Common Cents

Gavin Samples

This was not his first public speaking engagement. Dr. Williams has made countless radio and television appearances on programs such as “Nightline” and “Crossfire” and has authored more than 150 publications.

He received his master’s and Ph.D. in economics from UCLA. Dr. Williams also holds a Doctor of Humane Letters from Virginia Union University and Grove City College, Doctor of Laws from Washington and Jefferson College and Doctor Honoris Causa en Ciencias Sociales from Universidad Francisco Marroquin, in Guatemala, where he is also Professor Honorario.

He has served on the faculty of George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, as John M. Olin Distinguished Professor of Economics, since 1980. From 1995 to 2001, he served as department chairman at his University. In addition to the countless number of awards and fellowships he received, he also testified to Congressional committees on particular public policy issues, including taxation and spending.

After reading up on his background, it was easy to see why the University chose him to speak to us. I was intrigued by his composure. He began the lecture with a warning that some of his remarks might offend some people and other things might be considered politically incorrect. His statements were met with applause and laughter from what appeared to be mostly middle aged, higher middle class audience members.

In contrast, I am a senior marketing major, who will be entering into our beaten and bruised economy in about a year with one thing my mind: money. Where will I go to make money? How will I make money?  How much money can I make? Money, money, money.

Dr. Williams quickly got my attention. He said if we continue in the trend we are currently following, there would be inevitable economic chaos in my future and my children’s futures. He said politicians are concerned with 2010 when they should be looking at 2020 or even 2030.

He also said it was, and still is, government interference that prolongs problems in society, followed by an example of the Great Depression. I truly believe that we need change, but who am I, especially right now, to determine how? I employ the common saying in my life, we live and we learn. I think we, as a people, need to live and learn.

It was once said to me that history repeats itself until we learn from it. This is our chance to learn and adjust. My generation has immeasurable possibilities to make America truly the best nation ever witnessed.

Dr. Williams is intelligent, informed and highly opinionated.  He is a brilliant speaker and his words ignite fire in the souls of his listeners, especially mine. We were fortunate to have him speak to us. Although I did not totally agree on his position on some issues, I still enjoyed hearing him.

Now is the time that we as a generation, my generation, needs to stand up and make a change. Let’s come together and prove him wrong - economic chaos, no, economic bliss, yes. We are the innovators of our society. They are begging us to step up and take the reins. If we do, we can be the best our nation has ever seen.