Another essay I don't have to write, because Butler Shaffer's already done it (and, truth be told, done it much better than I likely would): The Libertarians' Albatross.
Unlike Butler, I did come to the freedom philosophy via Rand (and found her via the rock band Rush). At the time, I was working as a college professor, teaching mostly introductory psychology courses, and doing it from as individualistic a perspective as I could. Upon venturing into her nonfiction, I almost immediately began recognizing problems with her philosophy, especially in areas dealing with psychology and other social issues ... but, to my everlasting embarrassment, that didn't stop me from becoming a Randroid asshole for about a year. That's probably why I've not written much on Rand or Objectivism.
In other news from friends, my wonderful friend Elias, self-appointed General of The Mental Militia (he did found the group, after all) writes to tell me that Iloilo Jones' guest on the American Jury Hour radio program this week will be Vin Suprynowicz. Live broadcast is on Thursday, 11/4, beginning at 12 p.m. PST. It's on various radio stations and has a streaming internet feed. For all the details, please see the TMM announcement.
Last (for now), I failed to mention yesterday that it was on a similar manure-spreading-type of day back in 1996 that the Liberty Round Table was officially launched. Eight years already ... where does the time go? Happy birthday LRT -- even though I'm not active on the list at present, I think of y'all frequently, and hope that the spirit that ignited the group continues glowing brightly in each of you. And a special thanks to Don Lobo, who took a chance on an overworked psych prof who was a total newbie at web design -- and thereby sealed my place in history as co-founder.
Bravo, Butler! -- And More from Friends
Bob Wallace says:
IMHO, Rand's main problem is that her "perfection" consists of projecting all evil elsewhere, i.e., scapegoating. In her case, onto her "looters" and "parasites." Other groups, such as the Nazis and Communists, tried this trick, and I believe it is the main reason the attempt to create a Heaven on earth always leads to a Hell. It always requires pretending imperfect human nature can be made perfect, by casting evil onto other people, which requires that they were erased from the earth.
Sunni says:
Good points, Bob. It's a temptation to launch into an essay that's been percolating in my mind for some time in response, but I've got some contract work on a tight deadline that's keeping me from it. :plain:
Elias Alias says:
Wow, eight years for the LRT! Congrats on that, Ms Snake. And congrats on your wonderful blog. It looks excellent. Salute!
Elias