On this Independence Day weekend I can still be optimistic for my children and grandchildren because I believe the American people will have enough sense to slow down the overreaching Democrats and set a more prudent course.

Pignanelli: "A patriot must always be ready to defend his country ... against his government." — Edward Abbey America was founded and built on dissent. The Declaration of Independence is a well-crafted, almost poetic "stick it" to the greatest military empire the world. The freedom and willingness to challenge authority was our embryonic fluid, and remains our political blood. The technological ability to spread dissent, and the passion to motivate it, has never been greater. Using this measure, our nation dwells in a golden age.

Many are concerned by unprecedented government expansion in the private sector. Admittedly, there are flaws in these programs and proposals, which are clearly delineated by dissenters. Yet, this is good news. Our political and economic leaders have learned from the mistakes of the past and will not repeat complacency (i.e. the Hoover administration). At least something was done and is being contemplated. For the first time in generations, our nation is sponsoring important discussions on how we treat the sick, provide for the indigent, extend credit to the entrepreneurial, protect our ecological balance, and interact with other nations. The debate has moved from whether our society should tackle these problems, to the best means to address them. Unprecedented dynamics are occurring: businesses are demanding health-care reform while environmentalists are pondering nuclear energy and drilling inside the continent. There is a risk that Congress and the president may overreach, but history demonstrates that it is easier to slow down than accelerate to catch up.

The current debate is whether President Barack Obama's reaction to protests in Iran was weak or compelling. His statements are dissected and analyzed by experts on every continent. Why? The president of the United States still matters to every person on the globe. What our country does, how we react and the vision we pursue continues to drive economical and intellectual processes. Much is said and read about the emergence of China and India. But their emergence is driven by a gigantic population — who are striving for the ideals we are celebrating this weekend.

America remains, and will do so for a long time, the "indispensable country" because we are willing to dissent. Every day, we challenge and question our governments, corporations, academics, religions and ourselves. This fervor and passion for dissent has never been stronger. As a good American, I enthusiastically defy anyone who disagrees with me. Celebrate our country's birth with an impassioned articulate argument and have a great holiday.

Republican LaVarr Webb is a political consultant and lobbyist. Previously he was policy deputy to Gov. Mike Leavitt and a Deseret News managing editor. E-mail: lwebb@exoro.com. Democrat Frank Pignanelli is Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser. Pignanelli served 10 years in the Utah House of Representatives, six years as House minority leader. His spouse, D'Arcy Dixon Pignanelli, is a Utah state tax commissioner. E-mail: frankp@xmission.com.