Democracy

When political decisions are made behind closed doors, through private conversation or correspondence with a select few, the democratic process suffers...we all suffer. True democracy, true freedom involves all the people even those who views go against the majority. That is the purpose of the debates in the House of Commons - to give the minority a voice; to let dissension be heard. When one individual feels he or she knows best and attempts to rule authoritatively and stifles debate, you have a dictatorship. When that individual includes only a select few in the decision making process, you have an oligarchy; neither one is pleasant nor democratic. Be vigilant and never fear expressing your opinion even if you stand alone.