In Defence of Ayn Rand #7: Context, Charity, and Sacrifice

A response to witzkeyman's horrible smear on Ayn Rand.

Topics:

- Rand's position on charity

- context dropping

- smearing

- need does not justify theft, slavery or murder

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Ayn
• Rand
• Objectivism
• charity
• altruism

[gamingnerd666]

Does logic play a role in the politics of the left or is it emotion?

[PaulMcKeever]

That could be a good video topic. Thanks Gbeast. Quick response: logic plays a role on the left like women are witches if they weigh the same as a duck.

[blujesus]

witzkeyman made one major mistake. he only used a photo of the VICTIM and not the corporate imperial powers (thugs, and brutes) that have raped and STOLEN from her continent. the US and other countries have made BILLIONS selling weapons in africa. additionally, the west continues to reap the benefits of colonialism with unfair contracts, mining rights, etc.

[PaulMcKeever]

So, the fact that these countries are being torn apart by religious fundamentalists and other anti-capitalist, collectivist totalitarians who starve and murder millions has nothing to do with the starving child?

[blujesus]

you are attempting to absolve the crimes of colonialism by saying "they, (africans) did it too."

is it ethical to profit from the sale of weapons to a war zone?

[PaulMcKeever]

Yes, if you are selling them to people who are trying to defend their freedom to live a rational life. No, if you are selling them to tyrants or theocrats/autocrats unless, by doing so, you are defending your freedom to live a rational life (e.g., if the tyrants/theocrats/autocrats are using the weapons to kill other tyrants/theocrats/autocrats who terrorize your country by, for example, flying planes into the buildings in your country).

[kaiwaig]

Regarding charity, I think it rings true that Ayn Rand was echoing the concept of the 'deserving poor' vs. those who were poor of their own doing. Between those who want a hand up versus those who demand a hand out.

[jjenson2006]

If there was no such thing as capitalism, there would be a whole lot more starving people like that child in the picture.

[xexixk]

1/2 The name of the photographer who took that photo of the child being stalked by the vulture was Kevin Carter. He was from South Africa, not England. No one knows what happened to the child. The child did not die in his presence and the vulture did not start picking at it. After taking the photo he chased the vulture away. Another photographer with him said this was taken near a UN food distrubution location and the child was left at that spot by people getting food along with other children.

[xexixk]

2/2 This experience was certainly disturbing to Kevin Carter, but he had many other personal issues going on as well.

[TaffyAlpha]

"Lets go and protest socialism, but first I need to collect my medicare card and social security check." - a tea partier.

[Frettsy]

"my parents put me through college. not everybody has the same chance in life." - TOUCHING.

[xxdonaldqxx]

Randoids want to live in the movie the Bladerunner.

[Jazzper79]

Hi Paul

Great video -- I have seen you before on youtube, I really like the way you analyze and tear it all up and get to the truth. I am 28 years old and have become a big fan of Ayn Rand this year, have read three of her books and can't wait to study it all. Thanks for the video.

Jesper, Denmark

[jnycnuk]

the problem with philosophers is they are too far removed from the real world. rand's convoluted terminology tends to confuse rather than offer solutions. the fact of the matter is that rules are made by every nation to ensure safety, health, shelter and food are available to all, however, some countries do a better job than others.

[Waltkeven]

That was awesome, Mr. Mckeever. What a great, informative rebuttal. You are so cool!

[rbilkie]

This is a great video. Props for Mr. McKeever. Whoever made the original video, I think I've found the depth of human rottenness. McKeever nails it.