"I believe democracy flourishes when the government can take legitimate steps to keep its secrets and when the press can decide whether to print what it knows"

Katherine Graham's quote speaks to the value of a balance between the government's capability to keep secrets and the press's ability to choose what to print. She believes that democracy is best served when both of these entities have the ability to run separately and without disturbance from one another. This balance allows the government to secure sensitive details while likewise permitting journalism to report on matters of public interest. This balance of power is important for a healthy democracy, as it allows the government to keep secrets while likewise allowing the press to inform the public. By enabling both entities to operate separately, democracy has the ability to thrive.