many argued against various amendments as a bad idea.
There was also the waggish Representative who put the 4th Amendment as a bill before the House. Again, not only did the other reps not recognize it, but they voted it down!
Says a LOT about our Lack of Education System. Every student has been exposed to the Bill of Rights, but they never have the opportunity to intellectually engage with it, and think about what it says, and why it was included in the Constitution.
2007-12-01 07:57:33 · answer #3 · answered by tehabwa 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yup!
You have some contradictions in some of your statements!
How does the absolute denial of dissent guarantee freedom? Common sense says that it would erode freedoms.
The ability to dissent against government is the best way to guarantee freedom.
I prefer the USA to any other country and I have lived in many other countries.
2007-12-01 05:53:43 · answer #4 · answered by Bubba 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Every time a dissenting voice speaks up in America, the Con response is either, "Love it or leave", or, "You're EMBOLDENING the enemy!!!".
Try Canada, Britain, Sweden... or any one of many other countries for freedom of dissent. In the USA... freedom is just a word.
Edit: OK, I apologise. For many millions of Americans freedom is very real. But most of them are in a constant battle to actually live free... as opposed to just talking about, as though that was enough.
2007-12-01 05:53:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Yes, I prefer the former.
Let freedom ring.
2007-12-01 05:52:06 · answer #6 · answered by Mitchell 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I choose the ability to dissent
---and the ability to tell dissenters to stick it where the sun doesn't shine.
God Bless America!
2007-12-01 05:51:26 · answer #7 · answered by cornbread_oracle 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Yes, I love living in the USA
Greatest nation in the history of the world!
2007-12-01 05:50:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
No, I'd rather stay where I am and restore it to the liberal heritage that was taken away from us in 1981. "Brighten the corner where you are."
2007-12-01 05:56:51 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Yes and I do
The Great USA!
2007-12-01 05:49:50 · answer #10 · answered by PNAC ~ Penelope 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋