Listen

To this story on our podcast

Watch

Dissent is patriotism

Get Involved

Engaged citizens strengthen democracy

One of the founding tenets of The Philadelphia Citizen is to get people the resources they need to become better, more engaged citizens of their city.

We hope to do that in our Good Citizenship Toolkit, which includes a host of ways to get involved in Philadelphia — whether you want to contact your City Councilmember about the challenges facing your community, get those experiencing homelessness the goods they need, or simply go out to dinner somewhere where you know your money is going toward a greater good.

Find an issue that’s important to you in the list below, and get started on your journey of A-plus citizenship.

Vote and strengthen democracy

Stand up for marginalized communities

Create a cleaner, greener Philadelphia

Help our local youth and schools succeed

Support local businesses

Listen

Ali Velshi Says Dissent is Patriotic

The MSNBC host and Citizen board member reminds Americans that there is nothing more American than protest. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise

Listen

Ali Velshi Says Dissent is Patriotic

The MSNBC host and Citizen board member reminds Americans that there is nothing more American than protest. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise

BY Ali Velshi

Oct. 27, 2025

Print

Ahead of October 18th’s nationwide ‘No Kings’ Day, some Republican leaders tried desperately to rebrand the protest against President Trump’s policies not just as un-American, but as anti-American. Ali Velshi reminds us that our Republic was literally founded on dissent. We fought the Revolutionary War against a monarchy to establish our democracy, and thus we enshrined the right to peaceably assemble and to seek redress of our government in our Constitution. 

For generations, those rights have been the catalyst for progress. Frederick Douglas, born into slavery, escaping to become an abolitionist, orator, writer, statesman, and civil rights leader, wrote:

I will hold up America to the lightning scorn of moral indignation. In doing this, I shall feel myself discharging the duty of a true patriot; for he is a lover of his country who rebukes and does not excuse its sins.

Students of history know that every civil rights leader and every citizen who marched alongside them, made signs, and resisted government oppression at their own risk to achieve freedom and demand rights, were and are doing the hard work to “form a more perfect union.” It’s the work of people who love our country, for the betterment of all who live here.

“Dissent challenges authority. Protest holds those in power to account. And that scares the hell out of the oppressor,” says Velshi. “So just keep going. Just keep fighting. Just keep at it. Your country will be better for it. And we will all be better for it.”

LISTEN: VELSHI ON DISSENT

 

WATCH: AMERICAN PATRIOTISM

 

MORE FROM MSNBC’S ALI VELSHI

Related from The Citizen
Listen: Ali Velshi on Small Acts of Courage
By Ali Velshi
Related from The Citizen
Listen: Ali Velshi on the Insurrection Act
By Ali Velshi
Related from The Citizen
Ali Velshi on John McCain's Lesson for the Government Shutdown
By Ali Velshi
Related from The Citizen
Listen: Ali Velshi, "And The People Won."
By Ali Velshi

Advertising Terms

We do not accept political ads, issue advocacy ads, ads containing expletives, ads featuring photos of children without documented right of use, ads paid for by PACs, and other content deemed to be partisan or misaligned with our mission. The Philadelphia Citizen is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization and all affiliate content will be nonpartisan in nature. Advertisements are approved fully at The Citizen's discretion. Advertisements and sponsorships have different tax-deductible eligibility.

Photo and video disclaimer for attending Citizen events

By entering an event or program of The Philadelphia Citizen, you are entering an area where photography, audio and video recording may occur. Your entry and presence on the event premises constitutes your consent to be photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded and to the release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction of any and all recorded media of your appearance, voice, and name for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity in connection with The Philadelphia Citizen and its initiatives, including, by way of example only, use on websites, in social media, news and advertising. By entering the event premises, you waive and release any claims you may have related to the use of recorded media of you at the event, including, without limitation, any right to inspect or approve the photo, video or audio recording of you, any claims for invasion of privacy, violation of the right of publicity, defamation, and copyright infringement or for any fees for use of such record media. You understand that all photography, filming and/or recording will be done in reliance on this consent. If you do not agree to the foregoing, please do not enter the event premises.