I say Merry Christmas to everyone who says otherwise. If they don't like it, too bad. The Islam that Obama bows to would burn him in efigy. No kidding, they are intending to take over the world, and the political fake religion of Islam should be outlawed in America as domestic enemies.

All who have sworn and oath to support and defend the Constiutuion against all enemies, both foreign and DOMESTIC, should recognize the current enemies of the state. That includes the marxist islam loving traitor in the white house. As for Prelutsky's bomb shelter, not a bad idea. The attacks from the liberal marxist statist liars will be incredible, insessant, untrue, and numerous. That they caused Cain to suspend his campaign is criminal. A vote for a Democrat is tantamount to treason.

I feel that everyone has the opportunity to make money and the writer of Harry Potter just wrote something that people are interested in and want to buy. You can't condemn them just because they made billions of dollars. Same with walmart, the family that started walmart are no different than any other big stores. They all I think started out small and invested their money wisely I suppose.

Colin Powell is wrong for a simple reason. Tea Party unwillingness to compromise with a fundamentally un-American policy (Socialism)is no vice. Compare it to a rapist's desire to have unlimited sex with your wife or child. At what point would a "compromise" with the rapist's demands satisfy you? A weekend? A night? How about only 30 minutes? As I suspected, your unwillingness to compromise is no surprise. Principles must be defended, even if the defense is not "civil".

Jesus said: "the poor will always be amongst you". It was true 2,000 years ago, and it is true today. Conversely, there will always be rich people amongst us. No two human beings are exactly alike. Therefore, their thought patterns are also different. Some people see an open field. Others see opportunity. However, common sense seems to be in short supply in some circles. . . .

I think everyone will agree that intelligence, talent and determination are NOT distributed uniformly throughout the population. If the majority agrees that income equality is important, will they hire the intelligent to define the details of the system, thus facing the risk that their representatives will build a system with exceptions for themselves (as the Soviets did), or hire the stupid, who will build a system that the intelligent and talented can work around (as the US has done)?

BO-BS (Barak Obama-Barry Soetoro) is a non-American, Anti-American, Anti-Christ, puppeting for a one-world dictatorship by his financiers, which has always been Satan's goal. Are there enough Christian-American voters (awake enough) to dethrone America's 2nd self-proclaimed king? FDR was the 1st. We have one year to prove we can still save America peacefully, and merit the Lord's intervention.

Bob Webster, a living descendant of original Pilgrim separatists.

The leftists are forever trying to subvert freedom, in the name of CONTROL. That's what it;s really all about. Control,with them in power, of course. Nobody has ever forced anyone to buy products from Wal-Mart, J.K. Rowling, or any other billionaire. Nobody GAVE them their money, they just had a great idea, thgat worked extremely well for them. To say this is inequality is the hugest of lies. Typical of Dems. The billionaires did one important thing no-one else did; namely, got off their asses, and WORKED!They earned their wealth, and to call that unfair, is the typical welfare bum's arguement for being on the dole. This is worse than sickening. If I were president, yes, I'd do what is possible to create jobs, but I'd do it by supporting business, the REAL people who create jobs, not some four-eyed, pencil-necked punk who wants to sit on his, or her ass, and bitch. As for the muslims, force them, every stinking one, to swear ON THE KORAN, to honor and support our Government and our Constitution, or take their collective asses to muslim countries. See how long the scum last, there.

Spot on Mr. Williams! However, you surely must know that logic and reasoning are meaningless to those who still don't get it - our well meaning "useful idiots" of the world who parade around pretending to represent the 99%. I'm about $999,880,000.00 short of being a billionaire myself, but I would gladly be considered a 1 percenter to be detached from those 99% UIs.

Regarding Islam's death penalty for apostasy: The original Westminster Confession (still in use in parts of Europe) puts the state in charge of punishing those who go against church teachings. This reflected the Magisterial Reformation - those who saw the church in cahoots with the local magistrates. The Radical Reformers insisted on a reasonable separation of church and state - wherein the church informs the state of its obligation under God as His minister (IAW Roman 13:1 - 7). Islam ain't the only bunch that has the wrong view of government and religion.

Walter Williams is a brilliant economics teacher with a wonderful sense of humor. I sure wish that he were running for President. Of the current pack, only Ron Paul and Gary Johnson have a clue as to what is causing our worsening economic problems, and neither of them have a chance.

There can never be equality of anything. Walmart got to be walmart by cutting prices and putting many other small stores out of business. Steve Jobs got to be rich by his drive for technology. The Harry Potter money was made because most of the people in this world like to live in a fairy tale. Donald Trump became rich buying and building re estate. Congressmen get rich by selling there votes, and priviledged knowledge of the stock market.

My outlook on life is different. I used to envy these types of people, then one day I took a look at my life. I have a wife, five children, and nineteen Grandchildren. All five children are successful, healthy, and happy. I have made it to retirement. And now travel around the country playing bluegrass gospel music with my six oldest Grandchildren. Now all of the money that has been made by walmart, potter, trump cannot buy what I have accomplished. Yes it would be nice to have enough money to be comfortable, but the question is , how much is enough.

Income inequity sounds like financial political correctness. I just say "toro pupu"

I love your comparison of the sales of your book versus the sales of the Harry Potter books. This simply underscores the ignorant, classist, socialist mindset of the left in this country. The OWS "people" and those who believe in wealth redistribution are completely clueless. If those same people had written wildly successful books, they wouldn't engage in the sort of magical thinking that the left is pushing. It's called the free market. ANYONE is free to write a series of books and ANYONE is free to either become a billionaire or to become a vagrant. It all rests with free will and free markets, along with hard work, private property rights and the rule of law, not to mention the Constitution. The future of this country has been hijacked by the leftmedia and the Liberal Socialists like Barry Soetero and pals. If this "man" is reelected, our country is sure to fail. That is a mathematical certainty, just as much as the fact that the 'elites' will continue to be driven around in limos and continue to feel that they somehow have the intellect and the right to set policy for the rest of the country, i.e. all of the 'little people' who reside between the coasts. If this country doesn't wake up and start to admit the truth, we will ALL be in chains. It is mind-boggling that we have come to this point. Less than 12 days after giving his sworn oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, FDR was criticizing the fact that he had to worry about "a piece of paper written in the horse and buggy days." Just exctly like Barry, FDR truly believed that he should have complete control to do anything that he wanted with the US economy, and he basically did exactly that. These people are completely delusional to thik that they can be "central planners" and be successful. Anyone who thinks that he or she can plan and micro-manage our economy and that it will work out better than the free market is, indeed, completely delusional.

My public elementary school teacher out in the heart of the Midwest told us that our dollars were votes. When we bought a product we were voting for that product. So goes the world today.

ACLU are a bunch of idiots that love to start trouble...and Rap is Crap!!! It isn't even music just a bunch of noise.

Again,Human Nature shows,if left to our own devises,Mankind can achieve wonders.I.E.get of your ass,and be productive.

The part that irks me is theat some one would covet

the wealth earned, and completely absolve all the money given to non productive indivifduals.

You want to squawk about $30.00 dollar discs, how about $100+ Phones and Ipads, or $150+ sneakers

Or how about a couple hundred dollars of gold hung around a neck, that was subsidized by the Tax Payer through our welfare system to those who are taking advantage of the government, and are supported by a damn useless administration.

Paul Krugman has to go out, work for a week like the rest of us, pay his taxes and take other monetary impediments from his paycheck, ride the bus and eat at McDonald's for lunch. Only then can he begin to have the authority to comment on how anyone should live and be categorized.

Touche Dr.Williams!

Keep in mind, this will only happen in the free world. Hard work is rewarded. Those who choose not to work hard, and just want to sit back and ask for handouts will never amount to anything and will be content doing it. This is what our current adminstration wants and what makes them more powerfull.It's too bad the OWS gang can't figure this out.

Billy396, fantastic, appreciate your efforts

too bad it won't sink in. Remember their heads aren't located where you think.

Top

Since the author is a brit and lives in England, I wonder how much of her earnings go for taxes as compared to if she were a US citizen?

I think the Harry Potter stories and movies are

offensive and add to the blazing array of what's

available to children that makes them fearful and

bullies.

I am going to buy one of Walter's books, and after that probably some more.

Once again the media is going to pick our Republican nonminee. They pushed John McCain to the front because they knew he would be easiest for Obama to beat (he wouldn't have had any chance without Sarah Palin). Now they will do the same thing with Newt Gingrich. Conservatives should know that if the media is nice to someone (they crucified Herman Cain) it means they are using him for their own agenda. Gingrich will once again split the consevative vote because he is not the best conservative choice. I like Newt, but like McCain he has never been a true conservative. I am afraid history is going to repeat itself this election, and we never learn from history.

Lisa from MD: I think that was what is called satire. You might want to bone-up on Walter Williams.

It's not an "income imbalance". It's an "effort imbalance". Except in a relatively few cases, people can work--income results. So if there's an imbalance, it's only me fault.

Regarding the comparison between Jimmy Carter and Barry Soetero, I do believe that no matter how misguided he may have been, Jimmy Carter actually did mean well for our country. This "person" now in the White House does NOT mean well for America. His fervent desire is to completely destroy America and re-cast our nation in his image. No matter how smart Oblah-blah thinks he is, we are still a Constitutional Republic, until and unless Congress amends the Constitution of the United States of America. The Federal Government only has the powers which "We the People" delegated to it in the Constitution. That FACT has NOT changed. The fact that the current "President" didn't mind openly lying when he gave his sworn oath to protect and defend our Constitution doesn't change the laws. All of his executive orders should immediately be overturned as unconstitutional. The "commerce clause" in the Constitution does NOT give the federal government power over every facet of life in this country, no matter how much the left might wish it so. If patriotic American citizens don't learn to get together behind someone, in a BIG way, then all will be lost. Anyone who thinks that the current administration doesn't have an endless supply of corrupt, lying, unamerican tricks up their sleeves is naive. Welcome to politics, Chicago-style. May GOD be on our side, because, as it stands, we have a very rough road back to freedom

very interesting comment on insight, that when the elite runs out of everyone elses money, they start to nationlize, sorta like the autobile industry, banking and other finaancial institutions. Which brings me to the scarry thought of nationlizing our military. I have been told I am nuts about my thought, but at least this forum offers me the chance to explain my scenario. What if Obama is NOT re-elected? My thought is he won't go easy, to shorten dialog just a bit, he will then institute martial law with our military. The words he said in his campaign still haunt me about a police force as large, as well trained as our own military, Is it not one and the same? God forbid he would order them to fire on its citizenry, because if he says, "hell no I won' go," There will be some serious reactions to this. Remember the old adage, "even it can happen, it will."

Walter E. Williams points out the obvious. In a free market, anyone is capable of becoming rich beyond compare if what they have produced is something a lot of people are willing to use their money to purchase.

But the left's fantasies of a world where no one is different and no one (except them of course) should have anything more than anyone else is actually a form of dictatorship and enslavement. Without common sense, they can't accept the reality that people are different in talents, wills, and desires and therefore, there will never be a time when everyone will have as much as everyone else. All they can do is work towards seeing everyone, but them of course, have as little as possible.

Mr. Williams...

The answer is this.

1. Harry Potter is exciting and well written.

2. Your book is boring and probably not nearly as well written.

3. Until we started searching, no one knew who JK Rowling was. Everyone knows who you are.

4. We, as a people are less likely to read a book on economics as we are to cut our front yards with fingernail trimmers or watch paint dry.

5.As a 99%er, I really couldn't give a crap as to why you aren't a billionaire. You don't show up on my radar. Period.

Have a nice day.

Mad Max

Each individual has the option to determine their fate. At least in this country. No matter what situation you come from you can change your life. Many people like the two described come from humble beginnings.....one can add Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg to the list. No one handed them a silver platter...work and luck played a huge part in their success....but WORK and incentive are the key words here. Sitting on ones b- - - in a protest gets you nowhere. Being actively involved in work in ones community might help with change and success for the participant

Is J.K. Rowling single? If so being single elderly fellow (Retired busiessman.) Perhaps, I could woo her and become a 1 percenter by association. This union would allow me to live the lifestyle to which I'd like to be accustomed. I'd have to hurry, as I'm nor sure how much more time I'll be allotted.

I want to remind you that this is America and hard work and stick to it pay off here. I am sure that nothing was given to J.K. Rollings she earned it all

just as Henry Ford and millions of others. I am entremely proud of their accomplishments. God has allowed and blessed them all of the way to where they are.There is a reason why some make it and some don't. Just be thankful for what you have and have not.

My public elementary school teacher out in the heart of the Midwest told us that our dollars were votes. When we bought a product we were voting for that product. So goes the world today.

You forgot about Alec Baldwin who supports occupiers on one hand while earning millions from a bank to sell their credit cards on the other.

Don't forget about the pro athletes, who earn millions while playing for losing teams when working people are expected to pay $50 to $100 or more a seat to watch them lose.

Well, see there ya go! Rowling and Walton had imagination, good ideas, and the ambition to use them to enrich themselves. Do I deserve some of their wealth? NO WAY! I'm only jealous that I have only the tiniest percentage of their imagination, good ideas, and ambition. Life ain't fair, regardless what the left would like to tell us all.

I agree with Walter Williams,, but the world is inherently, NOT FAIR! Wal*Mart and Harry Potter are examples of success. Being at the right place at the right time, with the right product. How many Music Artists pour their heart and soul into their work, but strike out? What about businesses who fail after the entrepreneur poured his/her soul into the enterprise?

Success equals,, Being at the right place at the right time, with the right product. I have not been so lucky, not because of not trying, but because I was out of sync with the above.

It's obvious that Walter Williams chose the wrong title for his book. Had he gone with something like "Alice and Scarecrow: The impact of color on the cost of sex." he would now be among the worlds richest authors.

I detest the term "income inequality." OF COURSE there is "income inequality"...because there is JOB INEQUALITY. One's pay is determined by several factors, among which are one's talents and abilites, one's desired means of earning that pay, one's location, and in general the willingness of someone else to part with their pay to give you some of it in exchange for whatever it is that you do.

A farm equipment repairman may have a booming business in Kansas, but probably not so booming a business in New York City. Then again, he may be the only such repairman in NYC, and thus have a more "captive" client-base and less competition than his counterpart in Kansas...some market research would show and help one make an informed decision as to where to establish one's business.

At any rate, we USED TO value our ability to make such choices and thus choose to rise to the limits of our abilities. We FORMERLY admired those who worked hard and "made it." This was, of course beofre the organizer-in-chief went full-throated marxist on us.

It's obvious that Walter Williams chose the wrong title for his book. Had he gone with something like "Alice and Scarecrow: The impact of color on the cost of sex." he would now be among the worlds richest authors.

Dr. Williams,

If I had the money I would buy 1,000,000 of your book and pass them out to people who need to read it.

GOD, I love Walter.

What I would rather talk about is WORK INEQUALITY! We need to talk about the people who refuse to WORK and still expect a piece of the pie! We are stupid for allowing this to continue.

Every piece of legislation should have to pass the responsibility test: DOES THIS LAW REMOVE RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUCCESS FROM THE CITIZEN AND PLACE IT ON "THE GOVERNMENT?" If it does, it should NOT be passed!

Since the bubble popped for the computer sector in 2000 the center of the nations richest has moved from Silicon Valley on the West Coast to the East Coast, Washington, D.C.. This is according to an organization that tracks world wealth. The largest concentration of wealth in the U.S. could be considered to be in a new sector, Hollywood. Starting with billionaires like Oprah and including those like Letterman, Leno, etc, who are paid millions a year, Hollywood has more money than individuals in other U. S. businesses. I haven't mentioned all the movie stars that are paid millions for movies, top singers making millions for their records, and then there is all the millions made by our sports stars.

It seems we are more interested in being entertained at all cost than those who work very hard to maintain the stability of our economy.

Walter E. Williams IMHO (in my humble opinion) is brilliant, funny and has a delightful sense of humor. I especially enjoy listening to him whenever he guest hosts for RUSH on WABC.

So Colin Powell wants compromise? Fine. Let's say I want to beat him over the head with a baseball bat ten times. Would he be willing to compromise at five?

Colin, poor Colin, don't you understand that there are some things you don't compromise on, and that those who bleat "compromise" are really saying that they'll settle for mostly having their way??

Second thought: let's combine Colin with the issue of fairness, and demand that he revert to, say Staff Sergeant? Maybe Tech Sergeant, say, or Captain would do?

Walmart does not force people to shop there. They offer low prices and a large selection of items. Liberals can't stand freedom - they want a special freedom which they control. Note the push for green energy and products, in spite of low demand and low performance. Klugman is a Liberal who is blind to truth. Even the term "Liberal" is deceptive. It implies a giving spirit, but it's a lie. The facts show that Conservatives give more than Liberals.

Henry Ford made his millions not by making expensive cars. He made his money by selling cheap cars that millions fo people could buy. Andrew Carnegie made his millions by cutting the cost of steel from $100 a ton to $20 a ton. Walmart makes money by giving people what they want and need at reasonable low prices. All three of these enterprises made lots of money by making everyone who deals with them a little bit richer. As long as no one has to buy their products, but do it proves that they are giving much more value than they make.

Of course, there is the argument that those products could have been sold at a buck or two cheaper, to the benefit of the consumer. Also, that the retailer could have shared more of the profit with the employees who did the 'grunt' work in securing that profit for the company. There is still an element of greed involved in amassing wealth far beyond any reasonable foreseeable need.

Walter you may not have enjoyed the riches of other writers but yourself and others like Tom Sowell and many more have enabled myself and others like me who have been reading your writings to become much more wealthy than we would have been able to otherwise.

There have always been, and always will be, those who have and those who don't. We weren't created to be copy-cats of each other; some of us were given not only the brains but the drive to make something of ourselves. Others weren't. BUT it's not the responsibility of the "haves" to provide for the "have-nots". I can (but try not to) covet the wealth of the Waltons. They were born with silver spoons in their mouths while I was fed on stainless steel. I hit "Wally World" about once a week to shop for those things other stores charge much more for. I can't afford to "shop local small business" for my day-to-day necessities, and if that makes me a bad person, so be it. The lady who is making a ton of money because God gave her the talent to write about something other people were interested in deserves her fame and fortune. And that's okay with me.

There have always been, and always will be, those who have and those who don't. We weren't created to be copy-cats of each other; some of us were given not only the brains but the drive to make something of ourselves. Others weren't. BUT it's not the responsibility of the "haves" to provide for the "have-nots". I can (but try not to) covet the wealth of the Waltons. They were born with silver spoons in their mouths while I was fed on stainless steel. I hit "Wally World" about once a week to shop for those things other stores charge much more for. I can't afford to "shop local small business" for my day-to-day necessities, and if that makes me a bad person, so be it. The lady who is making a ton of money because God gave her the talent to write about something other people were interested in deserves her fame and fortune. And that's okay with me.

Loud round of applause for Billy 396! Well said, Sir!

Colin Powell claims to be Republican. That he voted for Obama belies that claim. There were no arrests, or clean ups, for Tea Party (TEAM) events. What else needs to be said? Now another CA "public servant" with a surname of South American origin (Fuentes) wishes to create (another)Sanctuary Zone. Odds are good he is a card carrying apostle of La Raza. In early 1800's CA was populated by mostly Spanish speaking people, was hurting financially,government was fragmented and unemployment was high. In late 1900,s thru now, history repeats. CA is, once again a defacto part of Mexico. And it will become more so if the US does not stop pandering to Mexico and La Raza. We must oust Obama, and the Democrat Socialist Party.Please Vote. Thank you Mr.Williams for another excellent writing.

Colin Powell rose to the highest military command. He was (once) highly respected in the military community. Started as ordinary soldier, worked all the way to the top. Well Done! Then he (a black Republican) voted Democrat! Thus diminishing himself. Especially in the military. He should just shut up! He has joined the "race hustlers" such as Sharpton, Wright, and Jackson.

I was born into a Yellow Dog Democratic family in East Texas in 1937. I thought FDR was the Messiah they discussed at church until I was several years old. Then I developed into an extremely observant and intelligent boy. It was readily apparent to me that Limousine Liberals with millions were exploiting the working men and women they alleged to be taking care of. The present class warfare and the Balkanization created by multi culturalism is setting this country up for strife undreamed of by the masses. I am afraid the POTUS Obama is waiting and hoping it happens on his watch. The golden opportunity to declare Martial Law and REALLY transform America.

Equality of opportunity will never guarantee equality of outcome. My wife teaches 5th grade and recently gave an open book and open note, multiple choice test. Almost half the class failed because they were too lazy to 1) study, and 2) use their book during the test.

God bless J.K. Rowling and Free Enterprise. If she created crap that no one wanted, she would still be on the steps of welfare, HOWEVER, she did something about her situation, used her God given talent and now, there is something wrong with her incredible success? As for WalMart, I see both sides, however, when the economy is in the doldrums unlike anything I've seen in my lifetime, sometimes if it weren't for Walmart, there would be no laundry detergent or toilet paper in a lot of homes. So Mr. Walton bought in bulk and makes it affordable for those who have little. He has stood up to unions and while I wish he had more Made in America in his stores, I certainly appreciate the dollars off on detergents and paper goods.

Wondering why Krugman doesn't spin his magical words and theories for Pravda. He's a natural!

Duh! "Harry Potter" is mind candy. It lets the reader escape the cruelties of real life to an imaginary world that may be more or less cruel,but the "good guy" always wins.

Walmart has "reasonable" quality for a lower price. Everything costs more these days, wages are not increaseing as fast as expences, you have to save someplace. Another "Duh!"

Walter Williams may be "revelant" to our needs and todays society, but I can also spell "b o r i n g " too.

Dr. Williams, have you considered affirmative action?

Robert Knight is wrong. He not only commits the error of calling atheism a religion, but insinuates that being atheist makes one a fan of the ACLU. That's nonsense.

Shopping malls have to respond to the market. If the market wants "Happy Holidays" more than "Merry Christmas" then that's what they'll do. Christians need to keep in mind that December 25th and Christmas Trees, among many other things, are syncretisms lifted from previous pagan religions. They also need to bear in mind that there are other holidays being celebrated this time of year (and I'm not including feaux, made-up ones like Kwanzaa here).

I know Christians feel persecuted. They should know that atheists get it worse than they do - and mostly at the hands of Christians. A recent survey showed that believers overwhelmingly find atheists untrustworthy, about on a par with rapists. That's bigotry, pure and simple, and has no basis in fact. Christians who hold that opinion should repent.

Our government is a secular one, thank goodness. Christians should celebrate that rather than whine that tax dollars aren't going to prop up Christian symbols - even the ones the Christians, uh, "borrowed" from older religions.

Wednesday is the 70 anniversary of the start of WW -II. Many, no most, people believe it ended 65 years ago, wrong. Joe Stalin's best friend FDR put income tax withholding in place to pay for the war. As we still have income tax withholding the war must be still going on. This is sort of like the excise tax to pay for the Spanish American War. That tax lasted for over 100 years. Imagine if there was no income tax withholding, there would be at least three good outcomes. 1. The people would have their own money to use instead of making an interest free loan to the government. 2. People would have to write a check to uncle on April 15. Imagine the uproar. 3. The great unwashed could no longer say, I don't pay taxes, I get money back (duh).

Addendum:

I should also state that I sometimes call myself the Merry Christmas Atheist. It's how I usually greet people this time of year because the people it pisses off tend to be the people I want to piss off.

And I love decorating the house.

Harry Potter is a very successful attempt to make witchcraft O.K. with a whole generation.

We can't wonder when this country (and England) go down the tubes.

Geez, Edith! I'm still waitin' for Obammer to pay my mortgage and buy me a car!

Walter Williams for president!

I've been reading him for over 40 years and know he should have been heeded the entire time! THANK GOD for people like him.

That's capitalism. My daughter and son-in-law held off for years purchasing Harry Potter items. However, they gave in and now the grandchildren have the disks, visit nearby Universal Studios to see the Harry Potter Castle, etc. The best of books don't always get read but blame it on the consumer, not the author. Do I spend my money on Harry Potter? No, I buy books at thrift stores so I am supplying the money to hire someone and that's capitalism.

Regarding Herman Cain's announcement to suspend his campaign. Do you remember how the media attacked the women that came forward when Bill Clinton was running? How is this different for Mr. Cain. The women have not shown one shred of evidence but Mr. Cain, according to the media is guilty!

Harry Potter and witchcraft? Seriously? People should be celebrating how many kids took up reading books because of that series. And if you think it's about promoting witchcraft, you must also think Lawrence of Arabia is about promoting sand.

I wonder if those who keep trying to "rename/remove" Christmas realize that there wouldn't even be a REASON for this time of year had Jesus NOT been born!? Isn't not rocket science, dear liberals! Christ was born.........He lived, died, rose again, and, try as they might, there's really nothing any of them can do about it. (That's my FAVORITE part! ha)

INCOME INEQUALITY is a nessesity, without it no one would have a job, no one would be able to pay for a baby sitter, or a car wash, a lawn mowed?

This is a B,S, catchy phrase that is believed by some to be a problem, IE the stupid, the brainwashed

ameba morans, "DEMOCRAST" "Collage Educated idiots"

the ruined "BY PUBLIC SCHOOLS" young persons,

When there is no income inequality, EXPLAIN why the

ELITE in CHARGE will have MORE THAN THAY GIVE TO THE POPULATION, You can't!!!

this is all about POWER, The POWER to rule all the

PEAONS, that means US and YOU liberals think your gonna get a pass, HA HA

Re HARRY POTTER

reading some of the comments WOW!!!! Just what planet are you on????

ITS A STORY< ITS NOT REAL> ITS A GOOD BOOK> ITS JUST ENTERTAINMENT to many of us that are still on planet EARTH

I once had an astronomy professor who came to class one day wearing a full length robe and a"dunce" type hat all covered with stars and moons, etc. It did not make the class any easier. I think books about wizards, vampires, and spooks fill the heads of young and old with dangerous nonsense. I will keep reading your blog and downloading your hadouts from your web site. Not only are they well written and make sense, they also teach me how to be a good steward of God's riches thus blessing everyone in my family. Keep up the good work.

Morning Glory:

You do know that the Bible story puts Jesus' birth probably in the Spring, right? In any case, December 25th was chosen by early Christians because it was the end of Saturnalia in Rome and they could celebrate without being noticed. So, really, Saturn is the reason for the time of year.

IMHO, Paul Krugman should drop dead. If he truly understood or believed in the American Dream, he would never make such assinine statements as he does here. Please note, Mr. Krugman, the American Dream more or less states that if you have a better idea or an invention on the market that makes you rich, well, good for you. We are, afterall, entrepreneurs not Socialists or Marxists. Wal Mart, aka Wally World, is the biggest, most efficient enterprise in the United States and didn't get that way by emulating the US Postal Service. No one, to my knowledge, has forced Wal Mart to deny service or products to anyone who chooses to buy there. I bet, if you are married, your wife has even shopped there. You guys at the Times need to get a grip as well as a life.

Just a small reminder to the ACLU, Atheists United et al regarding Grandfather Frost's holiday: December 25th is not Tommymas, or Joemas, or Williammas .... it's CHRIST-mas.

Just a small reminder to the ACLU, Atheists United et al regarding Grandfather Frost's holiday: December 25th is not Tommymas, or Joemas, or Williammas .... it's CHRIST-mas.

Dr. Williams is one of the best. Nobody could have said it better. I love his sense of humor. I am still smiling after reading his article.

Prof. Williams makes good sense, as usual. I am disturbed by the apparently well-organized campaign against Walmart. My daughter at college has been subjected to endless diatribe and documentaries about the evil Walmart does - from stamping out competition to not doing anything about murders in its parking lots. What is that all about?

Somehow big stores like Target are okay (what student doesn't want to save money), but somehow not at Walmart. ???

As a long-time fan of the very intelligent Walter Williams, I was amazed at his tongue-in-cheek wit. Fun to see - sure wish he had a presence on Fox TV. His views are sorely needed in that medium. Some of these posts reveal that a few people failed to catch the humorous tone of Williams' article.

I've been thinking about "income redistribution" and "income inequality" for some time. The thing that hit me yesterday is how false the terms are. Income is not distributed in the first place so it can't be re-distributed. Income is earned or it's not earned. The only income "redistribution" that occurs is really just distribution through the thieving of coercive governments. Governments coerce money upon pain of imprisonment and give it to people who, not surprisingly, vote to keep them in power. But they don't stop asking for more and their servants (or masters - it's hard to tell the difference) can't stop paying. The Nation gets deeper into debt, its range of motion decreases. Its moral life corrodes and it dies.

Income inequality happens for mainly one reason:

Lack of understanding on the part of the ones who hoards wealth; spiritual understanding that is.

God blesses many, and some are extremely aware of their responsibility as to USING THEIR TRUSTED WEALTH to do better for ALL; especially those less fortunate in their community. Others, however, fail the test and mostly sit on it for themselves and their immediate family.

it all boils down to ignorance in terms of spiritual understanding. MONEY/WEALTH BECOMES god.

The answer to Krugman v. Rowling is simple to explain. J.K. Rowling writes books that are interesting and entertaining. Krugman does not.

Sorry Mr. Williams, in my attempt to educate as many of my friends and aquaintances as possible, I seem to have cost you a number of sales by loaning my copies of your books to all who would read them. (And some who wouldn't!) I have never bought a Harry Potter book though my now ex-wife believed my children were much better off reading those rather than anything the likes of yours. And now it seems we are paying the price for the younger generation's lack of practical knowledge. My daughters are living in the same fantasy world as Potter, and my ex-wife.

I've scanned some of the comments and also clicked on Walter Williams at the end of the essay. The problem is that Patriot Post used a picture of him that didn't show the big bulge coming from his tongue in his cheek - so a few respondents missed the satire.

If I may paraphrase a part of The Virginian, Chapter 13, The Game and the Nation. Our Constitution acknowledged the eternal inequality of man - we had seen small men held up in high places and big men held down, and our own justice loving hearts abhorred it. We said "let each be free to seek his own level". True aristocracy and true democracy are one and the same.

Owen Wister's full text is more complete, and less provocative than my abbreviated paraphrase - I commend you all to it. He was referring to the hereditary kings and nobles and the permanent underclass that had been the history of most civilizations, and comparing the society of merit, which, although imperfect in practice is yet the best we've found.

Real income inequality exists in all dictatorships, autocracies, theocracies, and monarchies. They provide little or no chance for lower or middle income people to better themselves. The United States has provided the greatest opportunity for upward mobility that the world has ever known. That is why millions of people throughout the world desire to emmigrate to the U.S.A. For those that constantly denigrate this country I point out that we have no outigration quota.

Here in Cleveland, we have the Lerner family, amongst others. Lerner formed MBNA in the early 90's, taking advantage of American greed and stupidity, pushed its value to $35 billion when it was sold, on an initial investment of $100 million! It was the largest credit card company not affiliated with a bank. When he died in 2002, he left each of his 3 children $7 billion! A lot of today's billionaires got there on other's grief. My grandfather said no one ever loses a golf ball, it's just that someone else finds it! Same in the failures of 2000 and 2008. All that money didn't go away. it just went into the pockets of some VERY wealthy people...

All Trash

they were in the right place at the right time????

The operative word is EARNED, not given, owed, allowed or provided. Many people are incapable of supporting themselves in this life. Most of these people take it upon themselves to join with a partner (for procreation) and magnify their inabilities. Some people take responsibility for themselves and learn to earn a living. They then find a partner to help them earn a better living and in some circumstances become attached to that partner emotionally and become parents as well. I do not believe there is a social remedy for this incongruity. Our Lord set it up this way, I can not say why and neither can you, only He knows. It is His rules and His world. We have only to make the best of it we can. Love, Peace and Understanding be granted to us all in this most precious of times of the year, the Advent of our Lord Jesus Christ.

That Professor Williams asks this question says it all: What doesn't the Prof understand about why and where people spend money? Has he ever taken a course in ECON 101 or SOC 101? Prof Williams probably has no idea how much people spend on sport events --you know--the ones with balls and tires and skis and boards and shoes and bling and, and.... DUH!

Walter Williams has a knack of making complex economic ideas simple to understand. Thank you Walter.

Terry, just so you know, Walter Williams IS an economics professor, so I'd wager he's learned (and taught) more about economics than a majority of people. Having taken several economics courses myself, and judging by the dozens of articles and commentaries of his I have read and his fill-in radio broadcasts I have heard, I can easily say that he does know a thing or two about economics, to say the very least.

Let's face it. They are a bunch of hypocrits and love to play the class envy card.

Some people are cleverer, smarter, or were lucky enough to be born into money. Should the less fortunate be forced to beg for basic necessities such as food, housing and healthcare? I do not suggest that the Rowlings, Waltons and other wealthy people be forced to forfiet all of their wealth, whether it was hard-earned or handed to them by their successful parents, only that all of us who enjoy success contribute to the betterment of all.

Colin Powell argues that '...[W]hat we have to do is sort of take some of the heat out of our political life in terms of the coverage of it, so these folks (Congress) can get to work quietly.'

Absolutely not, Sir!!!

That's how we got this abomination called the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), or more affectionately, Obama-Care. It was crafted in the bowls of government, far from prying eyes, and look at what we got! Our government needs large doses of disinfecting "sunshine" so that we can all see the truth.

My once high level of respect for Mr. Powell drops each time he opens up his mouth.

I totally agree with Dr. Walter Williams. I feel that as a dentist (retired) I was of much more worth than say a professional line backer for an NFL team, or a mere movie actor, but they were far better financially compensated than I. Go figure -but who said life was fair ? I am now an actor/entertainer - and as yet undiscovered, and unemployed. At 85 years old, they better hurry up !

Opinion in Brief - Harry Potter and Walmart - Because, Joanne Rowling and Sam Walton had a good idea and made money with it, Paul Krugman says "is incompatible with real democracy." sounds like a college education gone to waste.

Durk Pearson: Ron Paul DOES have a chance! There are MANY who are for him. Even though our hope is not in Ron Paul alone - he is definitely the best choice out there for God to use to help lead America back to her Christian principles; and of course, that is only if it is in God's plan to do so and give us and our succeeding generations a reprieve.

Dear Walter,

The reason that Harry Potter stories sell so well and your books do not is that the Harry Potter stories are about getting something for nothing and the ability to overcome all evil with magic. On the other hand, your books provide information on how one can with one's own work advance their state of wealth. But this requires actual work by the person involved.

This is the same reason that socialism is so appealing when it is given another name that has not yet been identified as what it really is. The largest failing of the human species is, in my opinion, the same as all other animals. It is quite simply that most people are for their advancement financially with no consideration to the welfare of others. Many are this way because they have been taught that economics is an equal sum game. They are unable to understand the possibility of a win-win situation where everyone gets wealthier.

Unions and the balance of the socialist groups promote this as this lower class is where they gain their army of drones. Unfortunately these socialists have invaded the classrooms of our schools including universities. Their teaching that "The government has the obligation to provide you with all that you desire" sounds wonderful. They refuse to teach honestly about where the products originate. These socialist teachers refuse to teach that slogan of a British Prime minister who said, " The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other peoples money."

The question that is still open is: "Do they do this out of ignorance, or are they trying to destroy this country?"

More power to her. The trick is to be content no matter what your station in life. But, the free market is the best way for the world to operate.

Good things happen to a lot of us, depending on how we think, but money is not always the good thing or the best thing. The are other satisfactions and joys in life, especially a simple life. Wealth would certainly complicate that. But, if you want wealth, more power to you, especially if it is for the right reasons.

Rowling also made the comment that Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton would be "extraordinary" in the White House. Yeah, buddy.

Rowling put imagination to pen and got lucky. Her books are crap, the Harry Potter series is drivel. That said, she has a right to enjoy whatever a free market is willing to pay for her product. The rub is, people like Rowling and Michael Moore make millions producing rubbish, then criticize the free market system that made them rich. I'm sure it's OK with them to destroy that system - as long as they get to keep all their money.

I am commenting on your article about J.K. Rowling and the Walton family and their extreme wealth. You made it sound like it was a sin to have more money than other people. We don't need any Communistic share-the-wealth blather. It has always been part of the American free-enterprise system, and rightly so, to be able to become financially successful. Those who claim that individuals should not have that much money are only jealous. There is nothing wrong with selling goods or services that are legal and moral no matter how much you make doing it. It is not getting rich which is bad, but how you get rich. In the case of Harry Potter, however, it glorifies sorcery, witchcraft, and occultic activity, which are extremely dangerous. Therefore, I do agree with you that it is the fault of the undiscerning parents who purchase these things for their chidren.

Those who have accumulated wealth, however, have a moral obligation to use it to help others who are less fortunate. It is not the having of money, but the selfish hoarding of it which is abhorrent. This, however, must remain voluntary. Where there is a mandate to share your wealth, there is no longer freedom.

Sam Walton created a store just like anyone with the will and want could do. Dont blame the waltons for getting it right. If that is what you want , then blame yourselves for not getting it..... It took tens of years to do what they have.Not a day... you sissy's complain because you dont have the drive or ambition to succeed on your own.... know one thought it could be done when Samstarted the company... He didnt believe in them. he believed in himself. Stop bitching and believe in yourself. Dont blame walmart for your short commings....

Why are you against people using their intelligence & ingenuity to make themselves rich... That is their Right.. don't blame the author.. blame the enabling parents, Judges for passing laws that takes the reponsibility of disciplining their kids from their hands, to the politics of judges and congress.. Blame Congress/ senate/ Wall street Mongols for this so called enabling, & entitlement.

Congress is bought and sold like whores for money, passing laws that make the economy a Madoff Pyramid scheme.

How in the world can you pay a CEO, Millions of dollars for taking a company to Ruin, & they feel that they're entitled to these so called Golden parachutes.. & then These crooks, (Oh I'm Sorry they're captains of Industry), say they deserve these money's, and they're Needed.. Special Interests are Illegal.. when you pass laws to give

special interest priveleges, apart from other groups,that is illegal according to the constitution. It's also DISCRIMINATION, which is illegal. Politicians,& CEO's think they're above the law, and they pass illigal laws accordingly .. (confidentiality agreements). Our schools are graduating IDIOTS, who can't even add and subtract without a calculator,PATHETIC all IN the name of POLITICAL CORRECTNESS,.. heaven forbid if you keep a kid back a grade or two because it effects his self esteem.. but his self esteem isn't effected, when he gets a diplomaa and he can barely read or write, can't get a job and becomes a criminal.

This country is going towards the Socialistic society where government can do anything, and the people are servants to the state.

I'm an immigrant, and had to learn english.. didn't have English as a secondary language.NO MORE POLITICAL CORRECTNESS-- It's a an excuse to LIE...