J. D. Johnson

This report, from NBC, apparently comes from the E. Toohey/J. Taggert Elementary School: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619#28371421 (If this doesn't link directly to video, click on story titled: "In one classroom, every lesson is about changing the world.")

This is an incredible story. (link courtesy of Stephen Hicks' site) http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=buffalo58

My two (non-inflationary) cents: I'll vote against all the incumbents on the ballot and leaving the presidential race unmarked. The next day, I'll wait for the inevitable "I have a mandate" speech and cringe over my morning coffee.

When I first read about the bank "bail-out", the first image that popped into my mind was the Mr. Weatherby from AS. I've since reread the scene (pp. 466-474) and I can envision such a scenario playing out in the banks' board rooms in the near future. After all, the government will be interested in protecting their "investment" and therefore will appoint zampolits to these boards.

Just my two cents: On the topic of television, it should be noted that CSI (the excellent original series) and its not so excellent spin-offs have been in the top ten most-watched list for quite some time. Why? I would contend that CSI portrays three themes not found in other series: 1. A group of intelligent people interested in finding truth using science, technology, and logical thinking; and then 2. doing so with integrity; 3. in the interest of Justice. This series supports the argument that "if you build it, they will come." Unfortunately, CSI is a rare diamond in a mountain of coal.

Dragonfly, Because beards are evil. So are moustaches. Sideburns are worse. They are outright social metaphysics because they push the line without being obvious. Slimy little suckers showing slimy little souls. We don't discuss any of this because everyone knows it. (Don't get me started on women with moustaches...) Michael Uh-oh! I'm in big trouble!!! A moustache A goatee And (gasp!) long hair!!!!

You'd have a hard time, I suspect, demonstrating this in regard to babies and children under six years old in this case. There are all kinds of cults children are born into, big and small. Generally, the smaller the cult the fewer life choices will represent themselves to them. The Amish, for instance. Or Menonites. Black Muslims. Southern Baptists. An isolated ranching family. What law(s) is (are) needed? What is the philosophy behind that? Is it compatible with Objectivism? --Brant This debate seems to center on the rights of children, but not on the parental rights, nor how to solve issues should there be conflict. Unfortunately, these definitions are far too fluid in contemporary law and are far too subjective. Basically, the law is based on some social or religious standard, which does not necessary address individual rights of the adult or the child. The current standard is "harm". Who defines that term? The majority via representative government? A vocal but influential minority? The officer in charge of the case? Is this harm physical, psychological, pedagogical, etc.? Again, who decides? There are several scenerios that I can envision whereby ordinary parents (not a cultish boogey man) could find themselves in the gunsights of an overzealous child protection agency. If parents decide to homeschool, it would not be difficult to find some expert to declare that act as harmful to the child. Heaven forbid if that child was taught reason and logic, self-discipline and the laws of causation, etc. How about secular parents teaching evolution in a religious society? Or religious parents in a secular society teaching the bible as the literal truth? Do we arrest them and take away their children? In regards to Michael's post about Brazil: the same holds true for European nations as well: topless beaches, the existance of red light districts, nudity on prime time television, etc. Imagine a German couple allowing their ten year old girl to go topless in their own backyard. Or, how about the consumption of alcohol? I went to a beerfest and saw children drinking. There are some cultures that believe that fat children are healthy children. Some parents don't even read to their children. Parents pass on their genes and their memes all the time. Some of those ideas are indeed harmful to the growth of the child. Some parents defy the conventional social norms using their values as the standard. Again, what (or whose) standard shall prevail? The sad fact is that the previous standards based on Christian beliefs are now being replaced by an equally irrational secular standard. And neither standard can be objectively applied.

When I read about Repairman Jack, I always think: "Damn, I wish I had the balls to that..." Jack

Ah! Another Wilson fan! I've enjoyed his work since I discovered "The Keep" in the early '80s. My favorite of his works is "Black Wind". I subscribe to the Gauntlet Press newsletter and get his stuff as it comes out. I had the privilege of meeting him at the World Fantasy Convention in, I believe, 1990. He's a good guy. Judith Sorry that it took so long to respond. There are so many things that I like about Wilson's writing. I first read his LaNague Chronicles, Healer, and Wheels within Wheels. Being a SF fan, I found the theme completely different from most (aka his pro-liberty theme). I hesitated with his thrillers and horror, but soon couldn't resist. The Adversary Cycle fascinates me and I just love the character of Repairman Jack. One thing I can count on from reading Wilson is finding an issue of morality. He takes a "what if" situation and his characters must then make moral choices, for good or ill. Surprisingly, I've never heard of the Gauntlet Press newsletter. On to the search engines... Jack

Thank you for reminding me about Lovecraft, Chris. I haven't read him in quite a while and must add him to my "must read again" list.

Ellison is not exactly a person with a "benevolent" sense of life. I don't recall reading anything uplifting by him. But, MAN, can he write!! BTW, he also wrote Star Trek's best episode "The City on the Edge of Forever." [the original series] If you're looking for a romantic realistic pov, I can't recommend him. But, if you want to read somebody who'll lift off the lid of hell for a peek, then Ellison is the person to read. I haven't seen the videos myself, but I shall. Thanks for the tip!

Thank you for the warm welcome. I've never given it much thought about finding Rand via non-fiction until now. Like I wrote, it was a simple happy accident/coincidence that I came across her work. Further, I cannot recall anybody before that recommending her books much less her philosophy. That may be an interesting poll??? Second to AR, Heinlein is my favorite. I've read science fiction all my life and steer toward "people" novels. Also, the choice of an appropriate quote was difficult. So many to choose from. Next in line for books: F. Paul Wilson, L. Neil Smith, and John Dunning. However, if I really, really, really want to read horror, then I read Harlan Ellison's "I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream." It sends chills down my spine every time I read it. (so there Stephen King )

Hello Everybody, First of all, I'd like to thank Michael and Kat for this site. I've read many, many posts and like the atmosphere of respect and good-will that is displayed here. I've never been much of a "joiner" in the first place, but I've decided to break that habit and plunge right in. The reasons for participating in this forum are simple: to strengthen my understanding of Objectivism as a philosophy; to gain insight on the practice of Objectivism; and to gain friends and acquaintances. I don't plan on posting too much for now with the possible exception of questions and clarifications for my own studies. [This would be a first for me too, because I am very opinionated. ] My introduction to Rand and Objectivism was a random twist of fate. In 1988, after my first stint in the Army, I found myself floundering on a philosophical level. Having been indoctrinated to be a liberal in high school and then being influenced by military life and the beginnings on the Me Generation, I realized that something was amiss. In order to find some grounding, I began to research religion and philosophy. I read the bible, Alan Watts, etc, ad nauseum, with no results. Something was missing. I returned to school that semester and enrolled in a literature class. The TA started with definitions of literature by Aristotle, but did not provide any original works to study. One day, I went to the Iowa City Public Library to check out a book on the subject. During this time, I glanced through the ethics section and came across this thin book titled, "The Virtue of Selfishness." It was a "Eureka!" moment. It was, what I call, an intellectual orgasm. Since then I've been studying Objectivism and trying to apply in to my life. And to be completely honest, I have failed to do so on far too many occasions. Thus, my decision to join this forum. I need an intellectual kick in the ass, so to speak! So, please bear with me. Thanks again and good premises! J. D. Johnson "Live and learn, or you don't live long." RAH