Notable Quotable: J. William Fulbright On Dissent

"In a democracy dissent is an act of faith. Like medicine, the test of its value is not in its taste, but in its effects. To criticize one's country is to do it a service.... Criticism, in short, is more than a right; it is an act of patriotism—a higher form of patriotism, I believe, than the familiar rituals and national adulation."

— J. William Fulbright

We are all patriots in one way or another. This boils down to our mutual love of this country. Some of us love the ideals we stand for. Some love the blessings of liberty and freedom. Others cherish our rituals and traditions, while others take great pride in our standing in the world.

Across America, from the smallest communities to the largest cities, a beautiful kaleidoscope has taken shape. Patriots are gathering, walking, and standing tall for what they believe in.

With heartfelt love for this nation, Americans of every stripe and color are spending hours crafting colorful, homemade signs and devoting even more hours to holding them high for all to see. Among these signs, there's no shortage of creativity or humor—despite the fear, frustration, and anger behind them. Creativity never fails us.  

While criticism is our right, it's also a fundamental revelation of what's truly inside our heart. In simple terms, we all love America even if we don't agree on what makes it so lovable.