  It is argued that local realism is a fundamental principle, which might be
rejected only if experiments clearly show that it is untenable. A critical
review is presented of the derivations of Bell's inequalities and the performed
experiments, with the conclusion that no valid, loophole-free, test exists of
local realism vs. quantum mechanics. It is pointed out that, without any
essential modification, quantum mechanics might be compatible with local
realism. This suggests that the principle may be respected by nature.
