The Politics and Economics of Walter E. Williams
Walter E. Williams is a noted economist and political commentator. Currently working for the George Mason University, he obtained his masters and doctorate from UCLA and his bachelor’s degree on economics from California State University. He is noted for his libertarian views that reflect his stand not only in politics but also on economics. Aside from his academic work, he has also published books related to economics and politics. His specialization is his commentary on race related issues especially on how it has affected the country’s economy. His political commentary is not only limited on what he says on his books. Williams is also a nationally syndicated columnist where his articles are printed in newspapers and readable online.
In 2008, he was considered as a potential candidate for presidency to represent the Republican agenda. Although he considered the offer first, he eventually stepped back and endorsed Ron Paul who lost to John McCain for nomination as presidential candidate for the Republicans.
Simplifying Economics for Everyone
Williams is a big supporter of educating everyone about economics. He is still a professor on George Mason University teaching Economics 101 since he is a staunch supporter of simplifying economics for everyone to understand. His writing style in explaining economics is usually thorough but very basic that he usually outlines the concept and follows it up with a simple example. A clear example of his effort to bring economics to everyone’s thought is his 10-part online article called “Economics for the Citizen”. Although his writings have leanings toward libertarian views, he explained basic economics in detail so that it can be easily comprehended even for first time readers on the subject.
Free Market
As a libertarian, Walter E. Williams is a staunch supporter of the free market economy. He believes that laissez-faire type of economics is the only way people would reach financial freedom and advantage. Williams pointed out that the only way people could earn which eventually leads to wealth without free market is through barbaric practices (plundering, enslavement etc.). In relation to free market economics, he has also supported some economic transactions that reflect on this belief:
Legalization in selling one’s organs
Regarded as controversial statement, it simply reflects his views as a supporter of a free market. Its biggest advantage is that it will eventually help save more lives because of the increased availability of organs. But aside from helping lives, selling one’s organs could be a basis of ownership. Williams believe that the only way to know if you really own something is when you can sell it and this should also be applied to a person’s body.
Anti-discrimination laws
Williams acknowledged racism and slavery that happened in USA almost a century ago and reparation should be done in order to repair the damages made to African Americans. However, he doesn’t believe that anti-discrimination laws such as affirmative action are a good way of remedying the problems African Americans have today. He argues that affirmative action do not encourage real solution as companies only opens up their businesses for other races to work for them. This doesn’t push for intellectual development as this system could be abused since they know they will still get a job because of affirmative action even with limited education.
Push for Business Discipline
Williams believes that businesses are not just working to extract more money from their customers. He believes that businesses have to practice good customer service, offer better price and over-all improvement of customer satisfaction. This is the only way a business could improve and post increased earnings.
Minimum wage
His argument against minimum wage is simply based on limiting government control of businesses. Enforcing minimum wage could easily slow down businesses because there will be a required remuneration for one’s effort. While this is good for employees, it will ultimately slow down economy because business growth is very slow if it exists. When minimum wage is removed business will grow and employees will enjoy additional compensation as demand for better and experienced workers increases.
Political Views
Williams has also laid out his political views through his books, columns and online articles. The following are some political positions and decisions he has opposed or supported in the past few years:
Gun Control
Williams argued that gun control did not make any significant changes in the society. He argued that crimes did not go down in places where there is gun control. In fact, places that have gun control has only made citizens fear for their life more since they don’t have any means of protection against dangerous elements.
Advocacy for Free State Project
This is an organization that pushes the move to New Hampshire where the best libertarian policies would be practiced. Although Williams has doubts about the project first, he has already voiced his opinion and support for the Free State Project.
Support for States Right for Secession
In relation to the Free State Project, Williams has also voiced his support for states who wanted to separate themselves from the Federal Government.
Criticism on the Health Care Program
Williams believe that the public health care is not a solution but actually a replacement or substitution of the current system in favor for the uninsured. The result is that people will eventually have access to fewer choices and low quality of medical aid.
Walter E. Williams constantly base his decisions on basic ideas to support his economic and political views. This led to his increasing popularity because he can easily describe policies in economics and politics for everyone to understand.