U.S.-Baltic Foundation

“Freedom is like oxygen – when we have it we very often don’t notice. But when we don't, we feel it quickly. There is no real life without freedom,” commented former Estonian prime minister Mart Laar during his keynote address at the 2005 Atlas Freedom Dinner.

A few weeks ago, in the aftermath of a political disagreement with Russia, the ‘oxygen’ in Estonia was constricted by cyber-attacks, which essentially shut down the country’s access to the outside world. Laar will join Atlas again this summer as the keynote speaker for The Atlas Experience on August 5-7, 2007 in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada. He will share with us his interpretation of the recent cyber-attacks on Estonia and how former Soviet Bloc countries are handling their relationship with Russia today. (Laar’s recent article, “Escape from Moscow,” discusses Georgia’s and Moldova’s relationships with Russia and how Russia is hindering economic development, political stability etc. in those countries.)

As you know, The Atlas Experience is a more “relaxed” program than a typical policy conference or Atlas workshop. The program includes excursions, “economic salons,” and other opportunities for people to gather and talk about the free-market ideas that matter to us. We are trying to give people the “insider, free-market perspective on hot spots and hot issues around the world,” as well as a good sense of how we are battling those challenges.

David Boaz from the Cato Institute, Leonard Liggio of Atlas, Jaroslav Romanchuk from the Mises Center in Belarus, and Atilla Yayla from the Association for Liberal Thinking in Turkey will lead “Economic Salons” in the afternoons at which participants will hear their perspectives on aspects of the classical liberal/free-market movement, followed by engaging discussions. Many long-time leaders of the movement will be present, so their perspectives will ensure a lively discussion.

If you would rather spend your afternoon exploring the Niagara Region, we have developed two excursions. On Sunday afternoon, we have organized a vineyard tour and wine tasting, where you can sample some of the best wine in the Niagara Wine Region. On Monday afternoon, you can enjoy a guided tour of Niagara Falls.

Formal panels on Monday and Tuesday morning will address Perspectives on Economic Freedom from the Developing World; Returning to Limited Government in the Americas; and Can Technology Set Us Free? Some of the panel speakers include Costa Rican presidential candidate Otto Guevara, Wall Street Journal ‘Americas’ columnist Mary O’Grady, Kenyan filmmaker June Arunga, and Prof. Veselin Vukotic from Montenegro.

The Atlas Experience will take place in the beautiful Canadian town – Niagara-on-the-Lake – and at one of the premier resorts in Canada, the Queens Landing Inn & Conference Resort. Nestled in the heart of Wine Country, Niagara-on-the-Lake is home to dozens of wineries. There are also more than 40 superb regional golf courses, all open to the public and all with country-club-level facilities. The town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is over 200 years old, with a long and distinguished history. At the Queen’s Landing, experience stately Georgian-style elegance and gracious service in a spectacular waterfront setting.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is less than 60 minutes from Buffalo, NY and 90 minutes from Toronto, Canada. US Citizens, please note that you will need to have a passport to enter Canada. We encourage non-US travelers to fly into Toronto, so that you only have to concern yourself with visa requirements for one country. Check with the Canadian embassy or consulate in your home country to learn more about visa requirements.

More information about The Atlas Experience is available online. You can also register online at: https://secure.lexi.net/atlas_usa/atlas_experience.php

We hope to see you August 5-7, 2007 in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Come relax, indulge your mind, and be inspired – Join us for The Atlas Experience!