LETTERS: Dissent is patriotic

To the editor:
   Thomas Jefferson said, "Dissent is the highest form of patriotism."
   Yet, despite that, the political views of "lefties" have consistently been accused of being the exact opposite.
   The erroneous and pejorative chant, "Love it or leave it," was widely and loudly proclaimed to anyone who dared speak out against the war in Vietnam and again since Sept. 11 and the current Iraqi invasion. It is the mantra of conservatives in an effort to silence those who dare to speak out against government policies they see as un-American.
   Yet, what of those who wish to dismantle great American traditions such as Social Security or filibuster?
   From the first days of the Senate, the principle of unlimited debate in the form of filibuster has been what set it apart from the House. The filibuster prevents a vote from taking place, forcing more discussion of an issue. It is seen as way to give the minority party a voice. Now, Republicans are threatening to change the rules and end filibusters by a simple majority vote. Why can’t they just love it or leave it alone?
   Is not the filibuster the highest form of dissent? Is dissent and freedom of speech — what our soldiers are dying for overseas — any less patriotic and important today then in the days of Thomas Jefferson?
   We cannot tolerate the obliteration of fundamentals that maintain the balance of power, lest we dissolve democracy totally. Likewise, we can obliterate tradition, long-standing protections for those who have worked hard all of their lives and have no other source of pension other than social security. Has compassion become a dirty, "unpatriotic" word as well?
   I suggest that those who want to change these time-honored traditions either "love it or leave it."
Mirah Riben
Monmouth Junction