Stephen Moore addresses UNC students

Praising Ronald Reagan and espousing low taxes, an editorial board member from the Wall Street Journal brought a strong dose of economic conservatism to campus on Monday night.

Conservative economist Stephen Moore, delivered a speech that argued against high taxes and current policies of President Barack Obama’s administration.

The Journal’s editorial board often takes conservative stances, and has been antagonistic toward the Obama administration.

The UNC College Republicans, in conjunction with the Young America’s Foundation, a conservative movement targeted at young Americans, were the major sponsors of this event. Alpha Kappa Psi, a business fraternity on campus, also sponsored the event.

The event was partially funded by student fees, and it was attended by more than 50 students.

As a supporter of the economic tactics of Ronald Reagan, Moore discussed his perceptions of the failure of the Obama administration to effectively address the economic crisis. He offered comparisons to how the Reagan administration dealt with a similar economic crisis in the early 1980s.

“The sky dispersed, the sun came out, and God gave America Ronald Reagan,” he said.

Moore gave his speech to a room of like-minded students, and there was no questioning or rebuttals of his statements.

While there is significant room to debate the best way to stimulate a poor economy, Moore discussed how the Reagan administration improved the economy by lowering tax rates instead of raising them, as he suggests the Obama administration is doing. He also argued that plans such as the stimulus package have only worsened the economic state of the country.

“Tell me one time government spending has ever stimulated the economy?” he asked in what was meant to be a rhetorical question.

Students in the audience were receptive to Moore’s message.

Senior Lauren Atencio, secretary of the College Republicans, said that for her, conservatism is common sense.

“It’s hard to refute logics and facts,” she said.

Freshman Elizabeth Cooper, also a member of the College Republicans, also said she agrees with the principles Moore discussed.

“Common sense is economics consisting of fair taxes, high investment and low government spending,” she said.

Moore said he sees the reason for the country’s financial difficulties as a result of “too much spending, too much borrowing and too much leverage.”

Moore attributed some of the economic problems to the policies of the Bush administration, but said the Obama administration was a contributing factor.

“Almost everything that politicians have done since the September 2008 economic crisis is wrong,” he said.



Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.