"Before the war is ended, the war party assumes the divine right to denounce and silence all opposition to war as unpatriotic and cowardly"

Robert M. La Follette's quote seriously takes a look at the tendency of a "war celebration" to marginalize dissent during wartime. It suggests a pattern where advocates of war claim moral superiority or almost a "magnificent right" to reject opposition voices. This phenomenon is particularly substantial in democratic societies, where free expression should be a safeguarded right, even-- or specifically-- in times of conflict.

La Follette is expressing issue over what occurs to dissent in a wartime context: it becomes branded as unpatriotic or afraid. The "war party", typically a coalition of political leaders, media, and other prominent stars who support the war, seeks to monopolize the story. They attempt to frame the war as an ethical vital or a duty of patriotism, successfully suppressing debate or criticism. During such times, arguments against the war might be portrayed as doing not have in nationwide commitment or bravery, thus discouraging open dialogue and crucial assessment of the war's reason, approaches, and ramifications.

The quote highlights the threat of corresponding opposition to war with an absence of patriotism. This narrow definition of patriotism-- where supporting war ends up being associated with commitment to the country-- can eclipse valid issues about the human, financial, and ethical costs of conflict. By labeling dissent as afraid, the war party creates an environment of worry and conformity, where people may self-censor instead of concern possibly devastating policies.

La Follette's words motivate vigilance and the defense of dissenting views as essential components of a vibrant democracy. They remind us that real patriotism can consist of questioning and opposing actions that may hurt the nation's long-lasting interests. In essence, the quote is a call to withstand the suppression of opposition and to acknowledge that nerve can manifest in both combating and speaking out against war.