Ayn Rand In 1959: "This Country Is Moving Towards Socialism"

[Lightfiend]

“The traditional American system was a system based on the idea that majority will prevail only in public or political affairs, and that it was limited by inalienable individual rights. Therefore, I do not believe that the majority can vote man’s life, property, or freedom away from him. And I do not believe that if a majority votes on an issue that it makes the issue right – it doesn’t.” ​

 

[EriktheRed]

Ayn Rand also likes sociopaths and thinks it's OK for guys to rape their girlfriends as long as they're "special".

 

[Oscar Wao]

And that was in the 50s!!!!!!! The 50s!!!!

Just imagine how much we've moved in just 50 years!

 

[obama2ndterm]

I don’t consider her a philosopher. Neither do other philosophers — you won’t find her works taught in most (any?) philosophy departments. You also won’t find her discussed in any standard works on the history of philosophy — either in general or specifically American philosophy.

At least, I haven’t seen her mentioned in any of the works I’ve read and used. She doesn’t appear to be in Grayling’s two volume introduction to philosophy, the Cambridge Dictionary of Philosophy, or Kuklick’s history of American philosophy — just to name a couple of sources at hand. I suppose there must be some philosophy reference works out there which at least mention Rand and Objectivism, but it doesn’t appear to be common — and for good reason, I think.
Austin Kline

 

[Kevin_Kennedy]

I don’t consider her a philosopher. Neither do other philosophers — you won’t find her works taught in most (any?) philosophy departments. You also won’t find her discussed in any standard works on the history of philosophy — either in general or specifically American philosophy.

At least, I haven’t seen her mentioned in any of the works I’ve read and used. She doesn’t appear to be in Grayling’s two volume introduction to philosophy, the Cambridge Dictionary of Philosophy, or Kuklick’s history of American philosophy — just to name a couple of sources at hand. I suppose there must be some philosophy reference works out there which at least mention Rand and Objectivism, but it doesn’t appear to be common — and for good reason, I think.
Austin Kline

Just because her philosophy isn't taught, or most other philosophers don't consider her among them, doesn't make her any less a philosopher. Just because a philosophy isn't all that attractive to the masses doesn't mean it's not a philosophy.

 

[rightwinger]

Gee....... 50 years and we are still not Socialist

Can we "move" any slower?

Shows what she knows

 

[LibocalypseNow]

Brilliant woman for sure. Socialism is definitely on the march here in the U.S. The thing i always struggle to understand or accept is the fact that so many citizens are so willing to just give all their Freedoms & Liberty away. Today's America kind of reminds me of Germany during the Nazi reign. The citizens of Germany were just so willing to go along with anything the Nazis did or simply ignored the awful things they were doing. It really is a Sheeple mentality. There certainly weren't too many citizens in Germany who stood up to the Nazis and there just aren't too many citizens in America currently standing up to their Socialists either. The few that are standing up are being smeared as being "Loons" or "Un-American Nazis" by the usual suspects. Goebbels used these very same tactics in Germany as well. It's all an effort to publicly shame and discredit anyone who dares to oppose their oppressive Socialist agenda. I really do hope more Americans become inspired and begin to fight to take their country back but i'm just not very optimistic at this point. Thanks for your post Lightfiend.

 

[Dr.Traveler]

On Ayn Rand:

'There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old’s life: “The Lord of the Rings” and “Atlas Shrugged.” One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs.

 

[EriktheRed]

The few that are standing up are being smeared as being "Loons" or "Un-American Nazis" by the usual suspects. Goebbels used these very same tactics in Germany as well.

You don't look in the mirror much, do you...

 

[rayboyusmc]

Brilliant woman for sure. Socialism is definitely on the march here in the U.S. The thing i always struggle to understand or accept is the fact that so many citizens are so willing to just give all their Freedoms & Liberty away.

Yup, they are called today's republicans who will go with the party no matter what. That is truly giving your freedom away.

If it's on the march, it's the damndest slowest march I have seen.

 

[Bfgrn]

Brilliant woman for sure. Socialism is definitely on the march here in the U.S. The thing i always struggle to understand or accept is the fact that so many citizens are so willing to just give all their Freedoms & Liberty away. Today's America kind of reminds me of Germany during the Nazi reign. The citizens of Germany were just so willing to go along with anything the Nazis did or simply ignored the awful things they were doing. It really is a Sheeple mentality. There certainly weren't too many citizens in Germany who stood up to the Nazis and there just aren't too many citizens in America currently standing up to their Socialists either. The few that are standing up are being smeared as being "Loons" or "Un-American Nazis" by the usual suspects. Goebbels used these very same tactics in Germany as well. It's all an effort to publicly shame and discredit anyone who dares to oppose their oppressive Socialist agenda. I really do hope more Americans become inspired and begin to fight to take their country back but i'm just not very optimistic at this point. Thanks for your post Lightfiend.

Herein lies your problem... the modern version of Goebbels is Karl Rove, and the "willing" freely give up freedom and liberty are you right wing pea brains...

But, when authoritarian leaders name wiretaps and surveillance of citizens a "Patriot" act, the pea brain "Parrots" act...

Those that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin

 

[LibocalypseNow]

Yes George Bush was also a Socialist. That's why i always cringe when the dumbed-down Liberal Press still refers to him as being a "Conservative." Our new Socialist Boss is the same as the old Socialist Boss in my opinion. I just don't see any real differences between the two. Vote all Socialists out!! Republican and Democrat!!

 

[Bfgrn]

Yes George Bush was also a Socialist. That's why i always cringe when the dumbed-down Liberal Press still refers to him as being a "Conservative." Our new Socialist Boss is the same as the old Socialist Boss in my opinion. I just don't see any real differences between the two. Vote all Socialists out!! Republican and Democrat!!

Educate yourself on our founding father's severe regulations of corporations, then, read up on what a corporatocracy is...

THEN, apply your wrath where the REAL threat is...

 

[Bern80]

On Ayn Rand:

'There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old’s life: “The Lord of the Rings” and “Atlas Shrugged.” One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs.

Dumber words were never spoken. It is a mind boggling, non-sensical statement made be someone more content to hurl insults than evaluate the ideology behind it.

I'm not sure what exactley is childish about believing you have a right to the fruits of your labor and the right to defend them.

 

[Bern80]

Brilliant woman for sure. Socialism is definitely on the march here in the U.S. The thing i always struggle to understand or accept is the fact that so many citizens are so willing to just give all their Freedoms & Liberty away. Today's America kind of reminds me of Germany during the Nazi reign. The citizens of Germany were just so willing to go along with anything the Nazis did or simply ignored the awful things they were doing. It really is a Sheeple mentality. There certainly weren't too many citizens in Germany who stood up to the Nazis and there just aren't too many citizens in America currently standing up to their Socialists either. The few that are standing up are being smeared as being "Loons" or "Un-American Nazis" by the usual suspects. Goebbels used these very same tactics in Germany as well. It's all an effort to publicly shame and discredit anyone who dares to oppose their oppressive Socialist agenda. I really do hope more Americans become inspired and begin to fight to take their country back but i'm just not very optimistic at this point. Thanks for your post Lightfiend.

Herein lies your problem... the modern version of Goebbels is Karl Rove, and the "willing" freely give up freedom and liberty are you right wing pea brains...

But, when authoritarian leaders name wiretaps and surveillance of citizens a "Patriot" act, the pea brain "Parrots" act...

Those that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin

What freedom exactly do you lose on the off chance you were someone who was deemed needing of wiring tapping?

 

[Kevin_Kennedy]

Brilliant woman for sure. Socialism is definitely on the march here in the U.S. The thing i always struggle to understand or accept is the fact that so many citizens are so willing to just give all their Freedoms & Liberty away. Today's America kind of reminds me of Germany during the Nazi reign. The citizens of Germany were just so willing to go along with anything the Nazis did or simply ignored the awful things they were doing. It really is a Sheeple mentality. There certainly weren't too many citizens in Germany who stood up to the Nazis and there just aren't too many citizens in America currently standing up to their Socialists either. The few that are standing up are being smeared as being "Loons" or "Un-American Nazis" by the usual suspects. Goebbels used these very same tactics in Germany as well. It's all an effort to publicly shame and discredit anyone who dares to oppose their oppressive Socialist agenda. I really do hope more Americans become inspired and begin to fight to take their country back but i'm just not very optimistic at this point. Thanks for your post Lightfiend.

Herein lies your problem... the modern version of Goebbels is Karl Rove, and the "willing" freely give up freedom and liberty are you right wing pea brains...

But, when authoritarian leaders name wiretaps and surveillance of citizens a "Patriot" act, the pea brain "Parrots" act...

Those that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin

What freedom exactly do you lose on the off chance you were someone who was deemed needing of wiring tapping?

The right of privacy and the fourth amendment are violated.

"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized." - 4th Amendment

 

[Dr.Traveler]

What freedom exactly do you lose on the off chance you were someone who was deemed needing of wiring tapping?

So you're comfortable with a Democratic President, backed by party control of the Legislative Branch, having these powers to target those he considers to be enemies of the United States?

 

[Dr.Traveler]

Dumber words were never spoken. It is a mind boggling, non-sensical statement made be someone more content to hurl insults than evaluate the ideology behind it.

I'm not sure what exactley is childish about believing you have a right to the fruits of your labor and the right to defend them.

Rand's philosophy works in a fictional novel. In the real world Rand's philosophy fails to account for the fact that no one can accomplish much on their own.

 

[LibocalypseNow]

Ok i guess i'll just have to be more blunt here...Ayn Rand was vastly more brilliant and accomplished than anyone currently posting on this site. So go with Rand on this one.

 

[Bern80]

Dumber words were never spoken. It is a mind boggling, non-sensical statement made be someone more content to hurl insults than evaluate the ideology behind it.

I'm not sure what exactley is childish about believing you have a right to the fruits of your labor and the right to defend them.

Rand's philosophy works in a fictional novel. In the real world Rand's philosophy fails to account for the fact that no one can accomplish much on their own.

This rationale I found to be one of the fundamental differences between liberals and conservatives. Liberals make themselves dependant on others. They sell the individual short and expect very little of them. Why do you insist people are capable of so little when they are demonstrably capable of so much?

The FACT that you are unwilling to accept, is that people don't achieve because they essentially CHOOSE not to. You simply can not make the argument, looking at the people you know, or just knowing human nature in general, that the majority of people have maxed out their potential. That it is simply impossible to achieve anymore.