AUDIO: The American Economy 2007

Clifford Thies surveys the American economy and sees growth and prosperity despite the bleak outlook others have described. He gives an economist’s view of minimum wage increases, free trade, and the divide between rich and poor. Theis describes his view of the Federal Reserve, the gold standard, and makes a (tentative) nomination for “Greatest Living Economist.” He also argues for an incrementalist approach to fighting for liberty and explains that the political calculations which are made in a democratic society must represent the views of average people as well as free-market economists.

Clifford Thies is the Eldon R. Lindsay Professor of Economics and Finance at the Harry F. Byrd, Jr., School of Business of Shenandoah University. He was formerly with the University of Baltimore and the University of Montana. He also serves as an Adjunct Scholar with the Heritage Foundation of Washington DC.

He received his PhD in Economics from Boston College in 1982 and his MBA from St. John's University in 1975. His undergraduate degree was in mathematics. He is author, co-author, contributor to or editor of 71 books, encyclopedia articles and articles in scholarly journals.

Thies is a former chairman of the Republican Liberty Caucus, before that a member of the National Committee of the Libertarian Party. He was active in the College Republicans, the Young Americans for Freedom and the New York State Conservative Party.