Subscribe: Is global warming real, imminent, and a threat to human life? Have such predictions been established scientifically? The proposed Global Climate Treaty calls for extensive government controls to reduce fossil fuel use. Yet, there is no scientific consensus to support global-warming pessimism. Would the proposed massive 'carbon' taxes and other controls put our society- especially those most disadvantaged- at great risk? Based on his widely acclaimed book, renowned astrophysicist Fred Singer will separate fact from fiction in this raging global warming debate.

S. Fred Singer

President, Science and Environmental Policy Project

First Director, U. S. Weather Satellite Service

Author, Hot Talk, Cold Science: Global Warming's Unfinished Debate.

With California's current economic despair, how will we get the economy out of its rut? With compelling portraits of those who defy convention to originate the products that fire a growing economy, George Gilder delivers an ardent message: People must be free as entrepreneurs to innovate and create new wealth through market-based enterprises which benefit everyone.

A luncheon to honor David Packard, co-founder of The Hewlett-Packard Company.

The Civil War was a great turning point in American history. It abolished the evil of slavery, established federal power over the states, and—paradoxically—created precedents that restrict individual freedom today. The ideas and personalities of the Civil War are forever etched in our memory, but they are not merely of historic interest. Based on their acclaimed books, Henry Mayer and Jeffrey Rogers Hummel will discuss the abolitionists, political and business interests, war mobilization and conduct, etc.—and how they continue to shape American society.

Jeffrey Rogers Hummel Professor of Economics, Golden Gate University

Henry E. Mayer National Book Award Finalist Author, All on Fire: William Lloyd Garrison and the Abolition of Slavery

The gala reception and presentation of the Thomas S. Szasz Awards for Outstanding Contributions to the Cause of Civil Liberties to Robert Higgs and Robert Spillane, followed by a special forum featuring Dr. Higgs on “Liberty and Leviathan,” based on his acclaimed book, Depression, War, and Cold War (Oxford University Press).

Thomas S. Szasz The Thomas S. Szasz Award is a tribute conferred annually by the Center for Independent Thought for the avocation of civil liberties and to encourage others to work to protect personal autonomy from state encroachment.

Robert Higgs Senior Fellow, The Independent Institute. Winner, 2006 Thomas S. Szasz Award, General Award. Author, Depression, War, and Cold War, Against Leviathan, and Crisis and Leviathan.

Robert Spillane Professor of Management Macquarie University Australia. Winner, 2006 Thomas S. Szasz Award, Professional Award.

Andrea Millen Rich President, Center for Independent Thought

David J. Theroux Founder and President, The Independent Institute

David R. Henderson Associate Professor of Economics, Naval Postgraduate School Research Fellow, Hoover Institution Author, The Joy of Freedom: An Economist's Odyssey

David J. Theroux Founder and President, The Independent Institute

Although comedian George Carlin’s infamous routine, “Seven Words You Can't Say on TV,” has become outdated, today many ideas are considered too “politically incorrect” to discuss in polite society. According to popular Los Angeles talk-radio host Larry Elder, many sacred cows- about racism and sexism, health care, welfare, education, the family, drug laws, the media, crime, gun control, and more- are soft-headed distortions that have worsened America's social problems. If “the truth shall make you free,” then, says Elder, these myths need a serious reality check- before we forget what truth and freedom look like. Larry Elder discussed what’s really wrong with America and how a free people, rather than an intrusive government, can fix it.

Why has Africa, despite its rich history, cultures, and abundant resources, largely remained in the grip of dictatorship, starvation, genocide and war? How can this tragic legacy of colonialism, socialism, and plutocracy be replaced with the welfare of economic liberalization, individual rights, and the Rule of Law? Based on his new book, "Africa in Chaos," award-winning economist George Ayittey will examine the record of American statism and the revolution for free-market societies.

George B. N. Ayittey Professor of Economics, American University Author, Africa in Chaos and Africa Betrayed

David J. Theroux Founder and President, The Independent Institute