Backlighting

For me, an uplifting theme.

From the Fox Forum: http://foxforum.blogs.foxnews.com/2009/05/05/beck_rights/ I recently spoke with Harry Binswanger from the Ayn Rand Institute. We got to talking about the national shift we’re feeling from the power of the individual to working for the collective good–as defined by the government—and here’s what he thought would be necessary to change that: HARRY BINSWANGER: You need a philosophical revolution. That’s why I’m in philosophy. I want to teach the principles of individual rights and egoism. GLENN BECK: You know, I was just talking about this…how neither party is standing up for the individual and individual rights. Neither side. HARRY BINSWANGER: You’re absolutely right. GLENN BECK: Nobody is teaching this. That’s the biggest problem we have. HARRY BINSWANGER: That is. Yes. Ayn Rand was a big–the biggest advocate–of individualism. That’s what made this country great. All the other countries are collectivists - the group, the royal court, the tribe. Those are the people to whom you owe your life, and you’re just the serf. But in America, you’re born free. GLENN BECK: Yes. But not anymore - HARRY BINSWANGER: Well, that was the idea. I disagree with Harry in only one way—not only was that the idea, it still is the idea. I’m a big fan of Ayn Rand and I think there’s a lot that can be learned from her writings. Too many of our leaders are preaching a “what’s best for the state” message, and it’s got to stop. It’s coming from both parties, and there’s lots of blame to spread around. America is a tightly knit group of individuals, and it’s our independent spirit that has pulled us out of tougher jams than the one we’re in now. It’s worked before, and it will work again. Don’t get me wrong—if you and a bunch of your buddies individually decide to pool all your money and go buy some land together in Vermont…beat on drums, eat brown rice and express your love of communal living through interpretive dance…while that may sound like Hell on Earth to me, I wish you all the best. Individuals can decide to do things together. Actually, we have a great tradition of that in the country, started by guys like Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Ben Franklin…

If the organizers are looking to attract a large student audience I believe their fees will discourage that. Early-bird registration: Final registration fee will be $850. Early bird discount registration has been extended. Register now for $550 through April 30. Includes all conference events (but not housing or meals). May 1 through May 31, the registration fee will be $650 and will increase by $100 each month after that. Half Week Option. You can enroll for Part One, June 30 - July 3, or Part Two July 5 - July 8 for $300 until April 30. This rate will increase by $50 each month after that. Student registration: $150 through April 30. Student fee will increase by $50 each month after that.

http://www.playboy.com/articles/ayn-rand-p...view/index.html

The Andes survivors (plane crash) ate some of their dead team mates, rather than starve to death.

Atlas' ranking on Amazon was #39 as of today. I believe the rankings are updated hourly.

I would have left the country rather than be drafted into the military and go to Viet Nam. I can't think of anything more immoral than a government forcing it's citizens to kill innocent people. I chose to succumb to the draft. The other 2 alternatives were Federal prison or flee to Canada. Fortunately I was not sent to Vietnam. I served most of my time in Japan, operating a printing press.

During the Glenn Beck program (Fox) yesterday they were showing the crowd at one of the tea parties. A large poster with just the portrait of AR was visible.

I wonder how much better the book may have sold if it was, say, 30% shorter. I trust the story line plus the integrity and scope of the philosophy would still be evident in a shorter version.

I'm now at the point where I immediately switch channels on the t.v. if Obama apears. If I don't I'll vomit.

http://www.riskybusinessblog.com/2009/03/w...lout-movie.html

Glenn must like him. He was on several days ago, too.

http://www.esquire.com/features/the-game/t...s-comeback-0409

3/27/09 Atlas #19 on Amazon. Amazing! http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/books/ref=sv_b_3

[Note from MSK: This post was originally blank. Scroll down to see video.]

Wake me up when you reach a million, at which point, you guys might even be able to elect a dog catcher. Ba'al Chatzaf Do we even know if the numbers are growing as a percent of the world population? Bill P How does this growth compare to the growth of new collectivists? The media & schools, to name a couple of vehicles, are in full production mode.

As of today, Atlas is ranked #69 on Amazon's best seller list. http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/books...e=UTF8&pg=3

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123672965066989281.html

This and other AR related articles can be found at: http://randex.org/index.php

http://washingtonindependent.com/32772/bat...a-by-going-galt

I believe AR wrote: "Every person is free to rise as far as they are able, and, or willing. But it is only the degree to which you think that will determine how far you will rise"

Geb Sem "What do you call it when a large corporation opens a store next to a small mom and pop shop and begins selling at below cost the same products and forces them out of business?" I call it better selection of products at lower prices. Better for consumers.

Thanks Selene.

Selene, I caught the show. Where did you get the heads up from? Perhaps Fox will continue to have more speakers from ARI. It will get more readers to Atlas Shrugged. Nice to see the name "Ayn Rand" across the bottom of the TV screen. It reminded me of Wyatt's light. I'd like to also see Barbara and/or Nathaniel on Fox, commenting on America's push toward more collectivism.