Question

The 20th-century American historian Howard Zinn said, "Dissent is the highest form of patriotism." The right to hold an unpopular opinion is ingrained in the United States Bill of Rights. In at least one hundred words, explain how the right to hold one's own beliefs is compatible (or incompatible) with Lincoln's assertion that "A house divided against itself cannot stand."

Answer 1

It is incompatible because having your own opnion seperate from other's beliefs is as Lincoln would put it "divided". To fit Lincoln's description, it would be fit for everyone to have the same opinions, so they aren't divided.

Answer 2

Lincoln's House Divided Speech. ... A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure, permanently, half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved — I do not expect the house to fall — but I do expect it will cease to be divided.