Max Eichelberger

Thank you, sir for your lovely welcome. I believe that the OL boards are a great asset and example of how Objectivists can be and I feel very welcome here. In comparison to the other SOLO board where it seems everyone there must be the Wahhabi equivalent of an objectivist. I'm exceptionally poor at similes and understand little of Wahhabism beyond the evening news. It certainly sounds like a similie that accurately portrays their zeal and fervor. But I am hardly unbiased. Quite interesting, if this was indeed the case, then why are so many Americans becoming Muslim? It isn't the fastest growing religion in the US simply because we like having babies (although I have to admit, we do love having babies!). So why are so many people coming to Islam if it sounds so ludicrous? I believe we should clarify that atheism is the fastest growing affiliation. [http://religions.pewforum.org/pdf/report-religious-landscape-study-full.pdf]Which is, of course, sort of the point. Right now in today's America, people see Islam and think to themselves... "Wow, virgins? In heaven? Kinky..." Then they turn to their daily lives and think "Surrounded by invisible 'angels?'" Americans have always wanted to be considered part of the "educated and legitimate" international scene. Religion and revolutionary liberty obviously conflict; a love hate relation. But as it's made obvious to Americans... Non-Christians view them the same way they view Islam, and as America has this critical analysis of itself it's hard to maintain that impetus to stay faithful. That affect can only increase with coverage of Muslim practices. Media in general is allergic to theism. Whether or not positive media coverage would increase rates of conversion is a "what if," discussion of almost no value. We might as well consider gravity pushing things away... Or chances of being struck by lighting twice in one day.

Welcome to Objectivist Living. I suppose I should ask: when did you first hear of Ayn Rand?

Anarchist always sounded dirty... I prefer Autokratōr (literally, self-ruler). An attempt to annex both autocrat and "autocracy" from the clutches of statists. I dimly remember the term always referenced with Colorado Liberty (later Rampart) College and LeFevre. Someone help me out? Anyhow, welcome to Objectivist Living. ;)

thepeoplescube.com/red/viewtopic.php?t=473 That sums up my feelings (e.g. hilarity).

You believe that Islam becoming the majority religion in the US would result in the US' demise? If so, how and why? If you'd allow me, sir. But before I begin I'd like to thank you. Thank you for coming to Objectivist Living and expressing your views competently, coherently and with great personal character. Something I do not say often, and only when the occasion merits. I will, for now, simply dismiss the notion of a Muslim majority appearing in America or any Western country. Mark Steyn is undoubtedly entertaining in American Alone (a book that must start any conversation these days; for rightists or leftists), but like many entertainers he squiggles the facts. "Religiousness and Fertility Among European Muslims," (published in Population and Development Review) basically recommends common sense as a cold bucket of water for xenophobic flames. European welfare statism and moral relativism acts on new Muslim immigrants fairly fast demographically. They are not invulnerable to the laws of nature which govern all other ethnicities in the EU (unsurprisingly). Increasing levels of Muslim percentages must be found in immigrants and the highest TFR [Total Fertility Rate] Muslim countries (surprisingly) have lower TFR's lower than American Hispanics. The lowest (North African) Muslim countries have "European" levels. Quite simply, with European welfare statism eating into Muslim percentages abroad and less potential emigrants there is little chance that Europe (much less America) will become Islamic. However, a sizable percentage will cause damage disproportional to its size. How? Two ways: Switzerland initiatives and atheistic mockery. I'll try not to ramble, and I'll keep this short. There should never be a choice between freedom and democracy. Most especially when the side representing freedom and liberty has a large albatross around its neck. Like the current Gay "Rights," movement Islam will become unseemly allies to what are classically referred to as "anti-statists." If the choice comes down between liberty of religion, and the threat of religion; security will win out every time. For that salient potential, or the chance of that potential, Islam should never reach American shores. Secondly, Islam sounds ludicrous to American ears. The more the U.S. knows of the religion, the crazier and meaner it sounds. This is not meant to be offensive too you; it's impossible to not be moved by the Koran's value as literature and art. But what it represents is, quite frankly, not Islam but self-reflection. If one religion sounds stupid to our ears, what makes 'our' religion intelligent? I'll talk more later.

I think it's a fairly conclusive to say that the Global Warming "debate," is now more than ever open to skepticism.

Very amusing. Took the edge off a hard day.

Great find Michael, though couldn't energy be used to, eh, recruit the fellow for a site that doesn't hate his guts? Maybe, perhaps, a great Objectivist site with the initials OL? Who says that Objectivists are for globalism and materialism? Objectivists are for freedom and prosperity, but I'm not sure those things are exactly the same as globalism and materialism. Darrell I think the point he was attempting to make was that it would be good to find people who are perfectly fine being the Liberal Boogeymen (e.g. Objectivist).

I love John Stossel! I'll watch that show, as I do all of his shows.

Oh my, an ignoranus!!! [happy new year - may ye become less ignored of things... ;-)] Ever since Death of a Salesman, I've never been able to call someone an ignoramus. Anyhow, Happy New Year everyone; with that unique moon.

That is actually a very, at least on first inspection, good question. *Subscribes to Topic*

Why is nothing ever on the West Coast, and if it is; somewhere deep in L.A.! Bah-hum-bug.

Lysander Spooner is an intellectual machine. His essay on the "Constitution of No Authority," so directly mirrors my own thoughts it's frightening. One of my gifts for Christmas was "The Libertarian Reader," Edited By David Boaz, and there was a section on Mr. Spooner. Very, very, interesting.

The best book I have ever read in quite sometime. Certainly, not a literary classic but filled with wit, charm and countless memorable phrases. It was a joyous ride of intellectual pleasuring. My girlfriend bought it for me knowing I would agree wholeheartedly with him. I love her, and her amazing choice of books. And I recommend everyone else to pick up a copy if they can.