Clifford Thies surveys the American economy and sees growth and prosperity despite the bleak outlook others have described. He gives an economist’s view of minimum wage increases, free trade, and the divide between rich and poor. Theis describes his view of the Federal Reserve, the gold standard, and makes a (tentative) nomination for “Greatest Living Economist.” He also argues for an incrementalist approach to fighting for liberty and explains that the political calculations which are made in a democratic society must represent the views of average people as well as free-market economists.

Dane vonBreichenruchardt of the US Bill of Rights Foundation introduces the Liberty Coalitoin Patient Quality Care Project. He describes how a failure to protect good doctors for a faulty peer review process destroys careers and endangers patients.

Lisa Graves of the Center for National Security Studies discusses NSA wiretapping, the Bush administration's claim to have uncheckable authority in this matter, as well as the personnel changes at the Justice Dept which have given the administration so much leeway. She details challenge Congress faces in providing meanginful oversight to the operations of the federal government in the area of national security.