Stop the spread of Democracy?

There has been a pretty startling amount of democracy insemination in the world lately. What with Condoleeza Rice's missions to Asia, the invasion of two middle-eastern countries, and an overall sense of "Free Man's Burden" in the news (http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/12/technology/12filter.html).

Is this expected from a country with a ripened Constitution and a head of pride, or is there a little more than meets the eye to all our worry? Is it the zest of freedom that's leading the country to this, or is it financial gain that's leading the government?

I agree with the point that the ability to influence policy is only the definition of _political_ freedom. Indeed, that is what I'd always meant.

I disagree with the assertion that this isn't that important. Political power is the _only_ guarantee of _any_ freedoms.