Michael Steele Quotes

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.'

The real truth is, I just want to keep the voice of dissent alive in all of our elections. I don't really want to hang out with politicians.

In a democracy, dissent is an act of faith.

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

For me, the definition of a patriot is someone who is willing to constantly question the government; that's what separates us from other countries.

In a democracy, expressing disagreement with the government’s actions does not amount to sedition or insurrection—it is, and must remain, protected speech.

When I grow up I’m going to change the government.

Protests are part of our democracy.

It is dissent from government policies which defines the true Patriot

I often traveled to Nicaragua to speak against repressive policies by the Sandinista government.

I believe to go along to get along is unpatriotic. I believe that agreeing with your government on everything they do is unpatriotic. I believe a patriot stands up and holds your government's feet to the fire. Because if you do that, you will get good government.

So now is the time, more than ever, for those who truly value all the principles of democracy, especially including dissent, to be the most forceful in speaking up, standing up and speaking out.

I believe in the greatness of our democracy.

Attending that Convention and talking with those people and many others convinced me that I should become a blogger in my efforts to reform the government and uphold the integrity of the Constitution and the laws made in furtherance thereof.

I was raised to speak out about politics and the world around me. I would do it whether I was in the public or not. It is the way I was taught. The American way.

My house was bugged. They couldn't find any information on me being a subversive because I happen to love America; I just don't like some of the things the government is doing.

What is good about the United States is the sense that you can disagree with the government and not be seen as unpatriotic, although many in the government will try to make you seem unpatriotic.

Challenging leaders is as American as it gets.

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

A government of, by and for the people is obligated to conduct the nation's business in a manner that respects dissent.

It is the right of our people to organize to oppose any law and any part of the Constitution with which they are not in sympathy.

We didn't come here to become Washington, we came here to change Washington.

Opinion and protest are the life breath of democracy—even when it blows heavy.

The protest is part of the American way of life.

You have the God-given right to kick the government around. Don't hesitate to do so.