Defenders of Capitalism

Mike Williams, CFP, CSA


Director, Defenders of Capitalism

 

Michael Williams is our facilitator for the Defenders of Capitalism program.  Defenders of Capitalism is a segment of LPR designed to have the class read and discuss the books, Atlas Shrugged and Free to Choose.  Our objective is to have class members integrating lessons from these works into class discussions and become effective leaders who can both articulate and act on a principled defense of capitalism, rational self interest, the founders, and Enlightenment ideals.

Mike has studied Objectivism, the philosophy of Ayn Rand, for over 25 years and is a member of The Ayn Rand Institute and their Atlantis Legacy Program.  He attended The Jefferson School of Philosophy, Economics, and Psychology as well as numerous Second Renaissance Conferences, The Lyceum and Objectivist Summer Conferences. 

He is also a Circle of Independence member with the Independence Institute, a member of the American Institute for Economic Research, the Affluent Dynamic Advisor Panel, the Foundation for Economic Education, and the Life Extension Foundation as well as being a financial and spiritual supporter of the Leadership Program of the Rockies.

Mike is founder and president of ALTIUS Financial, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisory firm specializing in retirement planning and investment management for individuals committed to a secure future.  He created a unique process for individuals who are in or near retirement called The Empowered Future Program and brings over 20 years of experience and a wealth of knowledge/expertise in financial planning and goal achievement as well as integrating philosophy and economic history.

Mike graduated with double major in Finance and Philosophy in 1984 from the University of Northern Colorado and taught Intro Philosophy and Ethics courses as a teacher’s assistant at UNC’s philosophy department.  He earned his CFP designation in 1989 and CSA in 2004.  Frequently interviewed on KUSA 9News, Mike has been quoted on KOA’s business reports, the Wall Street Journal, Money Magazine, Investment News, The Denver Business Journal and numerous other trade magazines.

Contact Mike by email at michael@altiusfinancial.com.

About Defenders of Capitalism

The Leadership Program of the Rockies curriculum is designed to develop, strengthen, train, and equip emerging leaders “ that is, to integrate ideology and action. It provides an opportunity to rediscover the principles of America's Founders. These principles established the framework for a socio-economic system that came to be known as Capitalism which arguably does not exist in practice today. Because these principles, the base of our freedom and prosperity, are constantly being eroded, it's crucial that future leaders have an understanding of Capitalism and learn its intellectual, historical and moral defense.

We will be studying the works of two of the greatest defenders of Capitalism:

•    Free to Choose by Milton & Rose Friedman
•    Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

And we will be pondering the answers to such questions as:

•    What is the relationship between economic freedom and political freedom?
•    What exactly is Capitalism and why is it disappearing?
•    Who is John Galt?
•    What were the true causes and consequences of the Great Depression?
•    How did the 'Cradle to Grave' welfare state take over the land of the free?
•    What does it mean to say the words 'to make money hold the essence of human morality'?
•    How do we apply principles of Capitalism to today's pressing problems? (Katrina Victims, SS/Tax/Education Reform, Supreme Court Nominees, War/Foreign Policy, etc, etc.)
How do these two thinkers, one an eminent libertarian economist, the other a radical philosopher/novelist, defend capitalism? Where do they agree and where do they differ?

•    Schedule & Reading Pacing
•    Additional Recommended Reading