Attendees in Houston will gather for a breakfast event featuring former U.S. Senator Phil Gramm, who will discuss key themes from his latest book, \”The Triumph of Economic Freedom: Debunking the Seven Great Myths of American Capitalism.\” The discussion will focus on major historical moments frequently used to justify increased government involvement in the economy, including the Industrial Revolution, the Great Depression, the 2008 financial crisis, and modern concerns about income disparity and poverty. Gramm argues that empirical data and historical trends show economic liberty, not state intervention, as the primary driver of growth and improved living standards. n nDrawing from decades of public service and private-sector experience, Gramm will challenge widely accepted narratives about the shortcomings of free markets. He will emphasize how innovation, entrepreneurship, and limited regulation have historically led to greater societal well-being. Guests will have the opportunity to engage with the speaker and reflect on how foundational principles of capitalism continue to shape national prosperity. Signed copies of the book will be available on site. n nThis event is part of the Harwood Salons series hosted by the American Institute for Economic Research (AIER), made possible by contributions from supporters. Donations to AIER are tax-deductible and support educational initiatives like this one. Attendance requires prior registration. n n— news from AIER\n\n— News Original —\nThe Triumph of Economic Freedom: A Conversation with Phil Gramm\n\nJoin us in Houston for a breakfast event featuring former U.S. Senator Phil Gramm as he shares insights from his new book, The Triumph of Economic Freedom: Debunking the Seven Great Myths of American Capitalism. n nIn this engaging talk, Gramm will explore the pivotal events in American history often cited as evidence for expanding government control — from the Industrial Revolution and the Great Depression to the Great Recession and current debates over inequality and poverty. Drawing on rigorous analysis and historical evidence, he makes the case that government intervention, rather than capitalism itself, poses the greatest threat to prosperity and opportunity. n nAttendees will have the chance to hear directly from Gramm and how economic freedom drives human flourishing and why conventional wisdom about capitalism deserves a second look. Copies of The Triumph of Economic Freedom will be available for guests. n nHarwood Salons are made possible through the generosity of supporters like you. We encourage you to make a donation to support the American Institute for Economic Research to help ensure the continuation of these important events. All donations are tax-deductible and directly contribute to sustaining AIER’s Harwood Salons. n nRegistration is required. n nAbout the Speaker n nSenator Gramm joined Lone Star Funds as Vice Chairman in December of 2012. He served as Vice Chairman of UBS Investment Bank from December 2002 to December 2011. At UBS he provided senior leadership in such landmark IPOs as Visa, the China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO), the China Merchants Bank and LGPhillips in Korea. He was instrumental in the follow-on equity offering for the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the privatization of Telstra in Australia and the sale of 20% of Akbank in Turkey to Citibank. n nSenator Gramm served six years in the US House and eighteen years in the US Senate. His legislative record includes landmark bills like the Gramm-Latta Budget, which reduced federal spending, rebuilt national defense and mandated the Reagan tax cut, and the Gramm-Rudman Act, which placed the first binding constraints on federal spending. As Chairman of the Banking Committee, Senator Gramm steered through legislation modernizing banking, insurance and securities law, which had been languishing in Congress for 60 years. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act allowed banks, securities firms and insurance companies to affiliate as part of a Financial Services Holding Company. n nGramm is a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. Phil Gramm holds a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia in economics, the subject he taught at Texas A&M University for 12 years. He has published numerous articles and books, including The Myth of American Inequality published in 2022. n nHe is married to Dr. Wendy Lee Gramm, former Chairman of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission under Presidents Reagan and Bush. They have two sons and five grandchildren.
