Ayn Rand Rocks

Hot New Book - I am John Galt

2011-05-17T15:18:00.000-04:00

Hi Ayn Rand Fan

I'm doing some marketing for a book that I know that you are going to love - I am John Galt - Today's Heroic Innovators Building the World and the Villainous Parasites Destroying It by Don Luskin and Andrew Greta. www.bit.ly/galtbook

Take a look at this quick video and you will find out more.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6v4jPLbHPc

It would mean a lot to me if you would help in any of the following ways:

Share this message - forward it on to your own network or others who you think might like the book.
Buy the book! Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble andBorders. As an added sweetener, I'll personally sign your copy the next time we see each other.
Rate or review the book on Amazon, Borders, and BN.com - (five out of five stars please;)
Tag other 5-star ratings as "helpful" - this will help ensure the most positive ratings appear at the top of the list for other viewers.
Follow us on Twitter and tweet the book to your followers.
Friend us on Facebook and post the link for your friends.
Recommend us on LinkedIn or your own home page / blog.
Spread the word through your circle of friends and business associates
View this introductory video at Youtube. Share it with your friends. "Like" it.

Give me a shout if you have any ideas, thoughts, criticisms, or accolades - some of the chapters are sure to be controversial. I'd love to hear what you think.

Tell me privately or write on my fb wall at www.fb.com/aynrandrocks.

Thanks for your help and your support of Objectivism,

Gina

Ayn Rand would be Proud! Powerful, Clever and Thought-Provoking - a MUST READ!

2011-05-14T08:50:00.001-04:00

I am a big Ayn Rand fan and I LOVE this book. It is simply brilliant how Luskin and Greta take modern-day movers and shakers and compare them to Ayn's most famous characters. I think they really nail the Heroes and the Villains. My favorite is Steve Jobs as Howard Roark and Alan Greenspan as Robert Stadler. However, a close second was Bill Gates as Henry Rearden and Barney Frank as Wesley Mouch.

Luskin and Greta's understanding of today's business, economic and political climate combined with their understanding of Rand's Objectivist philosophy make this a MUST READ for all lovers of liberty and freedom.

Government Attempt to Oust Drug Company CEO - Ayn Rand was Right

2011-04-26T12:27:00.001-04:00

The fact that a few individuals in Mr. Obama’s Department of Health and Human Services and Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) are attempting to oust a major corporate CEO – again - should send shivers down every American spine. This is exactly the scenario Ayn Rand depicted in her novel Atlas Shrugged. It is a very dangerous step for all businesses in America.

The HHS strong-arm tactic of employing an obscure policy to force Forest Laboratories’ CEO Howard Solomon out of his job is the latest in the Obama administration’s attempts to control all aspects of American business. As Ayn Rand shows in Atlas Shrugged, this will lead to economic disaster.

We should have been outraged and horrified when the Obama administration fired the CEO of General Motors and converted the American industrial icon of GM to its new meaning - Government Motors. This type of government takeover of a US company was unprecedented and should have signaled great alarm.

But it didn’t. Instead, most people took the popular position that CEO’s make too much money. If they make a lot of money, they must be doing something bad. If they are doing something bad, they are bad people and should be punished.

This type of logic will kill American innovation and in turn, will kill this country.
Just yesterday, the IMF predicted that the US economy will lose its long-held position as the world’s strongest economy by 2016 – just five years from now. Innovation is the last hope that America has of holding onto any semblance of economic strength and power.

How did we get ourselves into this position? By letting government henchmen dictate what privately held businesses do and how they do it.

In this case, HHS is using a policy that says that it can bar corporate leaders from health-industry companies doing business with the government if the company is found guilty of criminal misconduct.

In this particular case, Forest Laboratories was not found guilty of any crime. In 2010, as part of a global settlement, they made a deal in a federal court and plead guilty to a misdemeanor in connection with the marketing of anti-depressants.

Isn’t a misdemeanor by definition a minor crime? In the case of this “misdemeanor,” Forest is paying $313 million in criminal and civil penalties.

In the past, the federal court’s decision would have been the end of the matter.

But the cronies at HHS-OIG think that is not enough. They want more. They want to take justice into their own hands and extract the blood of Mr. Solomon. They want the debarment of Mr. Solomon who has not once been accused of doing anything wrong.

Now, instead of focusing on ways to develop new drugs that can help people with depression, Alzheimer’s, infectious diseases and the like, the company must focus its efforts on ways to protect Mr. Solomon, its 83 year old CEO, President, and Chairman – the man who has developed Forest into a growing, thriving $9 billion dollar company.

While many American companies are having serious financial troubles, Forest is reporting record revenues of $4 billion dollars, increased earnings (up 53% over last 12 months) and positive job growth. Instead of figuring out how to add to its employment base of 5200 workers, the company must spend millions on attorneys to fight an unprecedented legal battle.

According to William J. Candee III, Board member and Chairman of the Audit Committee, speaking on behalf of Forest’s entire Board of Directors stated, “At no time during the government’s six year investigation of Forest was Mr. Solomon ever accused of any wrongdoing in connection with the matters settled in 2010.”

This is why many leaders of companies are choosing to move their businesses off-shore where regulations are not so intrusive. This is why American businesses will continue to be purchased by international companies that are not headquartered in the U.S. and subject to the whims of government bureaucrats.

According to the Wall Street Journal, “the new use of exclusion is meant to “alter the cost-benefit calculus of the corporate executives,” said Lew Morris, chief counsel for the Department of Health and human Service’s inspector general.”

What on earth is that supposed to mean? This government-speak is merely an attempt to confuse the masses and contribute to the class warfare that Obama’s administration is intent on perpetuating. Why? Because it gives them more power. That is what all of this – government takeovers of businesses, class warfare rhetoric, health care reform – is all about: power.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the HHS started using this policy last fall and has used it against two other executives in drug companies. The Defense Department and Environmental Protection Agency – and most other governmental agencies – have similar policies they can invoke if they chose to do so.

It is time for Americans to insist upon a separation of Business and State with the same level of vigilance that they support the separation of Church and State.

If not, then America will continue to lose its most powerful economic weapon – innovation.

As in Atlas Shrugged, the “men of the mind” will eventually go on strike – refusing to contribute their innovative minds to the Looters of the world – the people who take and condemn their innovations, punishing the Producers for producing.

Related Links:

U.S. Effort to Remove Drug CEO Jolts Firms

IMF bombshell: Age of America nears end

http://www.answers.com/topic/forest-laboratories-inc

2011-04-20T11:22:00.002-04:00

Atlas Shrugged Is Here! New Website Tab.

April 15, 2011 -- Atlas Shrugged Part 1 opened at some 300 theaters across the country today!

We congratulate John Aglialoro, an Atlas Society trustee, who worked for nearly two decades to bring Ayn Rand’s great novel to the screen. He and fellow producer Harmon Kaslow’s outstanding first installment of a film trilogy not only makes great viewing; it will also interest whole new audiences in Objectivism and help in the cultural battle for a morality of rational self-interest.

The Atlas Society has launched a new website tab with material about the film, the novel, its themes, its politics, and everything you want to know about Atlas. This is your cyber-stop if you want to improve your understanding of the Atlas philosophy, apply its principles to your own life, or advocate them in the wider culture.

We hope you’ll see the film soon in a theater near you.

And again, we congratulate all involved in bringing Atlas Shrugged to the screen!

'Atlas Shrugged' finally comes to the screen, albeit in chunks

2011-04-12T16:52:00.000-04:00

'Atlas Shrugged' finally comes to the screen, albeit in chunks

ATLAS SHRUGGED Fans Shock Theater Chains

2011-04-02T17:52:00.002-04:00

Theater chains inundated with requests from fans. Producers look to expand to more than 80 Cities

/PRNewswire/ -- Based on the film's recent fan-based grassroots uprising, "The Strike" Productions today announced it will be expanding the initial release of the Atlas Shrugged movie from 11 markets to over 50.

"AMC called directly to report their online contact system was being hit too hard. They requested we direct traffic to a specific address just to handle the volume," said producer Harmon Kaslow.

"While it's unusual for showtimes to be listed this early, the doors of the exhibitors have been thoroughly beaten down by Ayn's fans. Many of the theaters are now posting showtimes so tickets can be pre-purchased," continued Kaslow. "And, theaters and showtimes are now being reported as sold-out."

Fandango.com lists the 7:00pm showing at Regal Cinema's Union Square Theater in New York City as "sold out."

"Our online 'Demand Atlas!' service has been receiving an incredible amount of traffic since launch," said Scott DeSapio, Online Marketing Director of the film. "After toping the charts at another web site as the 'Hottest Demand Worldwide' for more than a week, we decided to build our own in-house 'Demand Atlas!' feature to better service Ayn Rand fans. We're completely blown away by the response."

"Our fans have spoken, and we have directed our booking agents to expand the release of Atlas Shrugged into the major theaters located in more than 80 cities across America," announced Kaslow. "Of course, until we're locked down, fans still need to let us know where the movie should play by coming to our website and demanding Atlas to their city."

"As a direct result of fans in Atlanta demanding Atlas, we immediately set about booking a theater. The current report is that the theater is already sold out for a number of shows on Friday, April 15, 2011 - opening day. We couldn't be more excited." concluded Kaslow.

For up to date theater information, visit http://www.atlasshruggedpart1.com/theaters.

Fans can "Demand Atlas!" at http://www.atlasshruggedpart1.com/demand.

About "The Strike" Productions:

"The Strike" Productions, Inc. was established as a new production company for the sole purpose of producing a trilogy of films based on Ayn Rand's epic novel, "Atlas Shrugged." For more information, visit http://www.AtlasShruggedPart1.com

Media Contact:David FouseThe Pinkston Group703-938-6430

SOURCE "The Strike" Productions

Donald L. Luskin: Oil Prices Won't Kill the Recovery - WSJ.com

2011-03-29T07:24:00.000-04:00

OpEd in today's Wall Street Journal by Donald L. Luskin, author of new book "I Am John Galt" due out in mid-May. Interesting read.

Donald L. Luskin: Oil Prices Won't Kill the Recovery - WSJ.com

Monday: Atlas Shrugged Star Graham Beckel on the Controversy Surrounding the Film « Fox News Insider

2011-03-28T11:41:00.000-04:00

Monday: Atlas Shrugged Star Graham Beckel on the Controversy Surrounding the Film « Fox News Insider

YouTube - Be part of Atlas Shrugged History

2011-03-25T14:07:00.000-04:00

YouTube - Be part of Atlas Shrugged History

The Atlas Shrugged Movie—A Call to Action

2011-03-21T05:47:00.000-04:00

To get the full post with active links, visit http://www.atlassociety.org/atlas-shrugged-movie-film-news

The Atlas Shrugged Movie—A Call to Action

From David Kelley and Edward Hudgins

With less than a month to go until the theatrical release of Atlas Shrugged Part 1, we urge all donors and friends of The Atlas Society to help make it a success.

The film was made as an independent project. It does not have a major studio to promote and distribute it. While independence gave the producers freedom to create a true adaptation of Ayn Rand’s great novel, it also makes distribution a bootstrap operation.

For the opening weekend, April 15-17, the producers are booking the film into twelve major target markets—Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Miami, Nashville, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles—with multiple theaters in most areas. With a good turnout that first weekend, theaters showing the film will extend its run and theaters in other markets will be more likely to book the film for the weeks that follow.

Filling those theaters April 15-17 is the first hurdle the film must clear if it is to achieve the impact that it can and should have.

Both of us have seen the film at advance screenings. We can say without reservation that it is not only true to the novel in plot and theme, but also a beautiful, powerful film in its own right. We know you are as eager to see the film as we are. It has been a long wait.

But this call to action concerns the wider impact the film can have in our culture and politics. Film is the predominant art form of our era. It has always seemed obvious that a film adaptation of Atlas Shrugged, if well-made, could bring its message to a wider audience. Well, the producers have delivered a well-made film.

Now we can help them reach that audience.

With less than a month to go, it is important that we act in an effective and coordinated way. Here are five steps you can take now to make a difference:

1) Purchase advanced tickets.

If you live in one of the market areas where the film will open, buy tickets for the opening weekend (April 15 to 17, 2011) as soon as possible. Advanced ticket sales are an indication of demand. Everyone’s watching.

Let’s sell out early.

Currently booked theaters are listed here. Tickets are already on sale at these theaters.

If you live near one of the markets where the film will open, don’t wait for it to come to your neighborhood.

Get together with friends, trek to the nearest venue where it’s playing, and make it a movie night on opening weekend.

If you would like to purchase a block of tickets or hold a “special event” at one of the theaters playing the film, contact the film’s producers.

2) Sign up for the newsletter.

Go to the film’s official “Get Involved” page and sign up for the newsletter. That is the most efficient way for the producers to send you news and information.

3) Promote the film through Facebook.

Go to the film’s Official Facebook fan page.

a) If you’re not a Facebook member, sign up!

b) Click on the “Like” button for the film’s page.

c) Click on the “Events” icon in the sidebar, then click on the “Opening Night” link for the area closest to you, and hit the “I’m attending” button. You won’t be purchasing a ticket but indicating your desire to see the movie. You will then receive updates from the producers about your city’s event. You will also be able to see who else is attending, and discuss the details of the event.

d) Share your city’s event on your own Facebook page! Click on the event, then choose the “share” hyperlink beneath the title. This will post the event on your own wall and share it with anyone in your network who is not yet connected to The Atlas Shrugged Movie.

4) Spread the word and make some noise!

Word of mouth is the most powerful weapon in our arsenal for drumming up interest in seeing the movie.
a) Email information about the film to people in your email address book;
b) Engage in online discussions about the film;
c) Tell people in your work place and community about the film, especially if you’re engaged with Tea Party activists, political coalitions, and the like;
d) Make your immediate and extended family aware of the film and have a family night at the movies.
e) Buy some merchandise! The Atlas Shrugged movie Web site is now selling t-shirts, coffee mugs, mouse pads and more.

These are a great way to start a conversation with someone. But even if no one comments, people will still notice and think about the upcoming movie. Plus, it’s a fun memento and a direct way to support the film.
Along with the other Atlas Society staff, we have been helping the producers develop and implement their promotion strategy. Now we need your help for the final leg of the race.

Some advocates of liberty have come out strongly for the film, recognizing its power to convey the moral grandeur of producers in a capitalist system and the squalid immorality of those who would shackle them. But others have carped about the few shortcomings of this production. The Ayn Rand Institute has done nothing to promote the film.

It is up to us, the open Objectivists, to speak for Objectivism. We understand the meaning of Rand’s work but also know that it must be conveyed in forms adapted to new audiences and new media. It is up to us to stand and be counted… to help this film spread the word on a scale beyond anything we have imagined before. But first we must cross the hurdle of the theatrical release.

Success at the opening will be determined, not by the millions of people this film may some day reach, but by the thousands who buy tickets now. That’s incredible leverage. Let’s use it!

April 15 - What an Appropriate Day for Atlas to Hit the Theaters

2011-03-03T17:59:00.002-05:00

Visit the Official Atlas Shrugged Movie Web Site!

Trailer | Atlas Shrugged Movie

2011-02-11T17:31:00.000-05:00

You've got to see this.

Trailer | Atlas Shrugged Movie

principlex: Two People Talking About Atlas Shrugged

2011-01-26T18:10:00.000-05:00

principlex: Two People Talking About Atlas Shrugged

No One Owes You Anything by Harry Browne

2010-12-27T13:26:00.000-05:00

A Christmas Gift for My Daughter by Harry Browne

"Nobody Owes You Anything"

(Blogger's Note: I think Ayn would have approved.)

This article was originally published in December, 2002. A previous version of it was published on December 25, 1966, dedicated to Harry’s then 9-year-old daughter.

It’s Christmas, and I have the usual problem of deciding what to give you. I know you might enjoy many things – books, games, clothes.

But I’m very selfish. I want to give you something that will stay with you for more than a few months or years. I want to give you a gift that might remind you of me every Christmas.

If I could give you just one thing, I’d want it to be a simple truth that took me many years to learn. If you learn it now, it may enrich your life in hundreds of ways. And it may save your having to face many problems that have hurt people who’ve never learned it.

The truth is simply this:

No one owes you anything.

Significance

How could such a simple statement be important? It may not seem so, but understanding it can bless your entire life.

No one owes you anything.

It means that no one else is living for you, my child. Because no one is you. Each person is living for himself; his own happiness is all he can ever personally feel.

When you realize that no one owes you happiness or anything else, you’ll be freed from expecting what isn’t likely to be.

It means no one has to love you. If someone loves you, it’s because there’s something special about you that gives him happiness. Find out what that something special is and try to make it stronger in you, so that you’ll be loved even more.

When people do things for you, it’s because they want to – because you, in some way, give them something meaningful that makes them want to please you, not because anyone owes you anything.

No one has to like you. If your friends want to be with you, it’s not out of duty. Find out what makes others happy so they’ll want to be near you.

No one has to respect you. Some people may even be unkind to you. But once you realize that people don’t have to be good to you, and may not be good to you, you’ll learn to avoid those who would harm you. For you don’t owe them anything either.

Living your Life

No one owes you anything.

You owe it to yourself to be the best person possible. Because if you are, others will want to be with you, want to provide you with the things you want in exchange for what you’re giving to them.

Some people will choose not to be with you for reasons that have nothing to do with you. When that happens, look elsewhere for the relationships you want. Don’t make someone else’s problem your problem.

Once you learn that you must earn the love and respect of others, you’ll never expect the impossible and you won’t be disappointed. Others don’t have to share their property with you, nor their feelings or thoughts.

If they do, it’s because you’ve earned these things. And you have every reason to be proud of the love you receive, your friends’ respect, the property you’ve earned. But don’t ever take them for granted. If you do, you could lose them. They’re not yours by right; you must always earn them.

My experience

A great burden was lifted from my shoulders the day I realized that no one owes me anything. For so long as I’d thought there were things I was entitled to, I’d been wearing myself out – physically and emotionally – trying to collect them.

No one owes me moral conduct, respect, friendship, love, courtesy, or intelligence. And once I recognized that, all my relationships became far more satisfying. I’ve focused on being with people who want to do the things I want them to do.

That understanding has served me well with friends, business associates, lovers, sales prospects, and strangers. It constantly reminds me that I can get what I want only if I can enter the other person’s world. I must try to understand how he thinks, what he believes to be important, what he wants. Only then can I appeal to someone in ways that will bring me what I want.

And only then can I tell whether I really want to be involved with someone. And I can save the important relationships for those with whom I have the most in common.

It’s not easy to sum up in a few words what has taken me years to learn. But maybe if you re-read this gift each Christmas, the meaning will become a little clearer every year.

I hope so, for I want more than anything else for you to understand this simple truth that can set you free.

December 2002

The late Harry Browne, the author of "Why Government Doesn't Work" and many other books, was the Libertarian presidential candidate in 1996 and 2000. See links:

Book "Why Government Doesn't Work" http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0965603601/lewrockwell/

Website http://www.harrybrowne.org/

Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Browne

Atlas Shrugged - Who's in the Movie? Great question....

2010-10-03T11:09:00.001-04:00

"Atlas Shrugged is...a liberation of the human spirit. That’s what I get from making the movie. And that’s what I want people to get from watching it.”

-John Aglialaro, producer and screenplay writer for the movie adaptation

I was just taking a quick look at the progress of the movie. It appears that filming ended back in July and that the movie is in "production" mode. It is expected to be released in 2011.

I don't recognize any of the actors or actresses. That could be a good thing - especially if the movie does well in spite of the lack of a marquee name. I have high expectations for the movie. I believe it will fundamentally change the way many Americans look at our country - and that it will spur a great deal of change.

You can contribute to the project (indirectly) by creating a character page for the Internet Movie Database website at

http://www.imdb.com/help/show_leaf?whatischar?u=/character/create%3Fname%3DHenry%20Rearden

This is the link for the Hank Reardon character page.

Another interesting post about the project appears here:

http://www.atlassociety.org/filming-atlas-shrugged-wraps1

Castro, Cuba, and Capitlalism - What’s RIGHT With THIS Picture?

2010-09-15T07:45:00.007-04:00

Yesterday's Wall Street Journal had a very interesting article by Jose de Cordoba and Nicholas Casey about Cuba’s moves towards a free market economy. I’m very excited about the changes I expect to see in that country in the next few years. I think that tremendous business opportunities will arise for those that are actively looking. These areas include tourism, small business training, and mobile marketing.

The best news out of all of this current crisis is that the country’s leaders seem ready to embrace private-sector initiatives. "Our state cannot and should not continue maintaining companies, productive entities, services and budgeted sectors with bloated payrolls (and) losses that hurt the economy," the statement issued by the Cuban Workers Federation said.

As we witness the end of one of the last true Communist economies in the world, it is important to remember that one of the primary keys to prosperity is the ability of its people to pursue their dreams without government restrictions. Ayn Rand taught us that lesson so well in Atlas Shrugged. Perhaps it is time for the Cuban Americans that have been hiding in Galt’s Gulch to start packing their bags for a return to a land that is truly ready for major free market reform.

The major opportunities that I see for eager entrepreneurs include these areas which require very little capital investment and hold the potential for significant return.

Tourism - What does this mean to opportunity seekers? I see immediate opportunities for the following areas: tourism and small business training. The demand for Americans wanting to visit Cuba will be extraordinarily high. Americans have a long-held fascination for all things Caribbean and in particular, have been very angry that they were not “allowed” to visit this Cuba. Indeed, I see tremendous opportunity here.

Small Business Training - As to small business training, this is a land of people that have wants and needs that have been suppressed for nearly 50 years. Many new businesses will be created. With over 85% of the Cuban work force employed by the state (2009 numbers), it is fair to say that most of them have no idea how to start or run a business. Basic small business training will be needed. Although most Cubans speak Spanish, there is a significant portion of the population that speaks English, French, and Russian. Possible options for dealing with this - hire a translator for on-the-ground work and for converting information products.

Mobile Marketing - In a country where most people do not have access to computers, smart phones will be a very hot product here as they have been in other lesser developed countries. This will be the means by which most people will get their access to the internet for all the things that we know and love - access to information, training, products, etc. People who can deliver their products and services well via mobile devices - in Spanish - will see enormous opportunity.

Although this is the first time I have written about Cuba, I have long speculated about the tremendous opportunities that await. Entrepreneurs get ready. What appears to be a slow trickle towards free markets could accelerate much the way that the fall of communism in Eastern Europe did from 1989 to 1990. Change came very fast. People that were watching closely - and that were able to act swiftly - benefited enormously from the new opportunities. Will you be ready?

My major takeaways from the WSJ article included:

The Cuban government is laying off more than half a million state workers and encouraging them to move into private-sector jobs and self-employment opportunities. In a country where approximately 5 million workers worked for the state at the close of 2009, this is really big news that will likely be painful in the short-term but tremendously positive in the long term. (The statement said that over a million total cuts are expected in the near-term.)

Several days ago, in an interview with The Atlantic Magazine, retired President Fidel Castro said that the Cuban model no longer worked. Although he later said that he had been misunderstood, it appears that the elder Castro is tacitly supporting his brother’s efforts to move Cuba’s economy towards capitalism.

Cuba wants to move workers in “nonproductive jobs into areas that have not been very attractive, such as construction, farm labor, police, teachers, and industrial workers. “ Having people who are motivated to build things, make food, teach people, and do industrial work seems to me a formula for economic stimulus.

Although the government’s list of 124 “authorized” activities for self-employment includes “carpenter,” it clearly states that carpenters are only allowed to “repair existing furniture of make new furniture upon the direct request of a customer.” This list also includes toy repairman, music teacher and pinata salesman. It is hard to argue that Cuba needs policies that are more supportive of people who want to be engaged in matters that might lead to creating things that are more business oriented.

In an effort to address the country’s huge current-account deficit, Cuba has made significant cutbacks in imports, including “critical inputs for agricultural and manufacturing.” This has led to decreased agricultural and industrial production. Again, this is not a formula for economic success.

I’d love to hear your ideas about potential opportunities - and obstacles - awaiting eager entrepreneurs that seek opportunity in Cuba. Please feel free to email me at gina at ginacarr.com or to visit me on facebook at www.facebook.com/ginacarrfanpage.

Atlas Sales Continue to Set Records - Is the World finally Waking Up?!

2010-06-19T12:37:00.000-04:00

Image by Laughing Squid via Flickr

According to George Will, writing in the Post-Bulletin, annual sales of Atlas Shrugged have tripled since President Obama took office. Why? Perhaps it's because the world is finally waking up to the truth that allowing government to take over private businesses is a very bad idea.

Okay, I have to say it: DUH!

According to the Ayn Rand’s “Atlas Shrugged” sold more than 500,000 copies in 2009, more than double the previous record set in 2008, reports Penguin USA, publisher of the four American editions. For the first time, combined annual sales of Ayn Rand’s four novels totaled more than 1,000,000 copies.

For those of you that are having trouble following the plot, I just came across this fabulous timeline from the Atlas Society.

Here is the link: Atlas Shrugged Timeline

How Rand Paul became the Tea Party's Obama

2010-05-20T10:14:00.001-04:00

How Rand Paul became the Tea Party's Obama

Posted using ShareThis

This Quick Video is Worth Sharing

2010-02-05T17:58:00.003-05:00

"Films" have always been great ways to change minds. If you are a liberty lover, you must take a few minutes to check out this great video about "My Friend Sarah." It was an award winning video about a young college student that discovers the way the world SHOULD work.

If you believe "only the government can take care of poor people" and other nonsense like that, you might not like this video.

I loved it.

Please watch and share.

Maybe we can change a few minds and save this country after all.

The American Economy in the Eyes of a Teenager

2009-06-22T12:34:00.008-04:00

This powerful, thought-provoking post is from a very special guest blogger, my 15-year old son, Don Kyle.

The topic I would like to discuss today is the economy. In many ways it has impacted every single American today and what has been done to prevent it? Nothing!

My fellow Americans, this country was not based upon the founding principles so that the government can just spend all the money they want, or control all the companies and banks they want, and take the money from the very soul and heart of this country - the small business owners or the CEOs. No!

We must take a stand for ourselves because the fat cat democrats in the White House aren't listening. We need to show them that we won't put up with this anymore.

So Obama says he is gong to fix the economy but how? How could you possibly fix a dramatically declining economy by spending more and more money when we are running out of money?

I say to every American now that by supporting this man you might as well be a socialist or insane. Twenty or thirty years ago, they wouldn't stand for this kind of action where the people are being taxed left and right to help pay off Obama's so called perfect stimulus package.

Also, we as a country and as Americans need to consider what this will do for our kids ant their kids for future generations to come. If things keep going at a rate like this, they will be the ones paying for our mistakes. I f we put a stop to this now we might be able to save them.

I would love to keep going on about this ridiculous taxes or even the new cell phone tax but alas I haven't much time to speak but I wanted to leave you with something to inspire you and every American as a country to gain back that fighting spirit and that well overdue patriotism. I only hope that you can consider that if a 16-year old boy can be as enthusiastic as I, then maybe just maybe we can have a chance at turning this catastrophe into something amazing and that our economy will be booming just as it was in the early days.

Just remember its your kids' future and their kids. Don't make them suffer for a mistake we made. Fix it now.

To check out Donald's blog, visit....

http://bit.ly/YWa2V

Compensation Czar? How Bizarre... and Scary!

2009-06-13T07:41:00.008-04:00

I listened in amazement to the radio broadcast the other day.

"The Obama administration has announced that Kenneth R. Feinburg will be the new Compensation Czar."

Compensation Czar?!

Did I hear that right?! It couldn't be! Not here in the 21st Century in the United States of America. No way!

And yet, the announcer said it as if this were just....normal.

Chills ran down my spine.

Did I miss something here? Am I now living in Soviet Russia?!

The term "Compensation Czar" should send chills down every American spine.

The alarm is certainly going off in my head: Danger, Will Robinson!

I am amazed that the American public is not outraged by this.

Have we become numb? Are we asleep? Not paying attention?

Is the American public convinced that "those rich people" didn't deserve what they were getting?

Do they believe that having government officials appoint someone to control the compensation of "those rich people" makes perfect sense?!

I fear it is the latter and that is what is most scary.

People - even smart people - just seem to be saying: "Oh well...I guess Obama knows what is best. He's so smart. He'll take care of everything."

I listened with amazement at the lack of discussion of this as I have gone through my business in the last couple of days.

Where is the outrage?

Where is the fear?

My fellow Americans, we are treading down a slippery slope indeed when the president of the United States - or ANY government official - can have direct influence on what ANY private American citizen earns in his or her role as an employee of ANY company.

Forget Separation of Church and State.

How about Separation of Business and State?!

The truth is that a significant reason the financial institutions and automobile industry is experiencing such financial woes is that Washington bureaucrats tried to tell the executives of these companies how to run their business in the first place.

In 1975, Ayn Rand warned us: "One of the methods used by statists to destroy capitalism consists in establishing controls that tie a given industry hand and foot, making it unable to solve its problems, then declaring that freedom has failed and stronger controls are necessary."

Indeed, government-dictated lending and union policies had a much greater negative affect on these companies than the compensation packages of a few highly paid executives.

These executives merely implemented the directives given them by government.

Now the government fat-cats come along and say "we see that you did what we TOLD YOU to do" but that didn't work. Therefore, YOU are to blame."

This is simply nonsense.

Did we all just step through the Looking Glass?

Is this country being run by a bunch of Mad Hatters?!

Wake up America!

I have no desire to live in a socialist country.

I'm scared.

I think I'll go watch Friday the 13th.

It can't be any scarier than the latest radio broadcast.

July 3-11, 2009 - Objectivist Summer Conference 2009, Boston, MA

2009-06-13T06:00:00.000-04:00

Recent months have poignantly demonstrated the importance of philosophy in human life, as current events seem to spring directly from the pages of Atlas Shrugged. As most Americans look towards government to rescue them, ARI's conference speakers will showcase the alternative solutions offered by Rand's philosophy. Please visit the OCON 2009 Web site for complete information and to register for the conference.

Celebrating Tax Day with a Tea Party

2009-04-14T23:04:00.000-04:00

Happy Tax Day - NOT!

What would our forefathers say?

To commemorate our fearless patriots from 1773 and to
tell the world that WE are TIRED of excessive TAXATION
thousands of people will be attending Tea Parties across the
USA (and around the world) today.

I plan to be at the one on the State Capitol Steps in Atlanta
where Sean Hannity will be broadcasting his TV show starting at 9 pm.

It's not a Dem or Repub thing, it's a personal liberty
and We The People movement, one that I am standing
shoulder to shoulder with millions of others who want
to preserve the USA for ourselves and our families.

Will you stand with us?

Find a Tea Party near you on this map, it's got
FOUR pages of them, pick one and go - you will
be inspired and encouraged:

http://twurl.nl/scmhha

Scroll down the left side of that page to access
the other pages of the maps.

Letter from Tea Party Patriots

2009-04-11T21:38:00.000-04:00

Visit Tea Party Patriots at: http://teapartypatriots.ning.com

A message to all members of Tea Party Patriots

Hi All,
We are now in the final countdown to the big day! Can you believe that it is right around the corner? I really believe that April 15th will be bigger than any of us could have ever imagined! One thing is for sure, it will be a historic day!

I am thrilled that all of you are here and are part of this historic movement. As I have said before, this movement is your movement...it is about the people and for the people. It is truly remarkable that so many of us have joined forces to protect our constitution and fight big government. America needs us right now and I feel that together, we can save her.

Tea Party Patriots has grown so much and so quickly, it has been hard to keep up with the site. I am doing my best and appreciate all of your participation, support and patience. I feel sure that all of you and Tea Party Patriots will be an essential part of this movement going forward. April 15th is only the beginning and there is a lot more work ahead for all of us.

I am working with several others to grow this group and define a clear vision going forward. I would like to thank all of you for participating in the discussion about the tea party movement. I am working through those posts and trying to get a feel for what you all want and expect out of the group. If any of you have any additional ideas, thoughts, or suggestions that you would like to contribute, please send me a message or an email. I may not reply immediately, but I will get back with you. I would love to hear what is on your mind.

Additionally, I am looking for a branding logo for Tea Party Patriots. Unfortunately, I am not very creative, so I need help in this area. If you have any ideas and can put a design together to send to me, that would be awesome! This design would be used on the front page of this group as well as other places throughout the web and in print.

Thank you for being part of this historic movement! Good luck on April 15th!

Amy
amykremer@gmail.com

Visit Tea Party Patriots at: http://teapartypatriots.ning.com

ARC on the Tea Parties

2009-04-10T23:03:00.000-04:00

Hi folks - I wanted to forward on an important email from the Ayn Rand Center. Great resources here. Thanks, Gina

Dear Admirer of Ayn Rand,

Earlier this week, we wrote to you to promote a new video, titled "Atlas Shrugged and the Tea Party Revolts." Today we're writing to let you know that we are expanding this effort with two new videos, along with a new Web page of Tea Party Resources.

The new videos expand upon the moral meaning of the Tea Party efforts, and the ideas that will be needed in order to make the defense of individual rights a success.

Once again, we want to bring these videos to as wide an audience as possible, and we encourage you to view them and, if you like them, pass them along to others. Remember also that you can watch our videos as they are produced by subscribing to our YouTube channel for updates.

We are also proud to present our new Web page, titled "ARC on the Tea Parties." There you'll find relevant material on the morality of capitalism, Atlas Shrugged, and ARC's tea party resources. Materials on the page include:

Flyers that can be used as Tea Party handouts
Speaker resources
Video presentations by ARC spokesmen
Radio interviews
Recordings of Ayn Rand
... and much more.

I'm grateful for the outpouring of activism that we have seen from our audience in recent times. I encourage you to continue, so that we may influence the culture towards Ayn Rand's vision of individual rights and laissez-faire capitalism.

Sincerely,

Yaron Brook
Executive Director
The Ayn Rand Center for Individual Rights