This week on Street Talking in NEXT, I take a step back from my parochial interests in investor relations and shareholder issues to trace the tight relationship between sound judgment among the political leaders and national economic progress. My inspiration has been the realization that even with the most enthusiastic and sincere efforts by companies, the responsibility for creating an enabling business environment lies with the government. If the government fails in that task, or the politicians deny that duty, then no matter the commitment of companies and the capital that investors are willing to pump in, the economy will not reach its full potential, ultimately hurting shareholders in the long run.