Recently, it has become fashionable to play down that progress by pointing out that many of the new democracies have not gone beyond elections to build the other, essential, protections for liberty: an independent judiciary, equality before a well-enforced rule of law, and constitutional limits on the abuse of political power.

ECONOMIST: Liberty's great advance

But it is a good means, and liberty is an essential one.

ECONOMIST: Liberty, equality, humility

Such a concept is not only needed in a nation formed to secure liberty, but is essential to its continued progress.

FORBES: 01.24.08, 6:38 PM ET

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness have been essential to millions of American small businesses.

FORBES: America: Independent and Entrepreneurial