On December 2, 2020, the free-market economics field lost a giant.
Distinguished economist Walter Williams passed away at the age of 84.
The John M. Olin Distinguished Professor of Economics at George Mason University was one of the most prominent voices for free market economics in the U.S.
He was a syndicated columnist at conservative outlets such as the Townhall.com, The American Spectator, and the Wall Street Journal. Williams authored books such as The State Against Blacks, Race and Economics, and American Contempt for Liberty. Williams also filled in for famous radio host Rush Limbaugh when he was traveling and offered a thoughtful balanced perspective to politics.
Him and fellow economist Thomas Sowell became leading voices for black conservatives and libertarians in the last five decades. Unlike many leftist commentators, Williams understood that government is not a friend of minorities. His life’s work was dedicated towards expressing his free-market beliefs in a concise, easy to follow manner that the masses could consume.
Williams believed that limited government would allow for minorities to thrive and live in orderly societies. For Williams, the welfare state was one of the most destructive institutions in America, which condemned millions of minorities to multi-generational poverty. Additionally, the George Mason economist eloquently broke down how the welfare state has led to the utter destruction of the African American community.
Voices like Williams served as a bulwark against the raciliast Left, which is pathologically obsessed with turning every political discussion into a matter of race. Williams has inspired this writer to embark on this struggle against the Left. I can imagine many other right-leaning minorities were motivated by Williams to take this battle to the Left.
While Williams may no longer be with us, his legacy lives on in the people who promote his work and ideals. May he find eternal tranquility in the afterlife.
