Edward R. Murrow Quotes

As the loyal opposition we can be loyal and still generate a lot of opposition.

We are a country that does better when we do debate and air our differences.

To view the opposition as dangerous is to misunderstand the basic concepts of democracy. To oppress the opposition is to assault the very foundation of democracy.

I hope for an America where we can all contend freely and vigorously, but where we will treasure and guard those standards of civility which alone make this nation safe for both democracy and diversity.

Loyalty in a free society depends upon the toleration of disloyalty.

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

I love America more than any other country in this world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.

I do not mix up Bush's America with the American people. The American people are our friends.

You will be pleased to know I stand obediently for the national anthem, though of course I would defend your right to remain seated should you so decide.

The United States is not a nation based upon race, creed, or religion - we are a nation based upon our loyalty and allegiance to our country and her principles.

An intelligent and conscientious opposition is a part of loyalty to country.

America is not held together by a common race, religion or ethnicity; it is held together by shared values.

Our country is too big for union, too sordid for patriotism, too democratic for liberty.

The more internal criticism and dissatisfaction publicly communicable within a society, the better and freer the society.

Nations should live in an atmosphere of self-criticism because it is healthy, but always with one heart and one mind.

No free speech for traitors.

Let each one of us say, 'I am an American. I intend to stay an American. I will do my best to wipe from my heart hate, rancor and political prejudice. I will sustain my government. And, through good days or bad, I will try to serve my country.'

It is not undemocratic to express one's difference of opinion.

When you become a citizen, you are an American and questioning somebody's Americanness because they disagree with you - is about one of the most un-American things I can think of.

I would love it if everybody in America agreed with me on every issue. I can't get my wife to agree with me on every issue, let alone the American people. It's called democracy. That's what it's about.

If we mean to support the liberty and independence which has cost us so much blood and treasure to establish, we must drive far away the demon of party spirit and local reproach.

No nation like the United States of America can continue to grow and be a strong nation if we are going to judge people because they disagree with our agenda rather than the content of their statements. We have to be critical thinkers. We have to be analytical. We should understand facts from emotion.

Democracy to me is letting the other person speak and being dissenting without being disagreeable.

We live in America, one of the good things what we have with all the people is we have dialogue.