Drinking Through Economic Myths: 'Socialism Sucks' Authors to Speak at Menard Series
Tuesday: October 17th | 4-5:30 p.m. | Barry Hall / Zoom
Hors D'oeuvres and Refreshments follow at 5:30

We will give away 100 copies of their book, "Socialism Sucks: Two Economists Drink Their Way Through the Unfree World."

NDSU's Challey Institute is hosting Robert Lawson and Benjamin Powell for a presentation based on their book titled "Socialism Sucks: Two Economists Drink Their Way Through the Unfree World." This event is free and open to all members of the NDSU community and the public. The first 100 in-person attendees will receive a copy of their book. The talk will begin at 4 p.m., followed by audience Q&A. All are invited to stay for a reception with hors d'oeuvres and refreshments at 5:30 p.m.

What is the talk about?

These visiting authors discuss their book, "Socialism Sucks: Two Economists Drink Their Way Through the Unfree World." Together they travelled the world to experience firsthand what life in socialist countries is really like. They wrote the book based on their journey and will share their findings with our audience.

Who are Robert Lawson and Benjamin Powell?

Robert Lawson is a Clinical Professor and holds the Jerome M. Fullinwider Centennial Chair in Economic Freedom; he also is director of the Bridwell Institute for Economic Freedom at the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Cox School of Business. He earned his PhD and MS in Economics from Florida State University and his BS in Economics from the Honors Tutorial College at Ohio University. He previously taught at Auburn University, Capital University, and Shawnee State University. Dr. Lawson is a founding co-author of the Fraser Institute's Economic Freedom of the World annual report, which presents an economic freedom index for over 160 countries. Lawson has authored or co-authored over 100 journal articles, book chapters, policy reports, and book reviews. With Benjamin Powell, he is co-author of the Amazon Bestseller, Socialism Sucks: Two Economists Drink Their Way Through the Unfree World (Regnery Publishing)

Benjamin Powell is the executive director of the Free Market Institute and a professor of economics in the Jerry S. Rawls College of Business Administration at Texas Tech University. He is a Senior Fellow with the Independent Institute, Secretary-Treasurer of the Southern Economic Association, Secretary-Treasurer of The Association of Private Enterprise Education, and Treasurer of The Mont Pelerin Society. He earned his B.S. in economics and finance from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, and his M.A. and Ph.D. in economics from George Mason University.

How do I attend?

Lawson and Powell will speak in the Louise S. Barry Auditorium (map) at NDSU's Barry Hall. All are invited to join us for their presentation at 4 p.m., followed by a reception with hors d'oeuvres and refreshments in the Barry Hall Mezzanine at 5:30 p.m. Free parking is available in the Elim Lot (map). We politely ask you to refrain from parking in the Sons of Norway lot.

If you are unable to join us in person, register on Zoom at https://ndsu.zoom.us/.../register/WN_1EXlufTXQmmg_KrJorboCQ

The Menard Family Distinguished Speaker Series hosts world thought leaders to share their ideas with the community on big questions that explore ways to improve the human condition and create economic opportunity. The Distinguished Speaker Series is made possible thanks to a generous gift by the Menard family.