US vs. John Lennon - Meghan Frank
The statement that "anyone who didn't like America could either shut up or leave" is not only ignorant but dangerous as well. If no one challenged the status quo or questioned the government we would have no change or growth. People like John Lennon protested what they did not like and stood up for what they believed in until someone listened. John Lennon's commitment to change helped the country accept new ideas.
It is important to have differing ideas in a country because if everyone conformed then nothing would ever change. As times change and new ideas and beliefs enter the culture the country needs to incorporate them into our government. If no one is challenging our leaders what will motivate them to change?
This same issue still exists today - especially with the war in Iraq. There is a large amount of people who do not support the war and do not agree with President Bush's policies. It is necessary for these people to protest and speak up so that real change can take place. The main theme of the election is change and who will be able to best move our country into the next phase. People who think that dissent is not patriotic need to remember what our country was built on.