The consequences of not shutting up are clear . . .<
They are, indeed: Relinquishing to others the right and RESPONSIBILITY to criticize aloud those who control our lives. Suppression of opinion for the "greater good."
That trade-off won't hunt.
Discretion, not suppression.
Do you really find value in the statement "the sky is falling"? Such chicken little-ism is necessary?
However, the statment "I didn't like XYZ answer; he should have said ABC" IS useful.
There is a difference.