A Few Thoughts on Rand, Objectivism, Objectivists and Liberty

Hay (spelling intentional---folksier than 'Hey', which could mean 'Hey, put that down, thief')!

Was reading an interesting column at the AtlasSphere* today, composed by an Objectivist** who is confronting dead-on the social restriction being an 'Objectivist' entails (You think YOU'RE not PC!!). Got me thinking. Advance apologies!

*AtlasSphere is a blog where 'Objectivist' writers and kindred spirits share their wares---you may be surprised at some of the participants, e.g. John Stossell, Tom Sowell. You can visit here---the 'columns' section is aces...

http://www.TheAtlasphere.com

**"Objectivist" is a self ascribed term to those who believe in an "objective reality" where it's our job to perceive and integrate that reality and benefit form our own perspicacity and integrity, very much independent of what others may think we should think. That contrasts with the practice of "subjectivism" which ultimately seems to boil down to trying to interpret the perceptions and thoughts of others, who are busy interpreting, for their operational purposes the perceptions and thoughts "knowing" others may 'have', ad infinitum. In that respect, all of us should be Objectivists!! The term is tightly held by the strictest Ayn Rand adherents, which has the ironic effect of making those folks appear cultish.

Depending upon into which of the categories, you may fall, one or more of these may work for you:

Column A: For those who haven't read Ayn Rand's ATLAS SHRUGGED. You're likely in for a treat. For many (e.g. Glenn Beck's daughter; oh, and me) it's self-admittedly life-changing. Published in 1957, it reads like the newspapers we should have, but don't, today (If 'journalism' and the advent of community activism as a a collectivist tool interest you, you might want to start with Rand's classic THE FOUNTAINHEAD. I did.)

Column B: For those who once-upon-time long time ago started ATLAS, then put it down, you may want to pick it up again. Amazing what lifetime experience and human events can do to provide meaning where there may have been none before.

Column C: For those who once upon a time read, admired and enjoyed the book,but for whom it may have been years since you did so, you will find a re-read jaw-dropping and surprisingly LOL humorous in places.

Column D: For those who have recently attempted a read, but have found it not your cup of tea, no guilt. ATLAS and Rand are merely one way to get to a libertarian point of view (Personally, I was a shmucky Stevensonian Democrat when first intro'd to Rand via THE FOUNTAINHEAD in 1965 by a Baptist preacher's daughter. Good thing she was hot, or I'd never bother to open a book that big, written by a...um...woman....Had just given up on THE GOOD EARTH...was headed back to Robert Ruark and Ian Fleming).

Column E: For dyed-in the-wool Stage 1 Objectivists, you're a brave group, albeit occasionally obnoxious, of folks. But you'll evolve...You may be noticing that an in your face "You're an immoral social metaphysician" approach is not an especially good tactic for opening minds...

Column F: Those who love ATLAS but do not closely identify with self-proclaimed Objectivists. That would include me, to an extent. But you gotta love The Ayn Rand Institute, the Cato Institute, Beck's recognition of the book, it's staying power sales-wise, and the utter sine qua non of the contribution Rand has made to the cause of libertarian culture. And cut the neophyte Objectivists some slack. Like your Mom once said, "It's a stage." Like your Dad said, "Don't throw the baby out with the bath water." And like McCarney's early and mid-career music, "Don't throw out 'Off the Ground' with the senile ol' fart's adolescent sayin's." And like the scoundrel FDR once said about some tinhorn dictator 'ally' of the US, "He may be a sonabitch, but he's OUR sonofabitch." (Not that Stage One Objectivists are SOB's...I just like the quote...we can do that on the Front Porch :)

Your comments, as always, welcomed!!