Is Dissent Still Patriotic?

Is Dissent still patriotic? David Harsanyi asks that very question and quotes Pen Jillette. While I often disagree with Mr. Jillette, I will as an old USMC slogan says:

"First to Go, Last to Know, We will defend to the death your right to be misinformed"

In otherwords, I don't have to agree with what you say, but you do have the right to say it. Here is the link to the youtube page for Mr. Jillette:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqJ_Yp3tw74

Needless to say, I was rather surprised to hear what he had to say. It wasn't at all what I expected. I too have evolved my political views over the past 30 years, from a rebellious, knee jerk Republican, (in 1970's NW Fla, being Republican WAS rebellious--it was until Reagan a staunch Dem area) to a Libertariann outlook has been a gradual process, that has speeded up in the past few years (but I digress).

I firmly believe that it is your right to dissent from the ruling party. Comments?