Walter E. Williams - The Decline of Morality in Society - The Turney Collection - Libertarianism.org

In this video from a 1994 Atlas Economic Research Foundation event, economist and columnist Walter E. Williams talks about the coercive power of government and its role in undermining social moral priorities. Williams says that this happens when government lumps trivial offenses (he uses an example of Virginia residents being fined for not recycling) with barbaric ones.
Walter E. Williams is the John M. Olin Distinguished Professor of Economics at George Mason University and an adjunct scholar at the Cato Institute. He is a well-known columnist and the author of South Africa's War Against Capitalism (1989), The State Against Blacks (1982), Do the Right Thing: The People's Economist Speaks (1995), and More Liberty Means Less Government (1999).
An .mp3 version of this lecture can be downloaded here: bit.ly/J00hgK

[@chipberman6737]

My Econ 101 professor. In fact, he changed my life.

[@theresahenderson3534]

Lucky stiff.

[@chipberman6737]

@@theresahenderson3534 I know. Who knew, back then at George Mason, that he would be such an influence. I wasn’t the best Econ student but I learned what I believe matters.

[@TheBswan]

@@chipberman6737 I'm also a former student of professor Williams. He passed away recently the morning after teaching the last class of a semester of graduate level econ. Was truly a great man with great ideas.

[@thepatriot8514]

That’s totally 💯 cool you had a chance to met and learn from this man. #Excellent

[@Justin-ho8py]

You have no idea how much I would love to have Dr. Williams as a professor! I’ not envious, I’m happy for you as well!

[@TheRussianhippie]

lol, i'm 15 most of the people my age are on facebook right now and i'm here AND I LOVE IT

[@dionhenderson]

You give me hope.

[@jerryarcher6916]

Yspyg That's fanastic, you're way ahead of your peers, read as much as you can, listen to as much as you can, then you will always know what to believe and what not to believe.

[@uncletomrbg1111]

Yspyg your 20 now?

[@Gary4Liberty]

@@uncletomrbg1111 uncle tom was a hero, according to a black woman, (Candis?), who said she actually read the book. How radical can you get? (:-)

[@Yenchantress1isaStarr]

Yspyg I wonder how are you today?! 🙂💪🏾

[@marksuave25]

We need to change society. Stop the "something for nothing" society, and go back to an ownership society.

[@JimmyJaxJellyStax]

Indeed. Also the self-avoidance, blame others mindset.

[@Zenas521]

Every civics class, every history class, every economics class in the nation needs to play this video. They also need to allow time to discus the message for an hour or two. I know he is too humble/smart to run for political office, but I would vote for him.

[@janfirek2914]

Walter Williams is an American Treasure! Hard to find men and women of his caliber these days in any significantly impactful leadership roles in America. Look closely at our culture... This man's lecture has a measly 73K views?!?!? Education in America? Never heard of it...

[@jamesbryson575]

We miss you Dr. Williams. Clear thinking, plain speaking, irascible patriots are in short supply.

[@chipberman6737]

The best part of being a student of his was the ease with which he was able to relate to young people with stories from their lives that made sense to them. I guess teaching is different than indoctrination.

[@christopherarmstrong2710]

100%

[@1973superdad]

And it continues to get worse at a faster pace. Love his talks. Thanks for your dedication. RIP

[@maguilla]

Thank you Professor Williams, thank you for all the teaching.

[@Honey-vz1qq]

Preach, brother!

[@Darrell1019]

When a nation turns "it's" back on GOD, HE will give that nation the leaders "it" deserves!

[@Kineticopolis]

Carter, and George W Bush were very religious and very incompetent. Religion has little to do with being an effective Prez..

[@IronCavalier]

Morality does. I know it doesn’t seem like it if it doesn’t then what is all the hub bub from the Left that touts this insanity with Stormy? Didn’t matter with Bill.

[@CBALLEN]

Religion means nothing if you put your faith in a false god.

[@raurkegoose5233]

Religious doesn't mean Christian. Carter and both Bush I and Bush II were evil to the core.

[@raurkegoose5233]

Every nation gets the government it deserves. That is a scary truth.

[@jimhughes1070]

my brother... Before I heard your name on Rush Limbaugh and listened to you speak... I was dumber than a sack of hammers. Some nearly 30 years later. no one can stand before me thanks to you !!!

[@palaceofwisdom9448]

His stories of petty prosecutions ring especially loud right now as riots go unchecked while law abiding citizens are harassed and threatened by police for going about their daily lives and judges demand self flagellation from "offenders".

[@caseyc9658]

“law abiding citizens are harassed and threatened by police...”?! Please explain.

[@CraigCastanet]

Our kids can watch this when we're insolvent as a country.

[@jajones-ford2226]

Thank you for posting this video with the brilliant economist Walter E. Williams

[@THOMPSONSART]

This man is genius!

[@michaelcasey5155]

Walter Williams ,a man of integrity and intellect.

[@MrHamncheez]

"Federal deficits exceeding $300 billion a year" I only wish we had that today

[@tjmooremusic]

MrHamncheez Let's do the math shall we? Hmm , comes out to about one million dollars per minute.

[@barndog3103]

23:00 ish. What my beautiful home state of Colorado used to do. Now its becoming a liberal cess pool like California.

[@75Prelives]

This is brilliant! Williams' speaks the truth.

[@jeremyhodge6216]

Great Man who will truly be missed 😥

[@TiaSaysSo]

At 8:39 Williams mentions that total debt is about 16 Trillion dollars.This is in 1994.In 20 years it is almost 70 Trillion dollars.US debt is growing faster than the expanding universe.

[@MrAceman82]

Not only in USA, almost in every Western society. The debt rise faster than GDP. Btw, the GDP is useful only for politicians. Thank to Keynesian economics for self destruction of countries, and that is one thing worse than socialism.

[@cybermonkey4334]

This man is brilliant!

[@noncompliant4316]

I wonder what Walter Williams would have thought of mask mandates and their enforcement.

[@Mortis33-o4b]

Brilliant mind.

[@Mike10four]

A good book to read for the Atlas Economic Research Foundation is: “Scientific Proof of Our Unalienable Rights.”

[@danielpumphrey8433]

This is absolutely awesome in concept. It looks like the USA will go the way of the USSR!

[@kanteannightmare]

16 trillion pftt! it's 211trillion now... 😭

[@jonathandewberry289]

If we drive our nation into hell and failure we have NO EXCUSE to claim we weren't warned, we weren't given the correct lessons, we cannot claim we didn't know better. Here was Walt Williams, there it is. There. We were all but given a 'Moses' who explained to us in every simple and obvious way what to be careful about. "But we didn't know betterr...." no. We did. We do. Here it is. Walter Williams. So we DO know better and if we keep choosing to ignore it then thats fully on us.

[@glnset-apart]

Thoze in back, and most up front, still cannot hear this truth.

[@monumentstosuffering2995]

Magnificent mind.

[@77klinok]

Great mind!

[@ChiefCabioch]

The "Missing 52 years of Democrat History" by Jeffery Lord....should be mandatory reading in high-school

[@michaeltevis1180]

Rip Walter Williams you fought the good fight it is just that you will not be here to see the total collapse of any individual freedom for Americans

[@KimmyQueen]

He must hate Obamacare ...

[@Spark_Iskra_z_Polski]

Thank you for making me even more grateful for being able to live in Poland. Looks like paradise in comparison...

[@TheRussianhippie]

its funny though, i do enjoy learning alot about all subjects... i don't enjoy school at all

[@davidthomas9276]

Yes! We love to learn and explore things WE are interested in, but we chafe and rebel when we are herded into small rooms with 30 other detainees and forced to learn things Big Brother has decided we need to know.

[@thefakenewsnetwork8072]

Long live freedom and democratic socialism

[@nicmart]

His opening joke is a painful reminder that libertarianism is dominated by highly paid members of think tanks and other subsidized organizations. As a result, the movement has been deradicalized and made impotent. Those at this event oppose leviathan while depending on it's continued existence for their cushy jobs. What gains are made are through lawsuits, ironically ratifying and solidifying the state. Koch money has been especially harmful to anti-statism, as much of it has gone to support these useless groups and politicians who spit on liberty.

[@InvictvsNox]

RIP 5 Trillion dollar national debt.

[@jimhughes1070]

Plus there is one more very important point. You may actually be the smartest American

[@mamachicken4602]

I wish Walter Williams was still here among us. 😞 What a smart and wise man.

[@thevrb1811]

Approaching 5 trillion huh? Those were the days 😂

[@jeffharrison9812]

Common sense exuded from this great man , great American, he will be missed by a nation that unfortunately never paid attention to him. R.I.P. Mr WILLIAMS.

[@garrettlees]

8:02 "Now we all know that we have federal deficits exceeding 300 billion dollars a year...and we have a national debt that's approaching 5 trillion dollars." LMAO! Haha, the good ol' days, huh!!

[@DK-gl3ih]

Lol

[@basscataz]

I'm glad, and I hope you shared it with everyone on Fbook!

[@Yenchantress1isaStarr]

”Bread & circuses”!

[@comesahorseman]

So secession isn't a new idea at all! Interesting!! 🤔

[@jedmarum]

Superb! Timeless!

[@andrewashkettle]

3:13 "And if you don't have the book, write me a letter and I will send you a copy of the book." So, in June 2019, I found Dr. Williams' email address online and wrote him an email asking if the offer was still valid 25 years later. He wrote back stating that the offer was still good and to give him an address. I gave him my address and, concerned about the distance (I live in New Zealand), offered to remunerate him for the cost of shipping. He sent me a signed copy of the book and eventually wrote back, "Forget about shipping costs and read the book twice." Dr. Williams passed away in December 2020. Rest in peace, Dr. Williams.

[@xymos7807]

This was waaaay to advanced for this world. RIP sir.

[@glnset-apart]

I'll say!

[@glnset-apart]

explore "lawful living d@tc@m"...

[@johnboybane778]

He was a great and respected leader of man

[@stanleymcomber4844]

First time hearing this talk. Big fan of Walter Williams for years. Thank you for posting.

[@MIT2004]

Texas for FTW

[@Darrell1019]

Hear-hear!

[@derekstaroba]

This is a fantastic speech

[@glnset-apart]

explore "lawful living d@tc@m"...

[@glnset-apart]

i sure wish i would have awoken and learned of this manz work early on! It's only to late if we do not start implementing theze ideaz.

[@glnset-apart]

Explore "lawful living d@tc@m"

[@kanteannightmare]

i was 11 years old then... wow.

[@sickboy4029]

Kantean Nightmare I was 12

[@MrAceman82]

Me 12, and surprisingly this man spoke the truths, and still societies decline in socialistic dreams

[@kingjardine789]

your not alone bro

[@pdot04]

VERY GOOD VIDEO

[@stevenfrasier5718]

🤩 Walter E. Williams 😍

[@taleoftwobirds7155]

the E is for Excellence.

[@aliencasinobartender8735]

American Treasure

[@denis888red]

Never mind the economic argument. Here in a nutshell is what is wrong with the American political system. Just how is it, in a country of some 325 million people...and with people as sharp, incisive and clear thinking as this fellow, (and who, more importantly, clearly possesses considerable gravitas and a fine sense of morality..) do you still manage to have a guy like DT as your Head Honcho??? I mean, just how, in the name of good **** does that happen? In the words of Jerry Springer... 'You can't make this stuff up'. Come on good old US of A, the world needs you to get the train back on the tracks.

[@beyondthepale9071]

Obama! It's not complicated. After Obama and his fiasco, Trump was the answer.

[@sanniepstein4835]

Trump ran an international urban construction company; he was no dummy, despite lacking a professor's skill with speech. Your judgment is superficial.

[@denis888red]

It's not simply about the economic argument (though there is very much a discussion to be had concerning his ability in that quarter). It is far more the case that if you have watched and listened to Trump across the last four years....and are unable to detect he was, quite simply, 'all wrong' in a myriad of the most important ways... Then your ability to judge character is seriously, seriously flawed.

[@beyondthepale9071]

@@sanniepstein4835 Well put!

[@denis888red]

@@sanniepstein4835 If you think that a person like Donald Trump is the answer to anything.... You're not asking the right question. Spend any time abroad Sanni? I do. And over the last four years your country had started to become a laughing stock. And the USA is not a country that should ever be viewed as a laughing stock.

[@mainemavin]

I would love to hear what Mr. Williams would have to say today, Spring 2021.

[@merrillmilner8717]

Like jury duty.

[@brucec43]

National debt is now quadruple what Professor Williams states here. It's out of control.

[@fasteddie8627]

Great man

[@johnrathmann5600]

Why aren’t you running for President!

[@angelozachos8777]

Maybe because he passed away ?🤷

[@monumentstosuffering2995]

What a fine role model he is.

[@sidjoosin6549]

One with Babylon can battle with the Hun And with the Hun can battle with the Babylon But not in the same time

[@glnset-apart]

What do yu mean?

[@Pawelec801]

More need to listen to this gentlemans wisdom

[@glnset-apart]

my dayumn...

[@GeorgeRogers]

Arson, Murder, and Jaywalking.

[@johnstewart7025]

Defending bureaucracy is like agreeing with the nemesis in a Kafka novel. I would agree we have to seek out the best balance between human freedom and environmental protection, for instance. We shouldn't be extreme in either direction. However, we also have to be careful to do nothing that would lead to the extermination of either freedom or the environment.

[@daPlumber702]

Harakiri - ritual suicide by self-disembowelment on a sword; practiced by samurai in the traditional Japanese society.

[@MrApplewine]

The non-believers will be cleansed !

[@trebmaster]

Mic drop.

[@timemastro1]

thanks!

[@KimmyQueen]

Woah... government sucks!

[@ACORNSUCKS]

National debt approaching 5 trillion...hmm, its a bit dated, but right on.

[@WarmongerWW3]

Bullshit.

[@edwaggonersr.7446]

Wow, another deep thinker???

[@WarmongerWW3]

Ed Waggoner Sr. society is more moral now than ever before.

[@edwaggonersr.7446]

WarmongerWW3 By what measure is society more moral?

[@WarmongerWW3]

by all measures.

[@ohdeenyohdeeny]

WarmongerWW3 You don't know what freedom is..

[@acajudi100]

Trust God folks..

[@ChristopherRodgers]

We didn't listen because some of us can read.

[@monumentstosuffering2995]

That is your next president-or should be.

[@TheRussianhippie]

not really welcome, i've been here for awhile

[@SACREDFlRE]

Wtf is Harry Kerry

[@motorcop505]

Hair Kari.

[@SCUBONZIES]

FUCKING A

[@nachochitiu6953]

Morality outside biblical boundaries? Think again.

[@robertbarr6954]

Nacho Chitiu not getting that

[@dsvet]

Yes, Abraham knew right from wrong and had morals with no written Law or "Bible" to speak of brought to the Hebrews from God through Moses.

[@Shamino1]

National policies on healthcare have no moral basis and contain punitive measures? Hilarious.

[@sole__doubt]

Shamino1 When you say hilarious, what exactly do you mean? Because that first sentence in your comment is the reality of that issue.

[@Shamino1]

R. Brandon Perez Holding the belief that you have no moral obligation to anyone but yourself is destructive and it is only through cooperation and investing in mutual interests has mankind made it as far as we have today. A moral obligation to aid the sick and wounded of society goes back millenia, possibly up to 14, 000 years ago. Medical assistance was a staple of Christian Martyrs during the fall of Rome and well into the 12th century. There is not a civilized nation which places the well being of its citizenry into the hands of the 'free' market, except the United States.

[@sole__doubt]

Shamino1 Are you really so naive to think that politicians and bureaucrats really care about other peoples health? The main reason they advocate these policies is to get re-elected, or hang on to good jobs. The government also wants more control and with the ACA they have it. There are punitive measures as well, if you don't get insurance you will be fined on your income tax return. I do agree we as a society should work together. We should form co-ops and communities, not be dependent on government. Freedom isn't free, it's actually very expensive, but it's worth it.

[@Shamino1]

R. Brandon Perez I never once implied politicians believe what they say.

[@sole__doubt]

Shamino1 "National policies on healthcare have no moral basis. Hilarious" This comment "implies" that you think the nat'l policies do have a moral basis. I counter that assertion by asking if you actually think the politicians and bureaucrats care about the health of other people.

[@julianmarsh1378]

This is someone who doesn't know history. The capitalism of the First Industrial Revolution, as one example, was appalling in its disregard for the health and safety of the workforce. A lust for profit (among other reasons) drove Western imperialism and if anyone thinks Belgium control of the Congo was a benefit to those poor souls, try reading a history book. The speaker is living in a day and time when the worst aspects of capitalism have been contained and he assumes what he sees is what there has always been.....he's ignorant.

[@WillyWillis1965]

Wrong kid, try again.

[@sanniepstein4835]

Was industrialization any kinder in socialist countries?

[@julianmarsh1378]

@@sanniepstein4835 No difference as socialists countries such as Russia were not really communist. When everything is run the same way you get the same results.

[@KVSWF]

He's ignorant and doesn't know history? That's quite the charge.

[@julianmarsh1378]

@@KVSWF Yes, it is.

[@mepemcl]

WE"RE ALL GONNA DIE GAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

[@nustada]

You speak of being childish, but you use words incorrectly and resort to insults. There is no such thing as a social contract. You may as well appeal to the flying spaghetti monster for an excuse to tolerate institutionalized gangsters.

[@freein2339]

When did this country ever have any morals...???

[@danabanana4408]

it was built by moral people for a moral people.

[@freein2339]

Daniel Potrev Tell that to the Indians.....and tell that to African Americans....

[@arpadzigisfari5819]

freein2339 All people and nations are imperfect whether you adhere to a religion or not. Slavery and conquest have existed throughout human history. They're still going on. It's why Boko Haram kidnapped the Nigerian school girls. Also see 247wallst.com/special-report/2014/11/20/countries-with-the-most-slaves/ I'm not excusing these practices; I'm just saying that there's nothing unusual about the fact that the United States engaged in them. We're far from perfect but that does not make us absolutely evil. Thomas Jefferson hated slavery but did not think that it was possible to get rid of it during his lifetime. We abolished slavery 37 years after Jefferson's death, however, and have made strenuous efforts to counteract the effects. I haven't heard of any apologies from Boko Haram and the like.

[@freein2339]

Arpad Zigisfari My point has nothing to do with what other countries have done or are doing ...My point is that this country was not built on morals of any kind....By the way , Jefferson owned slaves and raped slave girls so he didn't hate slavery....neither did William Penn since he also owned slaves...neither did George Washington...etc etc etc...

[@arpadzigisfari5819]

freein2339 What is your idea of morality?

[@chaynelcastro8754]

Sorry professor there never was morality in america

[@necroticossuary]

Except for you, of course.

[@danielsoares3737]

Cry a river. Go be a "victim" somewhere else.

[@motorcop505]

There obviously were never actual history books in the schools you attended.

[@timopheim5479]

The priority of morality?? Someone getting fined for a misdemeanor does not result in less felony arrests, except in the trivial sense that pre-supposes these criminal activities are not perfectly monitored