We often see giant balloons advertising car dealers, or special promotions at the mall. In Houston, local leaders decided there were too many balloons. They passed a law allowing the balloons only for car dealers – not for any other business. But other business owners looked through the Lens of Liberty, and told the City it had no businesses picking winners and losers. Citizens reminded officials that equal treatment under the law is America’s first principle. The City still didn’t get it – instead of choosing freedom, they responded by banning all balloons in Houston. Many government officials simply cannot think outside the confines of government rules. That’s why citizens themselves must be the ultimate defenders of freedom, and pop this balloon!