I have listened to Bob McEwen for years, and I have always been deeply impressed with his insight, honesty, and honor. I believe that economic freedom is composed of two distinct concepts: the right to own property, and the rule of law. Without the right to own property, you can never expect to enjoy the fruits of your labor. The natural, human inclination is to say "Why bother? They'll just steal it from me" That is the path to the diesaster that was Communist Russia. Without the rule of law, even though you might have the right to own property, the state (or other, more favored individuals) will use the judicial system to take it from you. This was evidenced here most recently by the Kelo case (Eminent Domain), and most broadly in the newly freed CIS states in the former Soviet Union, where the former apparatchiks would sieze ownership of factories, economic sectors, and property, then use the easily influenced judiciary to enforce their ownership. This is broadly known as "the rule of men" as opposed to "the rule of law" There is a danger in the United States that, particularly at the local level, unaccountable local boards and tribunals are deviating from the Rule of Law. Government is employing taxation, regulations, and other means to deprive people of their hard-won property via consent decrees and other rulings that force businesses and individuals to spend money to perform services that they otherwise would not have done. I thank Orrin and the TEAM Policy Council for inviting Bob McEwen to Louisville. I certainly hope that he is able to make more of our national functions. Omnes Res Bene Facere "To do all things well"