My name is Roger Barris. I am an American who lived in Europe for over 25 years but who has now returned to the great state of Colorado. My education is in economics and finance, and I previously worked as a manager of real estate funds, although I am basically retired now. But my real passion — outside of skiing, cycling (bi- and motor-), movies and books, of course — is policy. This blog is a continuation of dialogues that I have had with myself and my friends over many years, and it replaces the book that I will never have the discipline to write.