A bit of concern about recent discussions on the Gulch.
As a Conservative who appreciates and frequents this site I often look at the postings and wonder where they apply to Objectivism. I post my fair share of politically charged items here for discussion. But when I do there is a firm Conservative reason that applies to each article which offers the possibility for me to present my belief that Conservatism and Objectivism are very nearly one in the same.
I've noticed that recent postings on the Gulch have been related to world events that have somewhat blurred the focus of the objectivist discussion, in my opinion this is a travesty. I've resolved the matter by concluding that "world events" or even "national events" really can't be properly discussed as objectivist topics because Objectivism relates to the individual and the individuals pursuit of his/her own satisfaction in his/her own life. Rightly so, in Objectivism the individual is paramount and individuals pursuing their own interests are the only way a truly prosperous and free society can emerge. FYI, this in my life-philosophy is American Conservatism, nothing less.
I can see where local and national topics can be directly relevant to Objectivists. Global politics can only be pointed to as a harbinger of what could be if we, the American people, allow our nation to slip into the same decrepit mire that has enslaved so many nations over the centuries. But neither subject, national or global, has any direct (immediate) impact on ones day-to-day personal pursuits so how does it apply? Why should it be discussed on the Gulch?
For my own edification, I've rationalized that the United States of America, or any country or state for that matter, are in themselves pseudo-entities in a global/national society. The foundation of this thought stems from the understanding that the foundation of any society, be it a village or a town, a city or a county, or a state or a country, is nothing more than a collection of relatively like minded people who have agreed (or been born into) a set of laws they willfully agree to abide by. In doing so, their individual satisfaction and prosperity are now tied to the environment in which they live. In such societies, and all societies are all like this, the collectivist decisions of the group can destroy individual freedoms if the body of individuals not careful.
Our Founding Fathers were "that careful" in establishing the charter for this Nation. Objectively, should we not be focusing our efforts introducing discussion topics that ALWAYS cultivate the Objectivist viewpoint to those who visit this site? Is not the only way to restore this country by appealing to the profound truths that Objectivism offers to the individual? Will not the addition of millions of THINKING human beings in American society negate and even reverse the active munching of our liberties by the moochers cultivated by the Great Orifice and his miniOns?
Galt's Gulch is far more significant than any current events website - there are literally millions of them where people can flame all they like. Objectivism, regardless of the topic being posted, should ultimately be the core of any discussion in any thread on the Gulch. After all, Objectivism is the reason why all of us came to this website (even the freedom hating trolls, those desiring to proselytize, or those, like me, hoping to find an audience for his/her novels).
My 2 bits.
I've noticed that recent postings on the Gulch have been related to world events that have somewhat blurred the focus of the objectivist discussion, in my opinion this is a travesty. I've resolved the matter by concluding that "world events" or even "national events" really can't be properly discussed as objectivist topics because Objectivism relates to the individual and the individuals pursuit of his/her own satisfaction in his/her own life. Rightly so, in Objectivism the individual is paramount and individuals pursuing their own interests are the only way a truly prosperous and free society can emerge. FYI, this in my life-philosophy is American Conservatism, nothing less.
I can see where local and national topics can be directly relevant to Objectivists. Global politics can only be pointed to as a harbinger of what could be if we, the American people, allow our nation to slip into the same decrepit mire that has enslaved so many nations over the centuries. But neither subject, national or global, has any direct (immediate) impact on ones day-to-day personal pursuits so how does it apply? Why should it be discussed on the Gulch?
For my own edification, I've rationalized that the United States of America, or any country or state for that matter, are in themselves pseudo-entities in a global/national society. The foundation of this thought stems from the understanding that the foundation of any society, be it a village or a town, a city or a county, or a state or a country, is nothing more than a collection of relatively like minded people who have agreed (or been born into) a set of laws they willfully agree to abide by. In doing so, their individual satisfaction and prosperity are now tied to the environment in which they live. In such societies, and all societies are all like this, the collectivist decisions of the group can destroy individual freedoms if the body of individuals not careful.
Our Founding Fathers were "that careful" in establishing the charter for this Nation. Objectively, should we not be focusing our efforts introducing discussion topics that ALWAYS cultivate the Objectivist viewpoint to those who visit this site? Is not the only way to restore this country by appealing to the profound truths that Objectivism offers to the individual? Will not the addition of millions of THINKING human beings in American society negate and even reverse the active munching of our liberties by the moochers cultivated by the Great Orifice and his miniOns?
Galt's Gulch is far more significant than any current events website - there are literally millions of them where people can flame all they like. Objectivism, regardless of the topic being posted, should ultimately be the core of any discussion in any thread on the Gulch. After all, Objectivism is the reason why all of us came to this website (even the freedom hating trolls, those desiring to proselytize, or those, like me, hoping to find an audience for his/her novels).
My 2 bits.
This is one reason I choose not to post in many threads. Some see no issue with utilizing names from religion, while rejecting the values behind religion. I see no problem with a person who understands a study rejecting it's application in their lives, that's proper. But to reject it, to say it means nothing and has no value, but to call upon the namesake as profanity while at the same time telling another person who sees value in it that they can't even mention it - I find that inconsistent at best.
We all have those areas in our lives where we allow inconsistencies. Some are big things and some are small unimportant things. Where I draw a line is in my interactions with others. I would never tell an atheist that in order to be accepted, as my friend they must accept my religion, why should I be forced to surrender my religion to be their friend. Or to even post on the same board?
We've had the discussion about Von Mises as well. The comment that people misinterpret is that in a situation where an individual could have universal knowledge and foresight of all ramifications of decisions, then central planning would be more efficient. Since that is impossible (except for the entity that we disagree exists), then a capitalistic free market is the next most efficient system. That system depends on private property rights.
Maph, Modern Libertarianism does not want to protect property rights to any great degree. The protection of property rights is critical to objectivism explanation of politics, economics and law.
The best (I should know) is being a non-political Objectivist. It is very easy to bomb the right and the left if you just stick with the facts. Modern American Conservatism is too close to statism and the religious right for me. Statism in an environment of declining personal liberty is a recipe for disaster, literally for death.
That's the only other Ayn Rand site I've joined but I hardly ever go there...
I find this site far more enjoyable ;-).
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