Hey, thank you for this — it reminded me of why I choose to be in UK. Broken promises and voter discontent are hardly 21st century phenomena. Perhaps what’s new is the extensive respository of videos or articles that can be contrasted with actions or inactions of our leaders. Free press is indeed essential for our democracy but free press is only as good and effective as the intention of the person writing it and the person reading it. Great leaders nowadays require not only the ability to take bold action, but the willingness of citizens to allow them to try to win without having to make wild and unrealistic promises. And, we as citizens, have to learn to trust again. Democracy cannot function if we’re not engaged. Democracy is about engaged people, about informed citizens, about people who feel ownership of society and the state. Democracy in principle cannot ‘fail’ to deliver what people want. It’s the wrong question. Instead, we should start thinking: Are we informed enough to make choices in a democracy? So, yes, free press is essential.