Source: Screenshot/Facebook via Hammond Institute for Free Enterprise
Posted on 12/02/2020 1:31:03 PM PST by Kaslin
Source: Screenshot/Facebook via Hammond Institute for Free Enterprise
Walter Williams, the John M. Olin distinguished professor of economics at George Mason University and longtime columnist, has died at the age of 84.
Williams began writing a weekly column, "A Minority View," in 1981, the last of which, titled "Black Education Tragedy Is New," published Wednesday. His columns have appeared on Townhall.com for more than 25 years. He is also the author of 10 books, including the most recent, "Race and Economics: How Much Can Be Blamed on Discrimination?" and "Up from the Projects: An Autobiography," and published more than 150 scholarly articles, according to Economic Policy Journal.
"Walter was a great communicator of ideas and a prolific, provocative and uncompromising writer," wrote fellow GMU colleague Veronique de Rugy. "His voice, his happy-warrior demeanor, his cosmopolitan views, his endless fight on behalf of those with no political voices, and his generosity to all of us at Mason will be missed."
Tributes to Williams, whom his colleagues called a "freedom fighter," flooded social media.
Walter Williams was an American hero.
Born in poverty, raised by a single mother in the projects of North Philadelphia, a college drop-out, he overcame all types of adversity to become a nationally renowned professor, economist and columnist. https://t.co/LKWo6ZMv4Z— Heritage Foundation (@Heritage) December 2, 2020
One of my lifetime heroes, Dr #WalterWilliams, Econ Prof at @GeorgeMasonU, has passed at 84. A writer and speaker of great consequence. One of the most important conservative voices for nearly a half century. Well done, good and faithful servant.— Mark Davis (@MarkDavis) December 2, 2020
“I believe that reaching into your own pockets to help someone in need is praiseworthy and laudable. Reaching into somebody else's pockets to help your fellow man in need is despicable.”
—Walter Williams, one of the most brilliant & influential conservative thinkers of our time— Allie Beth Stuckey (@conservmillen) December 2, 2020
The great Professor Walter E. Williams has passed away at 83. Dr. Williams was fearless & independent. He was wise, brilliant & very funny. He was the keynote speaker for BOND's 10th anniversary. Condolences to the family. May his soul rest in peace??https://t.co/ih6AJoOmBI— Jesse Lee Peterson (@JLPtalk) December 2, 2020
RIP Walter Williams. What a legend. What a life lived. He didn't teach us WHAT to think. He taught us HOW to think, and his influence and his work will outlive us all. Thank you for making a real difference in this world, and on my life.— Scott Morefield (@SKMorefield) December 2, 2020
RIP Walter Williams, one of the many black conservative intellectuals the media pretend don’t exist.
Everything he wrote is worth reading, this column especially, “Are We Equal": https://t.co/MaeYgrwKAq— Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) December 2, 2020
Just heard that Walter Williams passed away ??
Such a brilliant mind and brilliant economist. I owe a lot to that man for helping to shape my thinking and inspiring the pursuit of truth against popular opinion. I wish I could have met him in person to tell him as much
RIP, sir— Leonydus Johnson (@LeonydusJohnson) December 2, 2020
Wow, what a punch in the gut. I am told that one of my heroes, Dr. Walter Williams, passed away. Walter had an enormous influence on me, from the time I was 13-years old; he was my first guest on Life, Liberty & Levin. I'll discuss more tonight on radio.— Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) December 2, 2020
I was introduced to Walter Williams’ work as a college newspaper writer & editor at Dartmouth. Our own professors were peddling Marxist propaganda, but we took inspiration from Williams’ writing and commentary. He was truly an inspiration and a hero to me. RIP to legend. ????— Harmeet K. Dhillon (@pnjaban) December 2, 2020
Very sad news. Walter Williams was legendary. He was brilliant, incisive, witty, and profound. I grew up reading him, and he was a ferocious defender of free markets and a powerful explainer of the virtues of Liberty. https://t.co/DrwZo5yxqR— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) December 2, 2020
An enormous loss for the country. RIP Professor Williams https://t.co/cyQTuhJgl0— Storm Paglia ???? (@storm_paglia) December 2, 2020
I always chuckled when I recall the story about getting his wife a ladder for her birthday :-)
One of the most brilliant economists. A great loss to all.
Damn, he was one of the greats! R.I.P., Walter, we’ll carry the torch as best we can.
God speed, Walter Williams. You were truly a great man.
May he Rest in Peace. Prayers to his family, friends and associates.
I bright light has gone out! RIP Walter Williams.
A man like Walter Williams will be missed greatly.
Funny and humorous: he gets 100%
Logical and precise: 100%
Intelligent: 100%
Patriot: 100%
Constitution as written: 100%
Fearless: 100%
Eloquent 100%
Tolerance for bad logic: 0%
God’s speed Mr. Williams. You were loved by many and if one looks at your enemies it only makes you greater. Your enemies were scum.
Huge loss. I really enjoyed his work. RIP.
RIP, Professor Williams
HE actually wrote back asking me to keep the faith. A truly fine man indeed!
Willams was a trailblazer, a brilliant common sense, self-made made man, who showed the world what America has to offer anyone who wants to make something of himself and contribute positively to the greatest capitalist society on the face of the earth. At his passing, everyone should reflect on his life’s achievements and be reminded how different it would have been in a totalitarian regime. His life is a testament to what this Country offered Williams, and still offers any man regardless of race or color who has the motivation to excel.
“Black by popular demand.”
This is very upsetting.
Very sad. I used to enjoy listening to him guest host the Rush Limbaugh Show around Christmas time. RIP Dr Williams.
I loved the guy. It is indeed a loss.
RIP Walter we will miss you!!!
Walter was freaking hilarious. When he sub'ed on Rush's show, he told the audience about the Christmas gifts he'd get for his wife -- like a new apron, new ironing board, or new ice cleats "so she could wash his car in the winter without falling."
LOL, OMG he must have paid for those wise cracks big-time, when he got home. I laughed so hard - and I'm a gal. Hahahahaha!
Will miss him so much, RIP Walter!
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