The current economic and financial crisis raises several significant questions-first and foremost, is the crisis a result of the failure of capitalism or the failure of government policy? As government decision-makers stand ready to replace private citizens and free markets, American citizens must decide which system can best promote and ensure their ideals. What caused the current situation and what will the future look like? To discuss these issues, the American Enterprise Institute and The Aspen Institute are jointly sponsoring a conversation among Arthur C. Brooks, President of AEI, Martin Feldstein, George F. Baker Professor of Economics at Harvard University and a member of AEI's Council of Academic Advisers, and Peter J. Wallison, Arthur F. Burns Fellow in Financial Policy Studies at AEI.
The event is free and the public is welcome. The audience is invited to participate in the question-and-answer portion of the program.
For video of this program, please click here.
| 8:00 |
Conversation and Q&A |
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| Presenters: | Martin Feldstein, Harvard University |
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| Peter J. Wallison, AEI | ||
| Arthur C. Brooks, AEI | ||
| Moderator: |
Elliot Gerson, Aspen Institute Carolyn Heldman, Aspen Public Radio |
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| 10:00 |
Adjournment |
Arthur C. Brooks became president of AEI in January 2009. Previously he was a professor at Syracuse University and a career musician. He is known for his work on the intersection of culture, economics, and politics, including the books Who Really Cares: The Surprising Truth about Compassionate Conservatism (Basic Books, 2006) and Gross National Happiness: Why Happiness Matters for America-and How We Can Get More of It (Basic Books, 2008).
Martin Feldstein holds the George F. Baker Chair in Economics at Harvard University. Professor Feldstein was Chair of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers and President Reagan’s chief economic adviser from 1982 to 1984. From 1977 to 1982 and from 1984 to 2008 he was President and CEO of the National Bureau of Economic Research. He serves on President Obama’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board and is a member of AEI’s Council of Academic Advisors.
Peter J. Wallison holds the Arthur F. Burns chair in Financial Policy Studies at AEI. He served as General Counsel of the United States Treasury Department from 1981 to 1985 and as White House Counsel to President Reagan from 1986 to 1987. Mr. Wallison has written extensively on the subject of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and their role in the current financial crisis.


