Charles Colson on the philosophy of Any Rand. It's a pretty good overview. A bit harsh, but not unfair. There is something obscene about Rand's philosophy (as I understand it), but it can't be denied that Rand was right: There are two ways that people, as a general rule, approach their daily affairs: through force or trade. Trade is peaceful, and therefore ought to be encouraged. Force is violent, and therefore ought to be discouraged. Taxation is force, regulations are force.
Rand wanted all trade. Thing is, she was an extremist, and she applied her philosophy to an individual's personal life, not just the market place and public square. An atheist ("Mr. Buckley, you are too smart to believe in Got"), she didn't believe in the spiritual soul, didn't believe there is something higher, didn't believe in virtue (except her inversion of it). To her, all was trade, seeking advantage, screwing the weaker person if possible. The best method in the market place was, for her, the best method in one-on-one relations. That's where her useful thought became obscene. For her, there can be no such thing as a true Mother Teresa or a truly loving husband. Both are merely fools or frauds.
Disclosure: I haven't read much Rand (all or most of her Virtue of Selfishness and a few articles, plus commentary). I haven't even read Atlas Shrugged. Then again, I've never met Hitler nor played the role of Bubba the Lifer's toy, but I know both are unpleasant.
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Now your day is complete: A pair of jeans has been recreated using over 3000 drinks cans. Where? China, of course, which seems determined to out-capitalize us and out-inane us. It's actually pretty cool-looking:
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Sweeping the Halloween nation, from East to West: Frozen paintballs.
