According to the Jefferson Library: "There are a number of quotes that we do not find in Thomas Jefferson's correspondence or other writings; in such cases, Jefferson should not be cited as the source. Among the most common of these spurious Jefferson quotes are: 'Dissent is the highest form of patriotism.' "

In case you don't believe the source of the above quote, here's a link to the Jefferson Library directly.

Sorry liberals. As Mark Steyn says in the link above, "F--- OFF!" and "WE WON'T FIGHT YOUR WARS!" (not to mention "Bush is a chimp") are not constructive forms of dissent.

Thomas Jefferson himself said: "Dissent is the greatest form of patriotism." - John F. Kerry April 22, 2006

Dissent is the foundation on which all our other rights rest. If you listen to conservative radio blabs Rush Limbaugh or Sean Hannity, challenging Bush is un-American. It is, in fact, the greatest form of patriotism. - "Liberal strategist" Bob Becker in USA Today July 4 (when else) 2005.

DemocratRepublican Thomas Jefferson said: "Dissent is the greatest form of patriotism." - Walter Brasch, syndicated columnist, professor of journalism at Bloomsburg University October 26 2004

And finally, from the Crawford Peace House, home of The Left near Bush's vacation home:

There have been a lot of angry right wingers trolling this message board. I hope you'll pause for a moment, calm your angry minds, and read the words of the great Patriots from U.S. history:

"Dissent is the highest form of patriotism" - Thomas Jefferson

Boy, they couldn't even get the right mis-quote.

Editor's note - it sure is hard to keep the font right when you copy this stuff in from LJ.