R.I.P. "Dissent is the Highest Form of Patriotism."

Democrats gathered today, on the eve of President-elect Obama's inauguration, to remember the often misattributed quote that has buoyed their spirits over the last eight years. These seven words have at times served as an excuse for incivility and at other times asa facade to cover emotional and irrational invective so exagerated as to cross over into the realm of the ridiculous.  Yet, with the coronation of President Obama, there is little use for this kind of sentiment in the land of change and hope (fluffy unicorns and magical fairies are on back order, but please be patient).  

So, it is with a heavy heart that I say, rest in peace "Dissent is the Highest Form of Patriotism"; long live "put aside politics"- or whatever other incarnation this general sentiment may take.  I predict that the land of hope and change will prove to be very similar to the land ruled by the    E-V-I-L President Bush.  The same wars will continue (and in some cases escalate), the same problems of unemployment will continue or get worse, terrorism will remain a threat that perplexes those in power, and Iran and North Korea will remain a major problem whether they sit at the bargaining table or not.  However, don't expect many complaints from the majority party, because it isn't about principles, it is about controlling the levers of power.  How odd, the party that spent the last eight years preaching about the virtue of dissent will now spend the next four asking us all to unite and get behind the president.  It would be funny if it weren't so ridiculous.