Talk:Thomas Sowell

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Contents 1 Columns 2 support for just war 3 Libertarianism/Conservatism 4 Source request 5 Quotes 6 Bias 7 Brief notes on some of Sowell's thoughts

[edit] Columns

All but the "gay marriage" link in the columns section seems to be broken. Mere notice. JesusIscariot 06:50, July 15, 2005 (PDT)

There needs to be links to Sowell's columns on school choice, charter schools, vouchers, and the problems with the education system. He has written much on this topic.

[edit] support for just war

the article says:

a supporter of just war, and includes the war in Iraq as one.[19],[20]

however, ref 19 doesn't really indicated that he supported Iraq war. #20 is written 2003 Feb the eve of war, and really just with the mild support. Are there other evidence of his view on this? Xah Lee 06:37, July 15, 2005 (UTC)

Sowell continues to write about the need to win in Iraq in his columns to this day.

[edit] Libertarianism/Conservatism

I removed the references to libertarianism from the article. Sowell is a staunch pro-war social conservative; just because he holds laissez-faire economic views does not make the libertarian label accurate. Elotana 03:37, 17 September 2005 (UTC)

laissez-faire economic system is central to libertarinism. Xah Lee 04:45, 17 September 2005 (UTC)

Sure, but that alone doesn't make Sowell a libertarian, because libertarians extend the attitude of laissez-faire to social and international policy. Sowell does not. Elotana 01:13, 18 September 2005 (UTC)

I am a Libertarian, and Thomas Sowell is my #1 influence. Enough said. [DB] November 2005

Here's a quote: "Nightmare for the 2008 Presidential election: Hillary Clinton versus John McCain. I wouldn't know whether to vote Libertarian or move to Australia." Here's the link: http://www.townhall.com/opinion/columns/thomassowell/2005/11/29/177141.html

This reinforces the fact that he doens't normally vote Libertarian. 58.162.2.122 17:17, 4 November 2006 (UTC)

Given that there is no agreement on this issue, I have removed the reference to Sowell's political beliefs

He seems to be economically libertarian and socially conservative, judging by his columns. 58.162.2.122 17:17, 4 November 2006 (UTC)

I think that sums it up quite well, but I don't think that is a very encyclopedic definition, I think maybe it is best to leave the issue out. --Lost Goblin 01:19, 5 November 2006 (UTC)

I'm not sure where he stands on most social issues, but he's strongly opposed to relaxing immigration restrictions. One column he took on the libertarian argument that free-trade should also include free movement of peoples. He throws random ad-hominem attacks into almost all of his columns, but I don't know that that says anything about his social views. --71.192.116.43 06:08, 3 February 2007 (UTC)

This ought to help clarify the issue:

• A Dangerous Obsession, Parts I II, III, IV, and V by Thomas Sowell (December 26, 2006)

Also, since this text, albeit not short, seems to summarize his thoughts on the issue of economics, it has been added to the main article. Asteriks 19:44, 3 January 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Source request

Just removed this:

Sowell is often said by conservatives to be one of the greatest intellectuals still living.

Not against having it, but it needs several solid sources (since it does say "conservatives" plural). --NightMonkey 01:59, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

For example...I describe myself as libertarian, and while I have great admiration for Thomas Sowell, some of his policy positions, such as in foreign policy, are greatly at odds with my own positions. Sam Grove

Here is a source for you - I, a wikipedia poster, said Sowell is one of the smartest living Americans on Nov 2, 2006.

[edit] Quotes

There are so many quotes that they could be moved into a new Wikiquotes page.58.162.2.131 11:31, 31 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Bias

There is no alternative view of Sowell in this account to that of a prophet/saint. It shows only the extreme right perspective.

I agree with you that there is almost no criticism of Sowell in the article (there is one critical external link). Be bold, have a stab at fixing it, if you're so inclined. Crust 21:28, 4 December 2006 (UTC)

PS, but not too bold, bearing in mind that this is a biography of a living person. Crust 21:30, 4 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Brief notes on some of Sowell's thoughts

I find this section to be poorly written and in a poor format. I don't disagree about having the section, but it needs a lot of help. Additionally it should be perhaps titled "Selected summary of Sowell's Opinions" as "Brief notes" indicates someone else's opinion on his thoughts. Barney Gumble 20:31, 3 January 2007 (UTC)