"Here in America we are descended in blood and in spirit from revolutionists and rebels - men and women who dare to dissent from accepted doctrine. As their heirs, may we never confuse honest dissent with disloyal subversion"

This quote by Dwight D. Eisenhower speaks to the importance of dissent in America. He acknowledges that the nation was founded by revolutionaries and rebels who dared to challenge accepted teaching. He encourages us to keep in mind this tradition and to never confuse honest dissent with disloyal subversion. Eisenhower is emphasizing the value of dissent in a democracy, and how it is necessary to challenge the status quo in order to create development. He is also alerting us to be cautious not to conflate dissent with subversion, as the two are not the exact same. Dissent is a needed part of a healthy democracy, while subversion is an effort to undermine the government. Eisenhower is advising us to be mindful of the power of dissent and to utilize it properly.