Williams was an original

I was sad to read the recent obituary of Dr. Walter Williams. I had the pleasure of being a freshman in his introductory economics class at George Mason University in 1981 and fondly remember his entertaining lectures. He clearly loved to teach and his colorful analogies made it a joy to sit in that 300-person auditorium and take notes.

I did not realize his politics were so conservative until I read his editorials over the years. As an accomplished African American educator and author, he constantly pushed for government to expand opportunities, rather than lower the bar.

For readers not familiar with Dr. Williams, here is one of his classic quotes: "I believe in helping our fellow man in need. 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. And, for those of us who are Christians, I'm very sure that when God gave Moses the commandment, Thou Shalt Not Steal, he did not mean ... unless you get a majority vote in Congress."

Dr. Williams was an American original and his colorful and compelling insights will be missed.

Scott Alvis

Wheaton