Great essay B. But I have to tell you when you hear Trump reminding us we are NOT a democracy, I am almost sorry I wrote my piece on this topic, see: https://medium.com/@daneke/a-requiem-for-american-democracy-5aa717cc7f40 Actually the US is hardly a republic, it is mostly an Oligarchy. But this entire discussion is another part of the Obliviation of America. When all facts are rubbish, the Orange Sith Lord can have his way with you. Note: https://medium.com/@daneke/trump-versus-science-putting-the-authority-in-authoritarianism-50e82e8d5fb4