Lindau Residency in Conservative Thought

Gustavus Economics and Management Department hosted Dr. Walter Williams as the 2018 Lindau Resident in Conservative Thought. During his visit he participated in numerous class discussions and provided a public lecture.

The Role of Government in a Free Society
Lecture by Dr. Walter Williams
The lecture was live streamed and archived.

Dr. William’s remarks addressed why and how there has been a decline of constitutional values that has permitted the growth of the government.

In 1794, when Congress appropriated $15,000 for relief of French refugees who fled from insurrection in San Domingo (now Haiti) to Baltimore and Philadelphia, James Madison stood on the floor of the House to object saying, “I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence, the money of their constituents.” Today, at least two-thirds of the federal budget is expended “on objects of benevolence.” Williams believes this not only points to the betrayal of the constitutional values that made our nation rich and free, but also the steep decline of morality among the American people that has permitted government to grow so big.

Dr. Walter Williams
Dr. Walter Williams has served on the faculty of George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, as John M. Olin Distinguished Professor of Economics since 1980.

He is the author of over 150 publications which have appeared in scholarly journals and popular publications. He has authored ten books including The State Against Blacks and Up from the Projects: An Autobiography both of which were made into PBS documentaries.

He has made numerous radio and television appearances which include "Nightline," "Face the Nation," "MacNeil/Lehrer," "Wall Street Week" and was a regular commentator for "Nightly Business Report." He is also occasional substitute host for the "Rush Limbaugh" show.

In addition, Dr. Williams writes a nationally syndicated weekly column that is carried by approximately 140 newspapers and several web sites. He has also frequently given expert testimony before Congressional committees on public policy issues ranging from labor policy to taxation and spending.

Dr. Williams holds a B.A. in economics from California State University, Los Angeles, and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in economics from UCLA.

Additional support for this event provided by Stanley and Karen Hubbard.