Ayn Rand: Conservatism, An Obituary

Excerpt from Ayn Rand's 1960 Princeton Lecture called: Conservatism, An Obituary.

Rand provides sound constructive criticism in the form of sharp rebuke to conservatives who refuse to fight for their capitalist principles - who are too cowardly to proclaim capitalism the only correct ethical political system most conducive to economic liberty.

The result of this cowardice is always capitulation to the socialist left, just as if they had openly joined the leftist ranks.

And obviously this draws strong parallels to the recent election of Obama.

The full lecture is nearly an hour long - I have posted the first 10 minutes, and may post more in the future.

I've also posted some links to recent articles regarding this particular brand of cowardly conservatism to augment the timeless nature of Rand's criticism.

http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=37645

http://www.americanthinker.com/printpage/?url=http://www.americanthinker.com/...

http://dailycaller.com/2010/07/06/senate-bill-to-repeal-health-reform-lacks-b...

http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/07/the_leftfascist_axis_again.html

http://spectator.org/blog/2010/07/20/the-consequences-of-lindsey-gr

For Commentary Purposes only, under Fair Use.
I own nothing.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Ayn Rand
• Alinsky
• Cloward Piven
• Obama
• Socialism
• Capitalism
• Liberal
• Conservative
• RINO
• Tea Party
• Libertarian
• Dictatorship
• Freedom

[mala265]

She has some great political views .... superb quote " any ignorant shopkeeper knows it in his own simple terms ..although he is unable to discuss political theory"...that is so true ......

I cant seem to warm to her on a personal level though ....she does not believe in a God or have any kids... Ive listened to her in other interviews she has given before and she comes across very very cold almost like she has never experienced love of any sort .... thats just the impression I got.

[haypenny]

@mala265 I definately understand your point mala. But, she was actually quite a passionate woman, and her books contain a great deal of romance. Her husband was also a brilliant man. You're right, she was a staunch atheist. I don't always agree with her views - but when I do agree.. I'm awestruck by her brilliance. She once described living under totalitarianism as constant fear and hopelessness from morning to night - that may be why she seems guarded.

[haypenny]

@haypenny I made this video to express my frustration with American politicians - liberals who race toward tyranny, conservatives who allow it, and voters who don't understand what they're vote for. It is, in large part, why the US is in its current state. Thanks for commenting!

[pinegrove33]

Rand is appearing more prescient than ever post 2008. She knows the left better than 90 percent of GOP politicians.

[Kingcoul11]

Great mind! There was a time when Capitalism had people who could actually string a few sentences together in its defense. Today those who say they BELIEVE in Capitalism don't even TRUST it, let alone defend it.

[madderbass]

What was the music used?

Excellent video. This is also very comparable to the current GOP/Tea Party debates.

[ohiosux]

@mala265 Your survival does not hinge on whether or not you like the woman's persona. It depends on your acceptance and/or realization of the battle underway, and which side you will choose. There is no gray area here. It's black and white. Supporting ANY wealth redistribution/plunder is to support it ALL.

[jbutte]

OK so let's abolish the department of education and give the power back to the states.

[adamsfall]

@jbutte Yes, I do. "Leave No Child Behind" was an abysmal failure.

[jbutte]

@adamsfall you do realize that we have government run schools where some people graduate and can't read?

[adamsfall]

@jbutte You do realize that 62% of the personal debt in this country is due to health care costs?

[1RationalMind]

@adamsfall I feel it worthwhile to point out that I am strongly in favor of voluntary systems that help others- The Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders and the like. The difference between these "people serving people" methods and governmental methods rests on 1 key factor- force. Force negates an individual's free will choice- it is this aspect that makes the actions of government immoral. I don't have a right to go to my neighbor, steal their money & give it to another. Neither does government.

[1RationalMind]

@adamsfall "Tyranny is letting people die because they can't get insured" And to point a gun the citizens who have the money to pay for another's medical needs against their will is NOT tyranny? Under what twisted form of "logic" could this NOT be identified as tyranny?- the "logic" of altruism, which is the philosophical foundation of Socialism.

A need of one person does NOT imply a "right" of another to force anyone to serve that need. To serve another's needs by force is slavery.

[jbutte]

@adamsfall ah, i kind of forget that we have a credit card culture of people who are in debt up to their eyeballs. that's why i like dave ramsey's ideas about getting out of debt and being in a position where you can have some cash to start up a small business... my paradigm may be counter-culture, but it's one where people have a better chance at being financially healthy. boss yells at you one day... just leave! --where ya going? --- i don't have any payments! (debt).