We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. When the loyal opposition dies, I think the soul of America dies with it.
Interpretation
Dissent is a crucial part of democracy, and equating it with disloyalty undermines society.
In this quote, Edward R. Murrow emphasizes the importance of dissent as a form of loyalty to a democratic society. He warns that silencing opposing viewpoints or equating them with disloyalty can lead to a loss of the very essence of America, highlighting that healthy opposition enriches democracy rather than detracts from it.
In practice
In a discussion about political activism during a debate.
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.
God cannot reveal anything to us if we have not His spirit.
The scariest monsters are the ones that lurk within our souls.
We may sing our hymns and psalms, and offer prayers, but they will be an abomination to God, unless we are willing to be thoroughly straightforward in our daily life.
What is mind but motion in the intellectual sphere?
To be a woman is a great adventure; To drive men mad is a heroic thing.
Roughly speaking, I think it's accurate to say that a corporate elite of managers and owners governs the economy and the political system as well, at least in very large measure.
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