An Economist Looks at 90: Tom Sowell on Charter Schools and Their Enemies
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ก.ค. 2020
- Recorded on July 1, 2020
The day before this show was recorded, Dr. Thomas Sowell began his 10th decade of life. Remarkably on one hand and yet completely expected on the other, he remains as engaged, analytical, and thoughtful as ever. In this interview (one of roughly a dozen or so we’ve conducted with Dr. Sowell over the years), we delve into his new book Charter Schools and Their Enemies, a sobering look at the academic success of charter schools in New York City, and the fierce battles waged by teachers unions and progressive politicians to curtail them. Dr. Sowell’s conclusion is equally thought provoking: If the opponents of charter schools succeed, the biggest losers will be poor minority children for whom a quality education is the best chance for a better life.
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He can’t be 90!!! I pray 120 solid great years for you Mr. Sowell
IKR. I need him to make it at least through the rest of this decade.
@@P0RKINS2 Imagine getting to 120 and thinking "I was 90 thirty years ago"
@Clair Cook
MOAR!!!!!!
If I’m 1/10 as sharp as this man at 90 I think I’ll be extremely grateful.
he is a statesman like we haven't seen since a founding father....
Thomas Sowell is the kind of man I aspire to be. He shattered my preconceived notions about race and culture many years ago, and I will be forever grateful for it. The truth matters.
I have a loved one in prison and I told him to go to the library and check out a Thomas Sowell book. He tried there were none. If I were king I would insist there be 10 SOWELL books in every prison. I suspect the result would be phenomenal.
David Snow absolutely....nice comment.
Great post!
@David Snow
#MeToo
And I'm black. (Not that it's anything special. I only say that because I'm not putting my photo on the web as you so boldly do. To be black and like Dr. Sowell doesn't just mean I support Dr. Sowell.
(MAGA)
he is a statesman like we haven't seen since a founding father....
He’s 13 years older that Biden and 13 times more articulate 🙄
Thomas Sowell is one of the greatest minds of the last 100 years and 9 out of 10 African Americans have never heard of him. It's sad.
Happy 90th Tom. I’m a 25 yr old applied math major who 3 years ago dropped out of an engineering program at a top school.
I engaged in debauched behavior and did not appreciate what was being offered to me.
Tom Sowell became my intellectual savior while listening to random TH-cam videos while playing fifa.
I will thank you for the rest of my life and will do my best to expose as many people as I can to your ideas and more importantly to live them.
I wish you all the success you are able to acheive.
antonio guarco please write him an actual letter 👏 would be so nice to hear your story.
Happy 90th, Thomas Sowell is a blessing to this country.
To the world, in fact.
i hit that like button so fast :)
You can't be more right!
simon harrison Agreed, everything he says can be applied to other countries like mine, here in Spain 👏🏼
Happy birthday Thomas Sowell, we American's thank you for your service to America. I really appreciate you as a individual thinker in society.
This man should have been the first black president.
"Rules without consequences are just suggestions" So true, and SO relevant in today's goings-on...
Thomas Sowell - one of the greatest men who ever lived in recent times. I so much admire his courage and wisdom.
Agree. Living legend
I've never heard of Thomas Sowell before, maybe because I' English, who is he?
@@silverbullet2008bb You might form your own opinion by watching a few of the videos in which he's interviewed, and perhaps reading some of his published material.
silverbullet2008bb an economist - a great one - start reading his many books they will change your perspective on many issues.
silverbullet2008bb It says in the beginning of the video. Look him up on TH-cam. Interviews from 1981 and before to present.
I’ve watched every Thomas Sowell uncommon knowledge talk 40 times.. I’m excited to watch this 40 times
Awesome! I’m not alone
Happy birthday Mr.Sowell. I am a 24yo immigrant to the US and you changed my mindset on many things. I will carry on your legacy and teach my children about hard work and morals.
The way he says, “my gosh” and “heavens, no” will always stick with me. So lucky to be alive at same time of this great mind. Love looking forward to his next appearance
The man, the myth, the legend. Thank God for Thomas Sowell, arguably the greatest black American of the last 90 years. As you can see, MLK already means nothing to nearly half the country. Sowell's wisdom shall last forever.
I hope that your estimate re: MLK is inaccurate, but current events suggest you are correct.
Perhaps greatest American of any race!
Please , Mr. Sowell, could you be with us just a few more years? Im from Brazil and saving money to meet you in person, because I would like to thank you for rescuing me from the shadows of ignorance with your books. Happy Birthday, Mr .Sowell.
You should try a Go Fund Me to raise the money. If you do that and let me know, I'll be happy to make a contribution.
When Thomas Sowell passes, America will have lost one of its' very best. Hopefully he shares more wisdom and inspires others for as long as possible.
This is a man that looked Jim Crow laws in the face and laughed.
All the best to a man who will accept nothing less than clear, empirical evidence. Thank you for your integrity and your wisdom, Dr. Sowell!
Insightful comment. I think it could be turned into a useful, early-premise question in debate to set the t+c. “Would you accept anything less than clear, empirical evidence to back your claims?”
What I take from this interview in total, is that we need much better schools with better ways of evaluating teachers.!.!.!. This is not a new problem; Unions support poor teachers along with the best.!.!. Teachers who aren't involved in self improvement drag down the whole education system.!.!.! Overburdening teachers certainly doesn't help ANYONE.!.!.!...
I love how the Left just ignores Thomas Sowell because they can't play the "racist" card against him because he says things the Left does not like.
Why are you fixated on the color of his skin?
hoastbeef I used to think the same about Ayaan Hirsi Ali. But, never underestimate the insanity of the left. Here in Australia , a tax payer funded tv ad was campaigning against Ali entering the country. They claimed she was promoting white supremacy. Ali never did arrive. Apparently, security was the main factor in that decision.
#MeToo
yes, because he is evidence-based and fact over feeling!
They still play race cards against black people who disagree with them. Take a look at some of the stuff they say about Candace Owen. She may be a bit of a firebrand, but if there's one thing I know about the far left, it's that they will always find a way to be worse
My theory is that they just haven't ever heard of him. After all, when you have an economist as eminent, brilliant, and dare I say prophetic as Paul Krugman on your side, do you even need anyone else?
It's simple: I see the Thomas Sowell interview, I click it, and watch it.
For a man to be this sharp at 90 is truly inspiring.
"Rules without consequences are just suggestions" Pure GOLD..
I wish I could knock 50 years off the age of Dr Sowell so here could be here with us during these hard times ahead. Such a brilliant man.
Well DANG!
He's not DEAD YET!!!
Your comment sounded like the beginning of a eulogy!
Look at the guy. Doesn’t look close to frail at 90 years old! I don’t know that Sowell won’t be with us (and still high functioning) for a while still.
Thomas is an absolute warrior. His will to fight moved me to tears at the end. I feel inspired to try harder and do better. Happy birthday Tom and I pray that you will have many, many more!!!! ❤️
Me, a liberal: Buys his first Tom Sowell book
The Vision of the Anointed is excellent.
Awesome, mate!
You won't be a (modern) liberal much longer
Good for you! You can't be that much of a brainwashed radical left "liberal" (unrelated to a true liberal) The term has been hijacked and has become a truly Orwellian, Doublespeak label. Remember that our nation's founders were very liberal in their time, going against the status quo with open minds, an exhaustive understanding of History and Human Nature..., and a willingness to try something better. The exact opposite of today's leftist groupthink.
I hope this man lives on for at least another 20 years. God bless him.
50
Great duty is on us to continue living his work. Remarkable man.
@@callmemurphz No. 50 cent is the other smart guy.
Higher! His thoughts and wisdom penned in books will be eternal
President Trump, please award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Oh my goodness, yes!!! How can we make this suggestion known?? Can someone with a twitter account tweet this???
LOL
Make a white house petition to can do it at whitehouse.Gov
Yes!!
I bet Trump never read a SINGLE book from Sowell !
I’ve taught at both Public and Charter schools. I agree more with what Dr. Sowell is saying rather than not. I have been a part of some amazing public schools, but over all, when it comes to public schools where the students are running the show and the teachers are too afraid to be in charge, they are by far less successful than a well run charter school.
I could listen to this savant for hours and live every minute of it. He’s a “Why Guy” He goes beyond the surface and gets to the facts of the matter
This man is not just a blessing to Americans, but all around the world. Greetings from Indonesia. Happy 90th birthday, Mr. Sowell. May more people know about you and God bless.
same bro. i wish our leaders would listen to his wisdom in governing our country
Characa Rosandi, I found out about him last week from listening to Larry Elder. I have recommended him to my friends and posted abouts him on my WhatApp status. His views are relevant to us in South Africa. Your prayers have been answered. God bless.
Perhaps my favorite Sowell video of all times. The last 20 minutes are fascinating and the last minutes epic. God Bless Mr. Thomas Sowell!
His nephews and nieces call him "Uncle Tom", lovingly. ; )
A fan from Spain here.
Dr. Thomas Sowell is a living, breathing National Treasure. The people that ignore him are the ones who need his wisdom the most.
"I have to laugh because otherwise I would cry... they (the arguments against charter schools) are so bad."
Gotta love Tom Sowell - legend!
When I was introduced to Thomas Sowell through his books, I felt as if I had been taught how to think instead of what to think
Dr. Sowell, sir you are a national treasure and big blessing to our country. As an incoming black MD/PhD student, I only hope to emulate this man's wisdom in the intelligentsia, academia, and in the profession of medicine to better health and humanity .
Kudos to you.
Dr. Sowell, my personal favorite thinker, was educated before affirmative action and other manifestations of the bigotry of low expectations. The differences in capability between races is trivial, even if it can be reliably determined. Who questions Thomas Sowell's competence? His thoughts are his credentials. As it should be. Let's turn the current phase of race politics to an examination of a person's character and intellect, rather than to the irrelevant nature of their genetics.
Dr. Sowell was heaven-sent. We ignore him at our extreme peril.
Bless you!
We desperately need voices like Thomas Sowell's, now more than ever.
In a way it makes me sad that a brilliant mind like that has been used for the field of economics.
Thomas Sowell is without a doubt one of the greatest minds in the world, and if you like him you should listen to Walter Williams as well, another great mind.
The fact that pretty much anyone can access his interviews on TH-cam, gives me hope. Even with it being run by lunatics, they can't deny that people want his content and through gritted teeth let it stay on. For now at least.
it's not his voice; it's his research
Peter, Your love for Thomas Sowell is palpable in this interview. You are to be congratulated for allowing your passion for knowledge and love of an icon show through in a beautiful way. God speed to you both.
I feel like I just listened to something legendary, especially towards the end ... Peter obviously felt the same way. Happy Birthday to the legend himself, Thomas Sowell!!!
Tom Sowell is an American Patriot. Would love to have a few beers with Tom Sowell and Victor Davis Hanson, in an old fashioned Pub. Now that would be one afternoon to remember.
Blue Collar Mark how cool would that be - two of my all time faves!! I see either name and click right away... we need them on every airwave!
I would like to be a fly on the wall that afternoon.
I would like to be a fly on the wall that afternoon.
Mark, have Carol Swain, Shelby Steele, and Yaron Brook join us.
I dread to hear he’s 90....he’s a National treasure
Thomas Sowell is one of my heroes. Really inspired me as a young black man to embrace education and rationale though. Really a shame he (along with Walter Williams, Shelby Steele, et al) doesn't get more shine in the black community.
Yeah, why do you think that is? He is so brilliant! Listening to him is so easy, yet life changing really!
Totally agree! Reading his books and listening to him talk you feel like your truly being educated. It's a crime the black community refuse to pay attention to these brilliant men.
It's an indictment on the level of dishonesty in the media.
Bro I 100% agree. I always say when I read his Basic Economics I literally felt like Winston Smith from 1984, when he first got his hands on Goldstein’s book. I just hope at the end of my book 2+2=4 or men are men and women are women in our case. GOD BLESS!!!
It will depend on you to spread the word louder than the negativity being shouted around you.
You will also need to lead by example.
Sowell should be introduced as the world's leading expert on Marx and his books should be required reading in schools. His documentation about how much better blacks did during the 100 years after the civil war versus the past 60 years should be repeated by everyone.
My sister used to be a teacher in a 'depressed' school (meaning a mostly black school). She resigned the day she was called into the principal's office and told that she needed to back off as her students test scores were 'embarrassing' other teachers of the same grade! That and the fact that when one of her six year olds SPIT in her coffee cup and then threw it at her, she was told that the answer was to not bring a drink into her classroom!
Yesterday I was googling charter schools and was thinking, “Gosh, if only it was easy to find someone doing some good research on this who isn’t from a teachers union.” And today I’m blessed with this video!
Gosh answered your prayer!
I've seen the math workbooks my niece brings home... pathetic. Public schools have fallen to an absolutely disgraceful level and she is not learning. 20 years ago I was a mathlete in 6th grade public school where we did competitions and I went on to pass Calculus 2 my senior year.
What a wonderful man!)
Despite the state of the country, he remains good natured and quick to laugh. When Peter Robinson said once, 'you're looking awfully saintly, Tom', he quickly replied, 'you need new glasses.' Happy birthday and many more years of good health! 'Salute!' Thank you to Mr. Robinson for many wonderful hours of their discussions.
Thomas Sowell is simply the greatest living American.
This was a wonderful discussion. Thank you Peter Robinson, The Hoover Institution, and most of all, Thomas Sowell.
Let us not fail to recognize that Peter's interviewing capabilities are at the top of the game and should be a standard. The research he has done is hardly matched by even the best.
Whew, for a minute, I saw Dr. Sowell's name and his age and worried that he had left us and this world.
I'm glad that it is just another thoughtful conversation with my favorite interviewer/host.
Until he "retired" I thought he was in his 60s! When I read his retirement article, I wondered for the first time how old he was and just about fell out my chair the minute the Wikipedia page loaded!
Let's hope this planet has at least another decade of being graced with his mind.
There’s no one to replace Tom Sowell and Walter Williams. The world will be bereft.
Robinson IS a great interviewer. And Sowell is magnificent!
a poor education in New York that I know very little about you. However, that fact does not surprise me. Today, I have been "educated" by you on the the Peter Robinson show. I am happier today than I have been in my 72 yrs of life. Thank you for your dedication and continuous research and thoughts into our history, and a different explanation of what has happened to us. I will forever remember how much meaning you have given to my life and thoughts concerning our great nation. I promise, to read ALL of your books and in my limited way ......speak you name and your thoughts to any and everyone who will hear me. God bless you, and yes...someone hears you. ME!
I’ve only recently discovered Thomas Sowell, and I am devouring his content. He’s such an amazing man and I wish everyone could hear what this great man has to say. He’s been tearing down the leftist lies for years and years, and I hope more people hear his message.
Dr. Sowell has been a hero of mine for decades and to see him at 90 displaying himself just as sharp as I first learned about him in the mid 80's is just awesome.
God Bless him.
Thomas Sowell is a hero for me. His incredible writings saved me from the far left and a shit load of insane ideas related to race and disparity of outcome.
Also love the dynamic you and Thomas have. Very much like old friends.
They are old friends!
Usually overshadowed by the magnificent people being interviewed, just a shout out to Peter "tear down that wall" Robinson.
Mr. Sowell is one of the greatest minds in the World.
Bless your heart Dr. Sowell. My son introduced you to me; *you were his hero* .
AA grad with honors at 16, BS in math, magna cum laud at 18,
Intoduced me to your book Late talking Children to help with his younger brother. You were his hero, you are still ours. Many happy returns, gratefully celebrating the anniversary of your birth
Dr. Sowell, you are one of the greatest living Americans. Thank you for all of your hard work.
In a way, Thomas Sowell is a intellectual descendant of Fredrick Douglas, Booker T. Washington, and Martin Luther King Jr. We need more thinkers like him today.
It makes me happy to see this man still laying out the facts like a boss, still as sharp as he was decades ago.
I wish politicians were able to convey thoughts like Thomas Sowell. His arguments are so sound and logically.
I have learned more about economics in a few hours on youtube watching Thomas Sowell than in 4 years of college. God bless you Doctor Sowell may you live forever!
I found out about him when I was about 70 years old.
What a wasted life I led! I read him and watched him on the 'net for 15 years and
I am not likely to catch-up before we move to the next life...😥
Mr. Thomas Sowell...A National Treasure. Thanks for all your many insights. God bless you. Great interview.
This man changed my life back in 2015. I don't know where I would be if I didn't stumble upon him.
How did he change it?
Same here!!!!
Same man he helped clarify my outlook on social problems
Same, little earlier than 2015 though. Taught me to start focusing on the most fundamental economic axiom. Your success relies on how much value you create for others. It’s amazing how many opportunities such a simple mindset change can make.
Same here. I also stumbled on him in 2015.
I hope someone shows Tom this TH-cam comment section. It is just filled with utter admiration for one of the most truly remarkable men of the 20 century.
Thomas Sowell is one of my heroes, Milton Friedman would be proud.
this man changed my life by spilling his thinking process on a paper...living legend 🙏🏽
Listening to Dr. Sowell, is akin to Windexing a dirty window.
Thank goodness his tryout with the Brooklyn Dodgers was unsuccessful. He's amazing, a national treasure. And still sharp as a tack!
Nice! I’ve had the same thought. 👍
Happy Birth Day to an American treasure---> Dr. Thomas Sowell
Makes me so happy to see Dr Sowell so solid and lucid at his 90 years, I hope God provides us that great life!
I just picked up Basic economics, and may I say the book is amazing. Thomas Sowell is truly a great intellectual of our time and even at 90 years old he is still as sharp as a tack. Thanks to the Hoover Institution for giving me something to watch, and thanks to Mr.Sowell for broadening my Economic Knowledge through simple English. God bless Thomas Sowell.
Brilliant book🧮
Please read conquests and cultures. Is like removing scales from your eyes in order to understand reality
Let us hope that this legend makes it to at least 150.
The ultimate myth busters with facts! Every time I listen t him, I have my paradigms shifted. Too bad our kids are taught Marx and not Sowell. What a better society we would be if his principles were the subject of adulation of our youth rather than collectivists.
As a mother and a teacher I have learned that most children (and adults) need structure and order in their classroom so that they can learn. It is possible to enforce rules without being too frightening to a child. Discipline once internalized often can be transferred to other areas of life.
Here’s to 90 more! If Thomas will have us.
45:10
Peter appears to tear up for just a second here. He clearly loves Thomas. But doesn’t want to embarrass him, how sweet.
Peter Robinson almost cracked a tear at then end. I felt it too. Thomas Sowell has done so much with his research. He deserves a time out to just chill. But maybe its his dedication to his work that keeps him going at that age. God bless Thomas Sowell
He’s one of the reason I rediscovered my conservative values. Profound respect and admiration for this man!
"Diversity" is another word for 'Balkinization"- Sowell
Absolutely brilliant.
Happy 90th Birthday Mr. Thomas Sowell! This man is a living legend, as a matter of fact he's legendary. He deserves all the civilian awards he can get!
Call the White House about the civilian awards. You are right.
I'm almost at tears!!!! This guy is a treasure. A once in a lifetime intellectual. We wish you the best health, Tom.
God Bless Mr. Sowell,
He has inspired tens of thousands of people.
His writings have enlighten people from all walks of life. The hypocrisy incompetence & lies of liberal policies and ideology!
He's now 90?!? Wow, he looks great, hope we can keep him & his wonderful brain around for a long time yet to come.
I feel like I'm gonna cry that he's 90 years old. Please don't leave us Sowell!
And thank you to Mr Robinson for interviewing Dr Sowell. Your sincere disbelief at the infuriating facts shared by your friend can be felt even on the other side of the world. God bless you all.
I love the way Thomas Sowell answers a question so quickly and as if the answer is the most obvious thing in the world.
I heard him lecture in person once at a CATO Institute seminar. Great man.
I recently gave my son my copy of Dr. Sowell’s “Basic Economics”. I told him that if every High School student was required to read this, we would have less Socialist graduating from college. Love this man...
How many of us can say that a day after our 90th birthday we will be doing an interview on our most recent book?
This man has truly lived his life calling to the fullest.
Tom Sowell an American treasure! You sir have taught me about so many important issues!!! Thank you and Happy Birthday and many many more.
He looks pretty good for 90.
I aspire to be like Thomas Sowell when I’m older. This man is truly an inspiration. He must have been one of the three wise men!
Put his picture on your wall, along with a quote. It reminds me every day to live a life of integrity.
Happy Birthday, Thomas! Americans - God has blessed you with a man with wisdom overflowing! As a young Black-British guy, it seems I've had to reach over the pond for common-sense knowledge & wisdom to apply it in British politics. We have no one like him here on his level of insight... Happy Birthday, Thomas!
One of my friends is a woman whose parents were from Ghana but she herself was born in London. She moved to the US in her 20s and became an American citizen. When I first met her, I thought it was interesting and cool to hear a black woman speaking with a British accent!
More significantly, she quickly became a successful professional and bought a big, beautiful home in the suburbs after working for 10 yrs. As one who chose to immigrate to the US, she approached it as the land of opportunity and, lo and behold, it became that for her. It makes a big difference when one does not have a chip on the shoulder, looking for things to take offence at!
Thank God for the internet....and Thomas Sowell.
boompybo - any black person can do it if they don’t consider themselves a victim of the system or a victim of racism. I was born and raise in North Philadelphia, but here I am in retirement, with grown children and grandchildren - all born in wedlock, by the way - and own my own home. I don’t have anything extravagant, but I am comfortable. I also realize that while there are racists out there, and I have ridden on the back of the bus so I know what real racism is, I’ve been able to avoid them, dismiss the effects of said racism, and made my own way. So, yeah, it can be done. Dr. Sowell is one of my heroes who is on a skyscraper high pedestal in my mind.
It warms my heart seeing Sowell laugh and smile
Love Tom Sowell! You can see in this interview that he really cares about students and their success!
You go, Dr. Sowell: a bouquet of best wishes from Toronto, Canada. Keep it coming, lad!
I'm just north of Toronto and I agree 100%. We all need to listen to Thomas .
What a man! He opened my eyes to everything a few years ago and because of him I like economics. Its something I thought I'd never say! His use of fact based analysis as well as highlighting comparisons between the same left policies that are passed in different Countries, always have the same outcome. Which proves its the policies not poverty or skin colour which causes and determines the outcome. His work should be be taught worldwide. Much respect to him from Wales UK.
It's nice to know that he is being read outside the US.
How is Wales, BTW? It's been years since I've been there.
It's always good to listen to Dr. Sowell, and always good to hear Peter Robinson; listening to both combined is doubly wonderful!
Happy 90th Birthday, Dr. Sowell!
Thank you for having this remarkable man as your guest. Brilliant discussion - one that sticks with you.
A true hero. I wish more people would listen to him and read his books.
Yessss, new Sowell. Looking forward to this. I firmly believe that the biggest problem in America are our schools.
By design.
Hitler, Marx, Lenin - they have all said so!
A beloved man I want to honor and bless. So grateful for this interview.
Dr. Sowell, thank you for your commitment to character and to the wellbeing of Americas youth and therefore our country. Every time I read a book of yours or see another interview, I am moved to be deeply thankful for you and how you've been gifted.