Richard N. Haass Quotes

There is nothing more American than dissent.

The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions that I wish it to be always kept alive.

Protests are the very essence of America! It is a country founded in protest.

No matter that patriotism is too often the refuge of scoundrels. Dissent, rebellion, and all-around hell-raising remain the true duty of patriots.

Our country was founded on protest. If it was just shut up and honor your country no matter what, we'd still be flying the Union Jack. That's not what our founding fathers did. They didn't like what was going on, and they broke away and formed their own country.

Dissent is the highest form of patriotism.

In a democracy, dissent is an act of faith.

I certainly was one of the instigators in the 1960s of freedom of expression.

Challenging leaders is as American as it gets.

There is nothing more American than peaceful protest.

Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet depreciate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground.

But why shouldn't I speak out? Don't you speak out in this country?

During President George W. Bush's two terms, you couldn't drive far without seeing a particular bumper sticker: 'Dissent is the highest form of patriotism.'

If this be treason, make the most of it!

The First Amendment was designed to allow for disruption of business as usual. It is not a quiet and subdued amendment or right.

We did not have a revolution in order to have a democracy.

Loyalty ... is a realization that America was born of revolt, flourished in dissent.

Our birthright under the 1st Amendment is to foster the voices of dissent.

The voice of dissent must be heard.

The protest is part of the American way of life.

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, we may never confuse honest dissent with disloyal subversion

Dissent is the mark of freedom.

A free People will be showing that they are so, by their Freedom of Speech

The most repressive societies have always restricted speech the most — and when people are finally able to speak, they often call for change.

I don't think kneeling during the anthem is such a bad thing.