This has become a small world, made even smaller by massive communications systems producing streams of positive and negative signals that impact life across the planet. I have heard some folks express the view that we are living in an age when truth no longer matters.

Many draw that conclusion from observing some in powerful positions who act as though no one should question their decisions or what they do.

This is not a situation confined to any particular nation. With a world press able to put the spotlight on any troubled area, and the ability to expose all forms of corruption, the battle to keep democracy alive has become a critical challenge not only for the free press, but for all who desire the preservation of truth, decency and justice as part of a healthy, thriving society.

Even since the dawn of civilisation, there have been endless encounters between those with twisted perspectives as to who is entitled basic human rights. Apart from global wars with millions of lives lost, the struggle continues in many lands to eradicate gross injustice by the powerful, who aim to maintain control at times with brutal force. With so many troubled areas for even the media to cover, many are beginning to wonder whether there is any hope that things will change for the better.

While the dark clouds of mistrust and corruption in high places often hang like a powerful hurricane that refuses to move, there are millions clinging to hope that good people will rise to confront all who choose lies over truth. The average, hard-working men and women in this world, who have little time to follow highly complicated political developments, should never be taken for granted as not knowing when something seems terribly wrong.

This a fact in large and small countries. For these people, in most cases, their only voice is at the ballot box unless, of course, they are under the banner of a dictatorial regime where the leader calls the shots. We all know about countries where looking at the leader without smiling could result in the ultimate punishment. Dictatorial regimes gain that status by ensuring that opposition is crushed without hesitation as a warning to others to obey leaders without question.

This is why there is so much concern throughout much of the free world today that democracy could be in grave danger when any leader adopts a style that embraces not being truthful on matters relating to the welfare of the people.

Whether this happens to the most powerful nation on earth or the weakest and smallest territory, the problem is the same.

Democracy survives only with strong, good leadership, anchored in the fundamentals of respect for freedom and a commitment to serving with dignity that will help to lay the foundation for the next generation to follow. Dictators are made by chopping away, piece by piece, the pillars of decency and respect for law and order. It seldom happens overnight. This is why freedom-loving people should never let their guard down in any society whenever there are signs of dictatorial tactics that stray from democratic principles.

When any leader resents being questioned on sensitive matters even by the free press, who are duty-bound to do so, the writing is usually clearly on the wall that democracy itself is under threat.

Freedom is precious and families risk their lives every day with many falling victim to the power of the ocean, as they choose freedom rather than an existence in a state of suffering without a voice. While democracy is often taken for granted, it should be a concern that only with brave strong leaders will it triumph over dictatorial methods designed to silence those who love freedom.