Original Thought by Original Thinkers

Shermichael Singleton is spending time with us here at UNT Dallas this summer.  We picked Shermichael as one of our two reps to Rotary Youth Leadership Camp.  He stopped by my office yesterday and we discussed his desire to study law and political science.  I asked if he read Tom Sowell; indeed he was not aware of Dr. Sowell and was much surprised to find the good Dr. to be a person of color.  Dr. Sowell tops my list of original thinkers in this country.  So for Shermichael and others seeking new and original thought, here is my short list of 'Colorful Thinkers.'

Tom Sowell is the Milton and Rose Friedman Scholar at Stanford. That alone would be notable but there is good reason for his selection to hold that 'chair.'  He has published over forty books, numerous academic essays.  Any week will see two or three columns.  his latest on Attention Getters  is typically incisive and observant.  Originally a firebrand liberal, he is now, is reflective of much more conservative thought. And if you are looking for an educationaly entertaining Friday, you can do no better than if you catch Walter Williams interviewing Dr. Sowell when Walter subs for Rush on his radio show. 

Walter Williams  is a Professor of Economics at George Mason Unveristy. He is also well published and  exhibits a great sense of dry humor when substituting for Rush.  Both Sowell and Williams are highly critical of the current education fads including culture diversity as opposed to real grounding in basic subjects, so be forewarned. 

Larry Elder  the Sage of South Central graduated from Brown (same as John Kennedy and Cristina Amananpour) and Univ of Michigan Law School.  He holds forth on KACB radio every day and has authored among other books, Ten Things You Can't Say in America . 

Columns by these three are featured on Town Hall. 

Ken Hamblin's Pick a Better Country  gets little or no attention in today's universities which is a shame. It details how he got hired through an affirmative action program, notes that it near impossible for anyone on the job to take him seriously, and then details how he became a successful photographer and pilot.  Regrettably, his talk show in Denver has not survived but his book remains a standout.

I always enjoy reading Herman Cain.   After turning around Godfather Pizza, he has become  a successful columnist, author, personality, and subs for Neal Boortz on his Boortz talk show.

Successful, innovative, original thinkers, I'll vote for that.
 

Comments

[Shermichael Singleton]

I was indeed very surprised to find such conservative thinkers of color such as myself. I am very thankful to Dr. Elam for posting this blog on his site. As I continue to devour all aspects of law and political science I find interesting, I hope with this list of people Dr. Elam has inlighten me with I can broaden my views and knowledge on a higher level than before. I have a deep passion for politics and law and to see people of my own skin color who think like or similar to myself is very comforting. I hope other African American teens who have a passion for politics and law like I do become aware of these influential people so they to can broaden there horizon. Again thank you sincerely Dr. Elam for making me aware.

[Dennis Elam]

Shermichael

You are most welcome, I will be posting your comments on the Lancaster Rotary Blog. By the way,would you be interested in starting a College Film Festival with your fellow students at Lancaster High this fall? What I have in mind is screening several serious films about rites of passage and then having a discussion about it on the UNT Dallas Campus? My first pick, why
the best college bound film ever, The Paper Chase!

Dennis Elam

[Shermichael Singleton]

I think that would be a great idea. I haven't seen Paper Chase! before but I did do some quick research and it seems like a very interesting movie. A lot of intellectual students might take a serious interest in the "College Film Festival." It would open the doors to great discussions and allow us to understand time and change. I think choosing films pertaining to rites of passage is a good idea. As many teens/young adults struggle with social and economic status, watching movies pertaining to this topic will not only enlighten but give students the chance to discuss those particular statuses whatever they maybe in an intellectual environment. I definitely look forward to hearing more about this project, this is something I personally think could be very successful with the proper planning and critiquing.