We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty.
Interpretation
Dissent should be valued as a form of loyalty to one's principles rather than seen as a betrayal.
Edward R. Murrow's quote emphasizes the distinction between dissent and disloyalty, arguing that challenging authority or expressing disagreement can actually stem from a deep loyalty to one's beliefs and values. This underscores the importance of open dialogue and critical thinking within a society, suggesting that questioning and dissent are vital components of a healthy and functioning democracy.
In practice
In a conversation about civic responsibility, I might say, 'We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty.'
We have currently a built-in allergy to unpleasant or disturbing information. Our mass media reflect this. But unless we get up off our fat surpluses and recognize that television in the main is being used to distract, delude, amuse, and insulate us, then television and those who finance it, those who look at it, and those who work at it, may see a totally different picture too late.
Everyone is a prisoner of his own experiences. No one can eliminate prejudices - just recognize them.
One of the basic troubles with radio and television news is that both instruments have grown up as an incompatible combination of show business, advertising and news. Each of the three is a rather bizarre and demanding profession. And when you get all three under one roof, the dust never settles.
Speaking of Sir Winston Churchill: He mobilized the English language and sent it into battle.
We cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home.
The speed of communications is wondrous to behold. It is also true that speed can multiply the distribution of information that we know to be untrue.
The need for peace in Northern Ireland goes well beyond political stability. It now speaks to regional Europe and even global stability.
(A Foreign Secretary) is forever poised between the cliche and the indiscretion.
Abstention means you stayed at home or went to the beach. By casting a blank vote, you're saying that you understand your responsibility, you have a political conscience and you came to vote, but you don't agree with any of the existing parties and this is the only way you have of saying so.
No man who ever held the office of president would congratulate a friend on obtaining it.
That a peasant may become king does not render the kingdom democratic.
Bolivia is a striking example. The mostly white, Europeanized elite, which is a minority, happens to be sitting on most of the hydrocarbon reserves. For the first time Bolivia is becoming democratic. So it's therefore bitterly hated by the West, which despises democracy, because it's much too dangerous.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.