It is too easy to overlook the obvious fact that international organizations govern themselves in a democratic fashion, with vigorous free debate and votes in councils. (history.aip.org)
It contrasts with an emphasis on open and free debate about the goals and values of society itself — what Habermas calls «communicative action.» (religion-online.org)
The public square — the forum for free debate that we depend on in a democracy — is being choked by misinformation, denial and bitter adversarial rhetoric. (desmogblog.com)