The single word liberty articulates not only basic rights, such as freedom of speech and religion, but many other vital concepts: opportunity, choice, security and even happiness. Indeed, it is a word that symbolizes the dreams and goals of every human being. Yet its very power makes it liable to abusive ends entirely opposed to its true meaning. In consequence, both individual and national freedoms can be eroded in a manner that escapes detection. If this deterioration of liberty is not spotted and reversed, a people can lose many of their basic rights and ultimately fail to recognize, and thus arrest, a slide into a police state. On the hard‑won and cherished liberties of nations depends everything its citizens hold most dear. In affirming the basic decency and upholding the fundamental rights of each individual, Ron provides an embracive understanding that vitally concerns all.