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Randex http://randex.org/ The latest news and commentary on Ayn Rand and Objectivism en admin@randex.org Copyright 2013 2013-05-17T03:23:52+00:00 http://feeds.feedburner.com/Randex?format=skinRandexhttp://feedburner.google.com ✖ ■ Conservative Sex Obsession Hurts Both Boys and Girls http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/yaN4-2gooOc/ayn_rand_conservative_sex_obsession_hurts_both_boys_and_girls http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_conservative_sex_obsession_hurts_both_boys_and_girls Woe to the children of hard-line right wingers and religious fundamentalists! While plenty of kids born into this situation carry… Brief, Negative, Woe to the children of hard-line right wingers and religious fundamentalists! While plenty of kids born into this situation carry on their parents’ ideals exactly as instructed, many get screwed up by the inherent conflict between being a young person trying to figure your life out and claiming on the other side that God and Ayn Rand have given you all the answers. — Amanda Marcotte, Slate - The XX Factor #

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]]> 2013-05-17T03:23:52+00:00 Amanda Marcotte, Slate - The XX Factor http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_conservative_sex_obsession_hurts_both_boys_and_girls ■■ Reality TV exposes the devastation of “virginity-obsessed culture”! (No, not really) http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/j2P5J4JQX50/ayn_rand_reality_tv_exposes_the_devastation_of_virginity_obsessed_culture_n http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_reality_tv_exposes_the_devastation_of_virginity_obsessed_culture_n Meanwhile, in the continuing adventures of Amanda Marcotte and her never-ending war against “hard-line right wingers and religious fundamentalists,” our… Medium, Atheism, Neutral, Meanwhile, in the continuing adventures of Amanda Marcotte and her never-ending war against “hard-line right wingers and religious fundamentalists,” our intrepid hero has taken to Slate to warn us about the “costs of growing up in a virginity-obsessed culture.” Spoiler alert: it’s even more insipid than you’re expecting: “While plenty of kids born into this situation carry on their parents’ ideals exactly as instructed, many get screwed up by the inherent conflict between being a young person trying to figure your life out and claiming on the other side that God and Ayn Rand have given you all the answers.”

That would be pretty confusing, considering conservative Christianity and Randian Objectivism are separate and contradictory worldviews, with the latter expressly hostile to the former. (Ironically, Rand’s answers on abortion would sound pretty much like Marcotte’s.) If Marcotte insists on stereotyping her enemies, could she at least pick one and stick with it? — Calvin Freiburger, Live Action News #

Categories: Atheism

]]> 2013-05-17T03:18:50+00:00 Calvin Freiburger, Live Action News http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_reality_tv_exposes_the_devastation_of_virginity_obsessed_culture_n ✓ ■ Wikipedia’s Separate “American Female Novelists” Category Is Way Sexist http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/CqE9sIslhR8/ayn_rand_wikipedias_separate_american_female_novelists_category_is_way_sexi http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_wikipedias_separate_american_female_novelists_category_is_way_sexi Thanks to the diligence of an intrepid (read: bored) late-night Wikipedia user — who also happened to be a New… Brief, Positive, Thanks to the diligence of an intrepid (read: bored) late-night Wikipedia user — who also happened to be a New York Times reporter — the massive info website is under fire for quietly moving the women in the “American novelists” category into a separate one, “American women novelists,” because apparently the uterus is its own genre. As the user pointed out in the Times, a whole range of female writers, the authors of iconic, amazing novels, no longer existed on the main American novelists page: Harriet Beecher Stowe, Ayn Rand, Ann Beattie, Aimee Bender, Amy Bloom, Judy Blume, Alice Adams, Louisa May Alcott, Mary Higgins Clark, Harper Lee, Anne Rice, Amy Tan and Donna Tartt, among 300 others. — Anna Breslaw, Cosmopolitan - Conversation Starters #

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]]> 2013-05-17T03:10:21+00:00 Anna Breslaw, Cosmopolitan - Conversation Starters http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_wikipedias_separate_american_female_novelists_category_is_way_sexi ■■■ A New Wave of Consciousness http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/IPvV_7pLfis/ayn_rand_a_new_wave_of_consciousness http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_a_new_wave_of_consciousness April 2011 saw the release of a movie called Atlas Shrugged Part 1, based on a 1957 novel by the… Substantial, Atlas Shrugged movie, Books, Atlas Shrugged, Capitalism, Egoism, Neutral, April 2011 saw the release of a movie called Atlas Shrugged Part 1, based on a 1957 novel by the American science fiction writer Ayn Rand. The author’s views on capitalism saw the movie being adopted by those in the American Tea Party movement. Set in 2016, it shows a global society in a state of turmoil. [....] In Rand’s movie, the answer to this global turmoil was a character called John Galt inviting thought leaders to go on “strike.” The term “strike” in the movie really meant the disappearance of these prominent minds from the collapsing mainstream to create a more viable future. — Derren Joseph, The Guardian (Port-of-Spain) #

Categories: Atlas Shrugged movie, Atlas Shrugged, Capitalism, Egoism

]]> 2013-05-17T03:01:08+00:00 Derren Joseph, The Guardian (Port-of-Spain) http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_a_new_wave_of_consciousness ✖ ■■ Michael Pollan Riffs on Cooking, Fermentation, Gluten and Ayn Rand http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/_ALTf9rabKo/ayn_rand_michael_pollan_riffs_on_cooking_fermentation_gluten_and_ayn_rand http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_michael_pollan_riffs_on_cooking_fermentation_gluten_and_ayn_rand By implication of [one] of Pollan's anecdotes in Cooked, the boxes of pre-made meals in supermarket microwave aisles constitute [a]… Medium, Individualism, Negative, By implication of [one] of Pollan's anecdotes in Cooked, the boxes of pre-made meals in supermarket microwave aisles constitute [a] kind of food porn, in that their visual lure far exceeds their reality. The author and his family, on the suggestion of his teenage son, made a dinner of nuke-able foods, only to discover the frustration of the samey taste from entrée to entrée and the individualistic nature of their preparation. Pollan received probably his biggest laughs of the night with his assertion that microwave ovens constitute the Ayn Rand of cooking appliances. — Jamie Lee Rake, Express Milwaukee #

Categories: Individualism

]]> 2013-05-16T23:34:10+00:00 Jamie Lee Rake, Express Milwaukee http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_michael_pollan_riffs_on_cooking_fermentation_gluten_and_ayn_rand ■ Article: Libertarianism, the Republican Party, and Immigration Reform by Jacob Wolf http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/MvzA8UtiIdQ/ayn_rand_article_libertarianism_the_republican_party_and_immigration_reform http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_article_libertarianism_the_republican_party_and_immigration_reform In approximately six decades, the Libertarian movement in the United States has grown from its origin in a number of… Brief, Neutral, In approximately six decades, the Libertarian movement in the United States has grown from its origin in a number of isolated, Austrian-school economists into a broad, sweeping political movement. This is most clearly evidenced by Texas Congressman, and Presidential Candidate Ron Paul, who has risen in popularity to heights well-above other notable libertarian figures such as Murray Rothbard, F.A. Hayek, Milton Friedman, and Ayn Rand. — Jacob Wolf, Immpolicy #

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]]> 2013-05-16T23:28:07+00:00 Jacob Wolf, Immpolicy http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_article_libertarianism_the_republican_party_and_immigration_reform ✖ ■■ In Bangladesh, a nightmare come true http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/RBTev90dcrc/ayn_rand_in_bangladesh_a_nightmare_come_true http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_in_bangladesh_a_nightmare_come_true In Bangladesh, almost 400 people have been officially declared dead in the collapse of an eight-story factory building housing five… Medium, Capitalism, Negative, In Bangladesh, almost 400 people have been officially declared dead in the collapse of an eight-story factory building housing five clothing operations. [....] This is what raw, unfettered capitalism looks like in the real world; [building owner] Mohammed Rana is what an Ayn Rand hero looks like when given flesh, unbound by any responsibility to others. Capitalism works, without a doubt. No system yet invented can challenge it for its productivity or its ability to provide the essentials of life to so many. But it works for all or most only when its excesses are restrained, when the search for profit is forced to accomodate other human goals, such as justice and fairness and compassion and basic decency. — Jay Bookman, Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Jay Bookman #

Categories: Capitalism

]]> 2013-05-16T03:47:38+00:00 Jay Bookman, Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Jay Bookman http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_in_bangladesh_a_nightmare_come_true ■ Sheldon Richman Talks About Bastiat, Left-Libertarianism, and (shudders) Jimmy Buffett http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/3CgbPMl8HYQ/ayn_rand_sheldon_richman_talks_about_bastiat_left_libertarianism_and_shudde http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_sheldon_richman_talks_about_bastiat_left_libertarianism_and_shudde Longtime libertarian thinker and Reason.com columnist Sheldon Richman was just interviewed by University of Wisconsin music student and WashingtonTimes.com "Business of Living" columnist… Brief, Neutral, Longtime libertarian thinker and Reason.com columnist Sheldon Richman was just interviewed by University of Wisconsin music student and WashingtonTimes.com "Business of Living" columnist Joseph S. Diedrich as part of his interesting "Libertarian America" series. It's a fun read, covering everything from Ayn Rand to corporatism to pipe-smoking to Pink Floyd. — Matt Welch, Reason #

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]]> 2013-05-16T03:41:14+00:00 Matt Welch, Reason http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_sheldon_richman_talks_about_bastiat_left_libertarianism_and_shudde ✖ ■ The Atheist Who Strangled Me http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/kOH-X5EvAJs/ayn_rand_the_atheist_who_strangled_me http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_the_atheist_who_strangled_me [Sam Harris] said that the response to his first book, The End of Faith: Religion, Terror, and the Future of… Brief, Negative, [Sam Harris] said that the response to his first book, The End of Faith: Religion, Terror, and the Future of Reason, published in 2004, had led to concern for the security of his wife and, more recently, his daughter, who is 4 years old. He asked me not to say where he lives. “People’s craziness has no expiration date,” he said. “I don’t know when someone is going to discover that thing I said about Islam or Christianity or Ayn Rand on YouTube seven years ago and decide that it’s a killing offense.” — Graeme Wood, The Atlantic #

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]]> 2013-05-16T03:30:51+00:00 Graeme Wood, The Atlantic http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_the_atheist_who_strangled_me ✖ ■ Letters to the editor, April 30, 2013 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/17DT0igS0tg/ayn_rand_letters_to_the_editor_april_30_2013 http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_letters_to_the_editor_april_30_2013 A few thoughts in response to comments made by Santa Fe’s own Ayn Rand, Dorothy Klopf, in her column (“Are… Brief, Negative, Letter to the editor, A few thoughts in response to comments made by Santa Fe’s own Ayn Rand, Dorothy Klopf, in her column (“Are we building a safety net or a safety sofa?” April 21) regarding safety nets. — Mary Thomas, Santa Fe New Mexican #

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]]> 2013-05-16T03:24:11+00:00 Mary Thomas, Santa Fe New Mexican http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_letters_to_the_editor_april_30_2013 ✓ ■■ Today in History: April 30 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/6sVuLyZRqO4/ayn_rand_today_in_history_april_30 http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_today_in_history_april_30 Thought for today “Upper classes are a nation’s past; the middle class is its future.” — Ayn Rand, Russian-born author… Medium, Positive, Thought for today “Upper classes are a nation’s past; the middle class is its future.” — Ayn Rand, Russian-born author (1905-1982). — Richmond Times-Dispatch (VA) #

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]]> 2013-05-16T03:21:28+00:00 Richmond Times-Dispatch (VA) http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_today_in_history_april_30 ■ Psychedelics And Technology: Albert Hoffman Five Year Anniversary http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/dyu_xYZW4H8/ayn_rand_psychedelics_and_technology_albert_hoffman_five_year_anniversary http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_psychedelics_and_technology_albert_hoffman_five_year_anniversary Albert Hoffman, the discoverer of LSD died at the age of 102 on this day five years ago. LSD has… Brief, Neutral, Albert Hoffman, the discoverer of LSD died at the age of 102 on this day five years ago. LSD has been more influential in Silicon Valley than Ayn Rand. — Tom Foremski, Silicon Valley Watcher #

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]]> 2013-05-16T03:18:05+00:00 Tom Foremski, Silicon Valley Watcher http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_psychedelics_and_technology_albert_hoffman_five_year_anniversary ✓✖ ■■■ THE SOUL OF ATLAS Examines Principles of Christianity and Ayn Rand http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/E3qmK3M-Y7A/ayn_rand_the_soul_of_atlas_examines_principles_of_christianity_and_ayn_rand http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_the_soul_of_atlas_examines_principles_of_christianity_and_ayn_rand Do the two most influential books in modern culture, the Bible and Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged, share common ground? In… Substantial, Atheism, Books, Atlas Shrugged, Mixed, Do the two most influential books in modern culture, the Bible and Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged, share common ground? In his new book, The Soul of Atlas (Reason Publishing), author Mark David Henderson examines the underlying principles of Christianity and Objectivism, challenging readers to approach the seemingly contradictory world views with a fresh perspective and an open mind. — Broadway World #

Categories: Atheism, Atlas Shrugged

]]> 2013-05-16T03:13:30+00:00 Broadway World http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_the_soul_of_atlas_examines_principles_of_christianity_and_ayn_rand ✖ ■ A&E highlights: Opening Day, Chick Corea, Paul Havas show http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/xwOiCiWX578/ayn_rand_ae_highlights_opening_day_chick_corea_paul_havas_show http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_ae_highlights_opening_day_chick_corea_paul_havas_show Mike Daisey. The monologuist who made news last year with a controversial set of interviews on “This American Life” returns… Brief, Negative, Mike Daisey. The monologuist who made news last year with a controversial set of interviews on “This American Life” returns to Seattle with the West Coast premiere of two pieces, “American Utopias” and “F***ing F***ing F***ing Ayn Rand,” performed on separate nights. — The Seattle Times #

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]]> 2013-05-16T03:06:20+00:00 The Seattle Times http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_ae_highlights_opening_day_chick_corea_paul_havas_show ✖ ■■ The High Cost of Opportunity http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/D3POvfTKXkA/ayn_rand_the_high_cost_of_opportunity http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_the_high_cost_of_opportunity When discussing poverty and the distribution of wealth, two views typically emerge. Conservatives, fond of both Randian self-accreditation… Medium, Negative, When discussing poverty and the distribution of wealth, two views typically emerge. Conservatives, fond of both Randian self-accreditation and those proverbial bootstraps we're all supposed to use as leverage, tend to hold the single individual responsible for their own destiny, regardless of where they started. Liberals, fond of blaming the system and clinging to the "entitlement programs" that seek to alleviate the stresses of said system, are more likely to forgive the personal missteps that often hold individuals in poverty. — Yvahn Martin, Huffington Post #

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]]> 2013-05-16T03:02:18+00:00 Yvahn Martin, Huffington Post http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_the_high_cost_of_opportunity ✖ ■■ Does Mike Lee have the formula for a GOP resurgence? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/UR_Hzvkbr7Q/ayn_rand_does_mike_lee_have_the_formula_for_a_gop_resurgence http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_does_mike_lee_have_the_formula_for_a_gop_resurgence While much of the mass media has focused on Marco Rubio, Rand Paul, Jeb Bush, and other prominent names, an… Medium, Negative, While much of the mass media has focused on Marco Rubio, Rand Paul, Jeb Bush, and other prominent names, an interesting contribution has come from a figure largely unknown to national audiences: Utah Senator Mike Lee. [....] Framing the vision of America as “not an Ayn Rand novel, [but] a Norman Rockwell painting, or a Frank Capra movie: a society of ‘plain, ordinary kindness, and a little looking out for the other fellow, too,’” Lee said that although the “great obstacle to realizing this vision today is government dysfunction,” Republicans must change the way they talk about the dangers of big government to better connect with the problems people face in their day to day lives. — Ben Domenech, Human Events Online #

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]]> 2013-05-16T02:57:40+00:00 Ben Domenech, Human Events Online http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_does_mike_lee_have_the_formula_for_a_gop_resurgence ✖ ■■ Fair Warning: Julian Assange’s “Cypherpunks” http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/mnHuKqSr8LM/ayn_rand_fair_warning_julian_assanges_cypherpunks http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_fair_warning_julian_assanges_cypherpunks In Assange’s rodent parable, the rat serves as a stand-in for Assange himself, who seems bizarrely eager to reprise the… Medium, Books, Atlas Shrugged, Capitalism, Negative, In Assange’s rodent parable, the rat serves as a stand-in for Assange himself, who seems bizarrely eager to reprise the role of John Galt in Rand’s plodding opus Atlas Shrugged. In that novel, a visionary elite led by Galt abandons a welfare state full of moochers and takes to the hills, leaving the freeloaders — we know them today as the 99% — to go to hell in a handbasket, wondering “Who is John Galt?” Down on the docks, another lone hero wanders. “Who is Julian Assange?” he imagines the future masses wondering. If the effective media blackout surrounding Assange and WikiLeaks continues, we’ll start to hear that question sooner rather than later. — Adam Morris, Los Angeles Review of Books #

Categories: Atlas Shrugged, Capitalism

]]> 2013-05-16T02:44:49+00:00 Adam Morris, Los Angeles Review of Books http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_fair_warning_julian_assanges_cypherpunks ✖ ■■ Don't Give Up on Green Tech Yet http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/OSm63-9l71w/ayn_rand_don39t_give_up_on_green_tech_yet http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_don39t_give_up_on_green_tech_yet We don't live in a Randian fantasy world where government can just abstain from any involvement in the market, and… Medium, Capitalism, Negative, We don't live in a Randian fantasy world where government can just abstain from any involvement in the market, and thank goodness for that. The question isn't whether government will have an impact on the private sector, it's whether the decisions it makes as it does so are as wise as possible. — Paul Waldman, The American Prospect #

Categories: Capitalism

]]> 2013-05-15T02:54:45+00:00 Paul Waldman, The American Prospect http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_don39t_give_up_on_green_tech_yet ■■ ASUCD Senate passes resolution against Islamophobia http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/_0TOrUeinUM/ayn_rand_asucd_senate_passes_resolution_against_islamophobia http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_asucd_senate_passes_resolution_against_islamophobia SR 21, authored by Kriti Garg, was first presented to Senate April 11. It condemns the rhetoric that was expressed… Medium, Elan Journo, Neutral, SR 21, authored by Kriti Garg, was first presented to Senate April 11. It condemns the rhetoric that was expressed during an April 11 Ayn Rand Society at UC Davis event, titled “Islamists Rising in the Middle East: Where Next for America,” featuring guest speakers Daniel Pipes, Elan Journo and Larry Greenfield. [....] During discussion of the resolution, members of the public were given time to speak, during which time Jonathan Bomberg, president of the Ayn Rand Society at UC Davis gave, what he declared to be their only official statement, stating that the event was not targeted toward Muslims. — Liliana Nava Ochoa, California Aggie (UC Davis) #

Categories: Elan Journo

]]> 2013-05-15T02:45:27+00:00 Liliana Nava Ochoa, California Aggie (UC Davis) http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_asucd_senate_passes_resolution_against_islamophobia ✖ ■■ Mark Sanford’s Coming Defeat http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/d1u7mVzyD1g/ayn_rand_mark_sanfords_coming_defeat http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_mark_sanfords_coming_defeat An Ayn Rand devotee, [Sanford] exited the governor’s mansion in disgrace a year and a half after his “hiking the… Medium, Books, Atlas Shrugged, Negative, An Ayn Rand devotee, [Sanford] exited the governor’s mansion in disgrace a year and a half after his “hiking the Appalachian Trail” story fell apart. — Jack Bass, Daily Beast #

Categories: Atlas Shrugged

]]> 2013-05-15T02:41:55+00:00 Jack Bass, Daily Beast http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_mark_sanfords_coming_defeat ✖ ■■ Extolling courage, resolve, steadfastness and sacrifice http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/9GAVwVJPUBg/ayn_rand_extolling_courage_resolve_steadfastness_and_sacrifice http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_extolling_courage_resolve_steadfastness_and_sacrifice Ayn Rand, in her “Virtue of Selfishness” explains the term ‘sacrifice’ as the exchanging of that which is valued highly,… Medium, Books, The Virtue of Selfishness, Egoism, Negative, Ayn Rand, in her “Virtue of Selfishness” explains the term ‘sacrifice’ as the exchanging of that which is valued highly, for that which is valued less, or not at all. Obviously, the logic then says that during sacrifice one gives up something “less valued” in exchange of something “more valuable”. As is true in the Kashmir’s political context, this logic simply trivializes the value of human life and dignity. And in her philosophical thought, ‘Objectivism’, based on the principle that the “highest good is the pursuit of one's own rational self-interest”, Rand’s logic says that “rational self interest” will never ever allow anyone to devalue self-life, which according to her is “irrational”. She says acts that are irrationally and egotistically motivated and not considered sacrifice. — Raouf Rasool, Kashmir Images #

Categories: The Virtue of Selfishness, Egoism

]]> 2013-05-15T02:37:19+00:00 Raouf Rasool, Kashmir Images http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_extolling_courage_resolve_steadfastness_and_sacrifice ✖ ■■ Libertarian America: A conversation with Sheldon Richman http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/S5MJHMF3l3w/ayn_rand_libertarian_america_a_conversation_with_sheldon_richman http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_libertarian_america_a_conversation_with_sheldon_richman [Q:] What do you think is the greatest hindrance to the libertarian cause? [A:] It’s not the state. It’s the… Medium, Capitalism, Negative, [Q:] What do you think is the greatest hindrance to the libertarian cause? [A:] It’s not the state. It’s the movement’s ahistorical failure to identify the real adversary: corporatism. Randian baggage hurts too. I read [Ayn] Rand when I was first discovering libertarianism. I read the novels and the non-fiction essays. I’m not saying it’s all uniformly bad; I think we can learn from her. But I think there’s also some unfortunate stuff that’s too easily read in her, whether she intended it or not. I think a lot of her writing has lent itself to a [negative] interpretation. — Joseph S. Diedrich, Washington Times - Communities #

Categories: Capitalism

]]> 2013-05-15T02:28:37+00:00 Joseph S. Diedrich, Washington Times - Communities http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_libertarian_america_a_conversation_with_sheldon_richman ✓ ■■■ Integrating Ownership of Physical Gold with Futures Trading-1 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/1R_cHEieWpY/ayn_rand_integrating_ownership_of_physical_gold_with_futures_trading_1 http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_integrating_ownership_of_physical_gold_with_futures_trading_1 I have made mention of my adopted philosophy--Ayn Rand's Objectivism--which I have been studying and practicing since right about the… Substantial, Capitalism, Epistemology, Leonard Peikoff, Positive, Objectivist author, I have made mention of my adopted philosophy--Ayn Rand's Objectivism--which I have been studying and practicing since right about the same time I switched from primarily trading stocks to focusing on commodities in 2001. The timing is no coincidence. Miss Rand's system is centered on development of an intransigence of mind which allows one to sort through vast clouds of information (such as that generated in financial markets on a constant and never ending basis) and decide which is false and misleading, which is true and useful, and which is "sound and fury signifying nothing." — David Batson, Inside Futures #

Categories: Capitalism, Epistemology, Leonard Peikoff, Objectivist author

]]> 2013-05-15T02:24:39+00:00 David Batson, Inside Futures http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_integrating_ownership_of_physical_gold_with_futures_trading_1 ■ Wikipedia’s Sexism Toward Female Novelists http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/tVQEPgSf7G0/ayn_rand_wikipedias_sexism_toward_female_novelists http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_wikipedias_sexism_toward_female_novelists I [....] found other familiar names that had been switched from the “American Novelists” to the “American Women Novelists” category:… Brief, Neutral, I [....] found other familiar names that had been switched from the “American Novelists” to the “American Women Novelists” category: Harriet Beecher Stowe, Ayn Rand, Ann Beattie, Djuna Barnes, Emily Barton, Jennifer Belle, Aimee Bender, Amy Bloom, Judy Blume, Alice Adams, Louisa May Alcott, V. C. Andrews, Mary Higgins Clark — and, upsetting to me: myself. . — Amanda Filipacchi, New York Times #

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]]> 2013-05-15T02:16:27+00:00 Amanda Filipacchi, New York Times http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_wikipedias_sexism_toward_female_novelists ✖ ■■ No easy way to slice through knotty problems http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/RxM-rErd6Zk/ayn_rand_no_easy_way_to_slice_through_knotty_problems http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_no_easy_way_to_slice_through_knotty_problems How about this? Put everyone on Medicare. We know it works for seniors; why not just include everyone and be… Medium, Negative, How about this? Put everyone on Medicare. We know it works for seniors; why not just include everyone and be done with the confusing array of private health insurance programs? [....] I can hear the ghost of Ayn Rand shrieking "Socialism!" So what? Call it something else, like "Efficient Medicine," or "The People's Way," or "Fred." There's nothing wrong with a society taking control of its own health care and the means to manage and pay for it. It's delusional to think that private enterprise is, by definition, more cost-effective than government. Both have downsides, but the latter is in the hands of citizens, not profit-centers. — Don Wooten, Quad-Cities Online (Moline, IL) #

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]]> 2013-05-15T02:11:43+00:00 Don Wooten, Quad-Cities Online (Moline, IL) http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_no_easy_way_to_slice_through_knotty_problems ✓ ■■ Taking tax online http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/hyA9rbD2HKM/ayn_rand_taking_tax_online http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_taking_tax_online Even the name “Marketplace Fairness Act” sounds like it’s right out of an Ayn Rand novel, as does the White… Medium, Positive, Letter to the editor, Even the name “Marketplace Fairness Act” sounds like it’s right out of an Ayn Rand novel, as does the White House’s claim that it will “level the playing field” (“NY’s E-Tax Stacks,” April 24). — Justin Short, New York Post #

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]]> 2013-05-15T01:50:43+00:00 Justin Short, New York Post http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_taking_tax_online ■■ The Future as Foretold from Silicon Valley: Byron Reese’s “Infinite Progess” http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/__7bBsHRXF0/ayn_rand_the_future_as_foretold_from_silicon_valley_byron_reeses_infinite_p http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_the_future_as_foretold_from_silicon_valley_byron_reeses_infinite_p In order to understand how anything that looks like Poverty as we know it today can be eliminated [...] we… Medium, Capitalism, Neutral, In order to understand how anything that looks like Poverty as we know it today can be eliminated [...] we need only open our eyes to the possibility of a post-scarcity planet where energy is too cheap to meter and too clean to worry about, and material goods are abundant. But, to get there, Reese first has to give us a quick lesson in Randian economics, which teaches that “poverty is an indictment of government, not a reflection of some underlying natural limit.” — Jathan Sadowski, Los Angeles Review of Books #

Categories: Capitalism

]]> 2013-05-11T03:34:08+00:00 Jathan Sadowski, Los Angeles Review of Books http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_the_future_as_foretold_from_silicon_valley_byron_reeses_infinite_p ✖ ■ British character actors steal all the glory http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/9yjhdxiT-rQ/ayn_rand_british_character_actors_steal_all_the_glory http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_british_character_actors_steal_all_the_glory The set of [The Review Show] is basic, an inward-looking elliptical semicircle of three pundits separated by a dirty glass… Brief, Negative, The set of [The Review Show] is basic, an inward-looking elliptical semicircle of three pundits separated by a dirty glass table, with Kirsty Wark as invigilator and spare pundit. It comes from Glasgow, which will suit Wark, the Central Belt’s cultural Ayn Rand, but not any of the others, Paul Morley, Sarfraz Manzoor and Hadley Freeman, all of whom were so keen on the appearance fee and the sound of their own opinions, they flew up to the one city in Britain that would mercilessly mock them. — AA Gill, Sunday Times (London) #

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]]> 2013-05-11T03:29:46+00:00 AA Gill, Sunday Times (London) http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_british_character_actors_steal_all_the_glory ■■ To vote or not to vote http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/6E1krnzdzes/ayn_rand_to_vote_or_not_to_vote http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_to_vote_or_not_to_vote When the state reaches its pinnacle and all is taken by the state and only that which the state deems… Medium, Books, Atlas Shrugged, Neutral, When the state reaches its pinnacle and all is taken by the state and only that which the state deems necessary is returned to society, a breaking point will eventually be reached — the Atlas Shrugged moment if you will. I don’t see a John Galt movement occurring, but rather a general giving up and the severe drop in productivity that will follow leaving the state bankrupt of a power source. — Bob Baker, Nolan Chart #

Categories: Atlas Shrugged

]]> 2013-05-11T03:23:59+00:00 Bob Baker, Nolan Chart http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_to_vote_or_not_to_vote ✖ ■■ Marxism Reloaded, A Film by Jason Barker: Review and Commentary by Thomas Riggins http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/c7p-NgWLFGU/ayn_rand_marxism_reloaded_a_film_by_jason_barker_review_and_commentary_by_t http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_marxism_reloaded_a_film_by_jason_barker_review_and_commentary_by_t Jacques Ranciere leaves us with the view that while Marx wanted a "classless society" what we really need is what… Medium, Negative, Jacques Ranciere leaves us with the view that while Marx wanted a "classless society" what we really need is what he calls an "emancipatory society." This is one "in which each has an equal share." This has a vague utopian sound to it-- a throwback to pre-Marxist French socialist thinking. Marxist logic, he tells us, is to prepare for the future, but he believes "instead that the idea of emancipation is really tied to a sort of appearance in the here and now of those we call the 'have-nots' and of those who make their presence felt through their capacity to think, to intervene politically and to prove themselves capable of organizing economic production." Ayn Rand would like this-- the have-nots and their masters-- only for Ranciere they would be good masters. This is a latter day reincarnation of Plato's Republic. — Thomas Riggins, Political Affairs Magazine #

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]]> 2013-05-11T03:20:30+00:00 Thomas Riggins, Political Affairs Magazine http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_marxism_reloaded_a_film_by_jason_barker_review_and_commentary_by_t ■ Atlas shrugged: Museveni cannot do it all himself http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/uXOnEPs8Hes/ayn_rand_atlas_shrugged_museveni_cannot_do_it_all_himself http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_atlas_shrugged_museveni_cannot_do_it_all_himself Brief, Books, Atlas Shrugged, Neutral, Reference in title only. — The EastAfrican (Nairobi) #

Categories: Atlas Shrugged

]]> 2013-05-11T03:12:22+00:00 The EastAfrican (Nairobi) http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_atlas_shrugged_museveni_cannot_do_it_all_himself ✖ ■■ Foxx, GOP budget both are shams http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/Mvz1hv42g0I/ayn_rand_foxx_gop_budget_both_are_shams http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_foxx_gop_budget_both_are_shams The Ryan-Republican Budget is the Ayn Rand, reactionary wing of that party’s unrepentant, “you didn’t like it the first time,… Medium, Paul Ryan, Negative, Letter to the editor, The Ryan-Republican Budget is the Ayn Rand, reactionary wing of that party’s unrepentant, “you didn’t like it the first time, so we’ll shove it down your throats again” plan to provide more handouts to the rich and to corporations while gutting much needed investments in education, infrastructure, research and public safety (according to an article on 3/12/13 in the Washington Post). — Cliff Moone, Independent Tribune (Concord, NC) #

Categories: Paul Ryan

]]> 2013-05-11T03:05:46+00:00 Cliff Moone, Independent Tribune (Concord, NC) http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_foxx_gop_budget_both_are_shams ✓ ■ NORTH COAST PATHWAYS: What is a Freethinker? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/m3BIgpBA_44/ayn_rand_north_coast_pathways_what_is_a_freethinker http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_north_coast_pathways_what_is_a_freethinker Let’s start with a definition: “Freethinker” is defined as “a person who forms opinions about religion on the basis of… Brief, Atheism, Positive, Let’s start with a definition: “Freethinker” is defined as “a person who forms opinions about religion on the basis of reason, independent of tradition, authority or established belief.” (Webster) [....] The list of famous Freethinkers could fill several pages of this newspaper, but here are a few: Warren Buffet, Richard Branson, John Lennon, Jodie Foster, Carl Sagan, Ayn Rand, Charles Shultz, Gloria Steinem, Steve Jobs, Alfred Einstein, Daniel Radcliff, Pat Tillman and countless others. Freethinkers strive to know what is true, and truth must conform to reality. As Clarence Darrow once noted, “I do not believe in God because I don’t believe in Mother Goose.” — Carole Beaton, Times-Standard (Eureka, CA) #

Categories: Atheism

]]> 2013-05-11T03:01:40+00:00 Carole Beaton, Times-Standard (Eureka, CA) http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_north_coast_pathways_what_is_a_freethinker ✖ ■■ Capitalism is killing our morals, our future; Commentary: In a Market Society, everything is for sal http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/8euT9zX4tvw/ayn_rand_capitalism_is_killing_our_morals_our_future_commentary_in_a_market http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_capitalism_is_killing_our_morals_our_future_commentary_in_a_market Capitalism is eliminating moral values, as Nobel economist Milton Friedman and capitalism’s philosopher Ayn Rand had been preaching to the… Medium, Capitalism, Negative, Capitalism is eliminating moral values, as Nobel economist Milton Friedman and capitalism’s philosopher Ayn Rand had been preaching to the generation. As [Harvard philosopher Michael] Sandel puts it: “Each party to a deal decides for him- or herself what value to place on the things being exchanged. This nonjudgmental stance toward values lies at the heart of market reasoning, and explains much of its appeal.” But unfortunately, market capitalism “has exacted a heavy price ... drained public discourse of moral and civic energy.” — Paul B. Farrell, MarketWatch #

Categories: Capitalism

]]> 2013-05-11T02:43:20+00:00 Paul B. Farrell, MarketWatch http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_capitalism_is_killing_our_morals_our_future_commentary_in_a_market ✖ ■■ Infinite Wisdom http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/8GbXn3rkmpo/ayn_rand_infinite_wisdom http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_infinite_wisdom Bioshock Infinite is a successor to 2007’s Bioshock, a game that was set in Rapture, an underwater city that had… Medium, BioShock, Capitalism, Negative, Bioshock Infinite is a successor to 2007’s Bioshock, a game that was set in Rapture, an underwater city that had been run according to the principles of Ayn Rand for a few years too many. — Robert VerBruggen, National Review Online #

Categories: BioShock, Capitalism

]]> 2013-05-10T02:58:09+00:00 Robert VerBruggen, National Review Online http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_infinite_wisdom ✓ ■■ Why We Must Change The Narrative On Syria http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/raryY9uJ0w4/ayn_rand_why_we_must_change_the_narrative_on_syria http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_why_we_must_change_the_narrative_on_syria [I]t is important to change the accepted narrative about Syrian uprisings. Given the decades lone demonization of Iran, it may… Medium, Positive, [I]t is important to change the accepted narrative about Syrian uprisings. Given the decades lone demonization of Iran, it may be more palatable to associate the fueling of unrest in Syria point to a ‘weaker’ Iran, but let there be no mistake – Syria today is in turmoil in order to promote Israel’s grand strategy – even as the perpetrator – Israel, plays the victim and warns of chemical weapons use by Assad’s regime, demanding intervention. “Evil requires the sanction of the victim.” Ayn Rand. — Soraya Sepahpour-Ulrich, Global Research #

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]]> 2013-05-10T02:56:20+00:00 Soraya Sepahpour-Ulrich, Global Research http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_why_we_must_change_the_narrative_on_syria ■ Ever More Pointing, Talking http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/8vtdGsz7Qtk/ayn_rand_ever_more_pointing_talking http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_ever_more_pointing_talking Never mind history and architecture. These days, you can book a night-club crawl, a tour of Financial District food carts,… Brief, Neutral, Never mind history and architecture. These days, you can book a night-club crawl, a tour of Financial District food carts, a walk through Dyker Heights at Christmas and a hip-hop tour of the Bronx. Other themes include Jewish gangsters, food tours of Staten Island, shopping in the garment district and, for your inner Objectivist, Ayn Rand's New York. — Anne Kadet, Wall Street Journal #

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]]> 2013-05-10T02:55:22+00:00 Anne Kadet, Wall Street Journal http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_ever_more_pointing_talking ■■ How 'Star Trek Science' is changing sweeteners http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/r0MfLoj9ioc/ayn_rand_how_39star_trek_science39_is_changing_sweeteners http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_how_39star_trek_science39_is_changing_sweeteners The sweetener industry is wavering on the edge of two starkly different realities. Will mainstream consumers buy into the ideology… Medium, Neutral, The sweetener industry is wavering on the edge of two starkly different realities. Will mainstream consumers buy into the ideology of ecological purists, who see the world of genetic manipulation as the embodiment of evil? Don’t you dare mess with the genome of plants, of Mother Nature, to increase corporate profits! Or, will consumers decide that at the end of the day, they don’t care about each minute step of how their food has gotten to their plate? As long as it is affordable, tasty and “nature-identical,” they are going to chow down.

At first glance, this might look like a simple debate between the Modern Day Hippies and the Ideological Offspring of Ayn Rand. But in fact, the lines cannot be drawn so simply. — Joysa Winter, New Hope 360 #

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]]> 2013-05-10T02:52:26+00:00 Joysa Winter, New Hope 360 http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_how_39star_trek_science39_is_changing_sweeteners ✓ ■■■ Business Hero John Allison: BB&T — The Bank That Atlas Built http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/fZkdtOz_o8k/ayn_rand_business_hero_john_allison_bbt_the_bank_that_atlas_built http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_business_hero_john_allison_bbt_the_bank_that_atlas_built BB&T is the bank that Atlas built. Its success, and its durability in a crisis that destroyed so many other… Substantial, Altruism, Books, Atlas Shrugged, Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand, The Fountainhead, Capitalism, Leonard Peikoff, Positive, Excerpt from I am John Galt: Today’s Heroic Innovators Building the World and the Villainous Parasites Destroying It. BB&T is the bank that Atlas built. Its success, and its durability in a crisis that destroyed so many other banks, is testimony to the real- world, real-money impact of Rand’s value system: purpose, reason, and self-esteem. The crisis itself is testimony to the real-world consequences of the philosophy of Rand’s villains — the looters, the power seekers, and the altruists. — Donald L. Luskin and Andrew Greta, Capitalism Magazine #

Categories: Altruism, Atlas Shrugged, Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand, The Fountainhead, Capitalism, Leonard Peikoff

]]> 2013-05-10T02:47:56+00:00 Donald L. Luskin and Andrew Greta, Capitalism Magazine http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_business_hero_john_allison_bbt_the_bank_that_atlas_built ✓✖ ■ The Growing Pains of Jonathan Krohn http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/eToTufJpb8w/ayn_rand_the_growing_pains_of_jonathan_krohn http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_the_growing_pains_of_jonathan_krohn [Krohn’s] return in March to the Conservative Political Action Conference, the scene of his breakout speech at 13, was unnerving.… Brief, Mixed, [Krohn’s] return in March to the Conservative Political Action Conference, the scene of his breakout speech at 13, was unnerving. During a loud but friendly hallway argument with Jamie Weinstein, of The Daily Caller — Mr. Krohn had found comments by the former attorney general Michael B. Mukasey to be “extremely racist” toward Muslims — 10 or so bloggers, mostly from Breitbart.com, circled him and began questioning him about his then-and-now politics. “Two people mocked his clothes,” wrote Chris Moody of Yahoo! News, “and one cursed at him. (Krohn cursed right back.)” Mr. Weinstein tried several times to get them to lay off. Toward the end of the confrontation, one woman suggested that he go get an education: “I would like to recommend ‘Atlas Shrugged,’ ” she said. — Susan Chumsky, New York Times #

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]]> 2013-05-10T02:43:12+00:00 Susan Chumsky, New York Times http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_the_growing_pains_of_jonathan_krohn ■■ Survival Strategies for Artists in a Modern World http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/Amhmd2IyYxU/ayn_rand_survival_strategies_for_artists_in_a_modern_world http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_survival_strategies_for_artists_in_a_modern_world You’ve probably seen the now-iconic photographs of various bewildered polar bears stranded on a small, shrinking patch of ice, a… Medium, Books, Atlas Shrugged, Neutral, You’ve probably seen the now-iconic photographs of various bewildered polar bears stranded on a small, shrinking patch of ice, a collateral casualty of Arctic ice cap melt. Take a closer look, artists, because that’s us. We’re that polar bear, which almost certainly drowned or starved to death a short while after the photo was snapped. Unlike the bear, however, we know what’s happening to our disintegrating cultural ecosystem. Can the arts in America transition to and survive in the new Atlas Shrugged world order of vanishing public arts funding? — Lawrence E. McCullough, World Policy Institute #

Categories: Atlas Shrugged

]]> 2013-05-10T02:40:04+00:00 Lawrence E. McCullough, World Policy Institute http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_survival_strategies_for_artists_in_a_modern_world ■■ Democrats Invoke Boston, West To Defend Government's Role http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/5wPJyqBbf7o/ayn_rand_democrats_invoke_boston_west_to_defend_government39s_role http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_democrats_invoke_boston_west_to_defend_government39s_role SHAPIRO: And conservatives argue that while government regulations might prevent some disasters, they also impose a real burden on innocent… Medium, Ayn Rand Institute, Onkar Ghate, Neutral, Audio, SHAPIRO: And conservatives argue that while government regulations might prevent some disasters, they also impose a real burden on innocent people and businesses every day. Onkar Ghate is with the Ayn Rand Institute and says regulations add to overhead. ONKAR GHATE: They impose an enormous cost on companies and all individual Americans of the amount of paperwork and regulations that you have to go through when you're not doing anything wrong. — Ari Shapiro, NPR - All Things Considered #

Categories: Ayn Rand Institute, Onkar Ghate, Audio

]]> 2013-05-10T02:37:35+00:00 Ari Shapiro, NPR - All Things Considered http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_democrats_invoke_boston_west_to_defend_government39s_role ■■ Slate’s Mistakes for the Week of April 22 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/V6rWLw7S5RE/ayn_rand_slates_mistakes_for_the_week_of_april_22 http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_slates_mistakes_for_the_week_of_april_22 In an April 22 “Culturebox,” Mason Currey misidentified The Fountainhead as Ayn Rand’s debut novel.    Medium, Books, The Fountainhead, Neutral, In an April 22 “Culturebox,” Mason Currey misidentified The Fountainhead as Ayn Rand’s debut novel. — Slate #

Categories: The Fountainhead

]]> 2013-05-10T02:35:51+00:00 Slate http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_slates_mistakes_for_the_week_of_april_22 ✖ ■■ Richard Crowson: Grateful For Your Generosity http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/zg90EOtpUuA/ayn_rand_richard_crowson_grateful_for_your_generosity http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_richard_crowson_grateful_for_your_generosity Even after a majority of Kansas voters have put into public office the most selfishly unchristian gaggle of empathy-challenged politicians… Medium, Egoism, Negative, Audio, Even after a majority of Kansas voters have put into public office the most selfishly unchristian gaggle of empathy-challenged politicians in decades, generosity has reared its lovely head. To the probable dismay of the Greedy Adorers of Saint Ayn Rand, random acts of kindness flower like brilliant tulips on the very banks of the stream that flows from the fountainhead of selfishness. — Richard Crowson, KMUW (Wichita) #

Categories: Egoism, Audio

]]> 2013-05-10T02:33:27+00:00 Richard Crowson, KMUW (Wichita) http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_richard_crowson_grateful_for_your_generosity ✓ ■■ Inside the List http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/TaXauPMvMMc/ayn_rand_inside_the_list1 http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_inside_the_list1 [Iris] Johansen’s Web site mentions some of her favorite authors, and along with the expected suspense and romance novelists, one… Medium, Books, Atlas Shrugged, Individualism, Positive, [Iris] Johansen’s Web site mentions some of her favorite authors, and along with the expected suspense and romance novelists, one writer jumps out: Ayn Rand. “Rand appeals to me on several levels,” Johansen explained. “On literary grounds I believe she is a superb storyteller, totally fascinating. On political grounds I can embrace several of her ideas but not all. I have a passion for personal freedom and independence. I’m not aware of a Randian influence in my work, but it may exist. We are all a product of the ideas and influences that have shaped our lives. The female protagonists in my stories are all strong individualists and completely independent. Sound familiar?” — Gregory Cowles, New York Times #

Categories: Atlas Shrugged, Individualism

]]> 2013-05-10T02:28:32+00:00 Gregory Cowles, New York Times http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_inside_the_list1 ✖ ■■ Communitarian Conservatism Redux http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/5H_hdh9_rNs/ayn_rand_communitarian_conservatism_redux http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_communitarian_conservatism_redux Perhaps if the arguments between libertarian and communitarian conservatives would seem more meaningful if they resulted in significantly different policy… Medium, Capitalism, Individual Rights, Individualism, Paul Ryan, Negative, Perhaps if the arguments between libertarian and communitarian conservatives would seem more meaningful if they resulted in significantly different policy initiatives, or in a different kind of politics. Certainly the “compassionate” crowd is prone to engage in the same savage denunciations of liberalism as anything Rick Santelli ever uttered, and it’s no accident that the Tea Party Movement is equally rooted in the kick-the-looter psychology of Ayn Rand and in the Christian Right (often finding a common inspiration in the idea of a divinely created Republic in which property rights are eternally absolute). — Ed Kilgore, Washington Monthly - Political Animal #

Categories: Capitalism, Individual Rights, Individualism, Paul Ryan

]]> 2013-05-10T02:25:40+00:00 Ed Kilgore, Washington Monthly - Political Animal http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_communitarian_conservatism_redux ✖ ■■ Nelson flying wrong flags http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/uiBICsaZ_54/ayn_rand_nelson_flying_wrong_flags http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_nelson_flying_wrong_flags John Howard was a master of appropriation of images Australians have about themselves into an intensely political (and false) narrative… Medium, Individualism, Negative, John Howard was a master of appropriation of images Australians have about themselves into an intensely political (and false) narrative of our society and relationships with each other. His particular genius was inversion, and the use of words and phrases such as mateship, fair dinkum, a fair go, irreverence, fair play, a classless society and an egalitarian streak that once seemed to belong to a Labor Party which had, however, lost much of its sense of moral purpose. Inject into such phrases words about honour, duty, sacrifice, or commonplaces about love of sport, families and friends, dubiousness about politicians and public servants. Soon one has created from the adjectives not a tale of group survival, a man who stood by and with his mates but a rugged individualist – probably anti-union to boot – of some sort of Ayn Rand mould. One whose frustrations with the world can safely be channelled, as in the US, into bogus worries about the safety and security of the nation, the stability of our ‘‘traditions’’, the fitness of non-British people to lead or represent us, and the creation of relentless and scratchable itches about invaders, strangers and outsiders. — Jack Waterford, Canberra Times #

Categories: Individualism

]]> 2013-05-10T02:21:47+00:00 Jack Waterford, Canberra Times http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_nelson_flying_wrong_flags ✖ ■■■ ‘Free Market’ Ayn Rand Ideology Was a Root Cause of the Horrific Explosion in Texas http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/4lRYt6G8jcI/ayn_rand_free_market_ayn_rand_ideology_was_a_root_cause_of_the_horrific_exp http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_free_market_ayn_rand_ideology_was_a_root_cause_of_the_horrific_exp John Galt is a very busy guy, sowing death and destruction from one side of the country to the other.… Substantial, Books, Atlas Shrugged, Capitalism, Negative, John Galt is a very busy guy, sowing death and destruction from one side of the country to the other. But since he continues to make good money, we have to give him his freedom and keep those markets wide open. — Jim White, AlterNet #

Categories: Atlas Shrugged, Capitalism

]]> 2013-05-10T02:14:57+00:00 Jim White, AlterNet http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_free_market_ayn_rand_ideology_was_a_root_cause_of_the_horrific_exp ✓ ■ Teacher creates proud works of art in students http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/O4GIRYnx2HY/ayn_rand_teacher_creates_proud_works_of_art_in_students http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_teacher_creates_proud_works_of_art_in_students Catherine Donahue helps students create art and in the process, molds students into learning to have more self-esteem and accomplishments… Brief, Books, Atlas Shrugged, Positive, Catherine Donahue helps students create art and in the process, molds students into learning to have more self-esteem and accomplishments in their finished work. [....] Favorite books: Atlas Shrugged and Water for Elephants. — Enterprise Ledger (AL) #

Categories: Atlas Shrugged

]]> 2013-05-10T02:08:51+00:00 Enterprise Ledger (AL) http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_teacher_creates_proud_works_of_art_in_students ■ Why More Games Need To Be Like Bioshock Infinite http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Randex/~3/ubS8edIspHk/ayn_rand_why_more_games_need_to_be_like_bioshock_infinite http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/comments/ayn_rand_why_more_games_need_to_be_like_bioshock_infinite BioShock Infinite doesn’t focus on mindless killing and empty plot points like some of the games today but takes on… Brief, BioShock, Neutral, BioShock Infinite doesn’t focus on mindless killing and empty plot points like some of the games today but takes on the viewpoint of objectivism. — Amanda Dyar, Explosion.com #

Categories: BioShock

]]> 2013-05-10T02:05:11+00:00 Amanda Dyar, Explosion.com http://randex.org/index.php/weblog/ayn_rand_why_more_games_need_to_be_like_bioshock_infinite