[wkz]

The argument was not that freedom of speech follows from democracy. You could theoretically have an authoritarian rule that allowed unfiltered criticism against it. The argument was: not allowing freedom of speech is always wrong, independent of the type of governance.

I agree that democracy in itself does not guarantee rights for minorities. It depends on the majority adhering to a moral system that enshrines human equality. We know that this system can break down, a population can agree to subjugate some of its members. I would still rather put my trust in the majority over in one person and especially in a system that allows me to replace the government after some period of time.