like the circuit riders of old, spreading the word, jim hightower is forever on the road, speaking, riding the electronic rails of the internet, appearing on radio and tv, preaching the grassroots gospel. he's had first-hand experience of politics and government, both as a legislative assistant on capitol hill and as the two-term agriculture commissioner of his native texas, where he fought for small farmers against the giants of agribusiness. in addition to his books he publishes this political newsletter, "the hightower lowdown," which many of us consider so essential i once raised money to help make people more aware of its wit and wisdom. welcome back, jim. >> thank you, bill. great to be with you. >> you have been sounding the populist trumpet ever since we first met 30 or more years ago. but the walls of jericho are still standing. corporate power is, practically has the lease on congress, the rich are richer, wall street is back on top, and politics at almost every level is overwhelmed by money. the robber barons have won, wouldn't you acknowledge that? >> well, the robber barons ar