Marlo Lewis

In the following viewpoint, Marlo Lewis argues that property rights are the foundation of civil and religious liberty because they prevent outside interference on private land. Lewis maintains that the Endangered Species Act (ESA) is unjust because it undermines property rights by restricting what landowners can and cannot do on their property. Therefore, he contends, the ESA violates the Constitution and religious liberty. Lewis is the executive director of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, a pro-market public interest group dedicated to advancing the principles of free enterprise and limited government.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Lewis, how do property rights help protect religious liberty?
2. Why isn’t Bruce Babbitt following Noah’s inspiration, according to the author?
3. How does Lewis define the Golden...