P.J. O'ROURKE. With more than 1 million words of trenchant journalism under his byline and more citations in The Penguin Dictionary of Humorous Quotations than any living writer, P.J. O'Rourke has established himself as America’s premier political satirist. He is the best-selling author of 15 books and both TIME and The Wall Street Journal have labeled O’Rourke “the funniest writer in America.”

REV. ROBERT A. SIRICO is the president and co-founder of the Acton Institute. Rev. Sirico is the Pastor at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Grand Rapids, MI. His writings on religious, political, economic, and social matters are published in a variety of journals, including: the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, the London Financial Times, the Washington Times, the Detroit News, and National Review. Rev. Sirico is often called upon by members of the broadcast media for statements regarding economics, civil rights, and issues of religious concern, and has provided commentary for CNN, ABC, the BBC, NPR, and CBS' 60 Minutes, among others. In his new book, Defending the Free Market: The Moral Case for a Free Economy, Rev. Sirico shows how a free economy is the best way to meet society’s material needs. Only if we have economic rights can we protect ourselves from government encroachment into the most private areas of our lives—right down to our consciences.