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You can't have a free democracy if you don't have a free media that can provide vital and independent information to the people.

Democracy doesn't require a whole lot of work of its citizens, but it requires some: It requires taking a good look outside once in a while, and considering the bad news and what it might mean, and making the occasional tough choice, and soberly taking stock of what your real interests are.

Democracy is difficult and demanding. So is history. It can crack your voice; it can stir your soul; it can break your heart.

The freedom to criticize judges and other public officials is necessary to a vibrant democracy.

There are some things the general public does not need to know and shouldn't. I believe democracy flourishes when the government can take legitimate steps to keep its secrets, and when the press can decide whether to print what it knows.

Democracy actually requires that the whole public be able to see common problems and address them and step outside of their own sort of narrow self-interest to do so.

And a democracy can't exist without free speech and the right to assemble. And that's what Americans tend to forget. And they're born into a culture where they take all of their freedoms for granted.

I tell you, in my opinion, the cornerstone of democracy is free press - that's the cornerstone.

Speak up! We live in a democracy. We all need to make sure our voices are heard and our opinions are known.

Freedom of expression - in particular, freedom of the press - guarantees popular participation in the decisions and actions of government, and popular participation is the essence of our democracy.