Democracy requires thorough and open dialogue, nothing less. Voting and elections matter, of course. But, democracy has always required more from citizens than simply going into a voting booth every year or every four years. The dialogue of democracy begins by listening and engagement in what citizens are reporting on both sides of the issues of the day. Speaking and listening does not mean coming to an immediate agreement. Speech always allows your counterpart the freedom to express agreement or disagreement, or to listen, reflect, and refrain from expression. Speech and reflection brings understanding which is needed for a democratic people to flourish, or even to survive in a world of dictators and tyrants who can easily expedite their own will without dialogue or understanding. This is why speech that leads to reflection and understanding is the quintessential political act. As J. Ryan states: "Thoughtful and rigorous debate may be the ultimate moral act." San Francisco Chronicle.