Newsletierof theAvn RondInstituie Volume9, Number3, Morch l99B

Ayn Rand: A Senseof Life Nominqted F6r Acqdemy Aword un.\rarcn rr ar v p.\r..Easrern .rne..rn estimatedone billion peopleworldwide wili watch the AcademyArvards telecast. In ad- dition to the annual paradeof movie starsand featurefilm clips,viervers will seea clip from : A Senseof Life. For the first tin.re,the Academy is including clips from nominated documentaries,a spectacularboon for publicizing Objectivism. 'i-helatesi chapter iii tl-restory of iv,lichaelPaxion's docunrentary began at 5:30a.ivr. on February 10 in Los Angeles,where Paxton was watching televisionwaiting for an announcementof the AcademyAward nominations. Awarefor a f'ewdays that his had made the "short list,"Paxton anxiously awaited rvhat was likely to be bad nervs.But the program ended without any mention of the nominations fbr Best Documentary Feature.Then he receiveda call from the fllm's publicist,rvho beganthe conversation An oudiencelines up ot theQuod Cinemoin New Yorkfo: < by apologizing.. .for calling so early. Then the news:Sense of Life had receivedan Os- sold-outshowino of Avn Rond:A Senseof Life rirr nomination. Prxton reportshis reaction:"1felt fitteennrirrutes of pure, unadulter- Senseof LifeProduction Supporr ated happiness,and then I began fielding ;r barrageof congratulatoryphone calls." Aware that the fihn r.vasuniikely to be releasedcornmercially until early 1998, ARI made contributionsto the fllm Strand Releasinghad arrangeda one-lveekrun i1ta major documentaryfestival in Pas- man,ystages of development, including: adeneiin October 1997,thus qualifying the filrn fora 1997Acaderny Award. Selling the movie: it was at an ARl-spor.rsoredbeneflt Nominations were determined by specialcommittees, which viewed the 70 en- Paramount studios on November 2, 1996, that the head tered documentariesat specialscreenings in Los Angeles,Ner'v York and San Francisco. Strand Releasingsaw the film and subsequentlydecided to pu The rvinnerswill be determinedby an eiectionin which all of the approximately5,000 chasethe distribution rights. Acadernymembers are eligibleto vote. In order to vote,horvever, members must attest Location shooting: interviervswith Michael Berliner, Cvnth to having seenall five nominated . Arlong the other nomineesis a documentary Peikoff,A-l Ramrus (writer for Mike \Vallace),and John Ridpa by Spike Lee,who attendedNYU film school r,vithPaxton. were shot at the Institute, as were other scenes,including a *'all Ayn Rand photos and bookshelf of foreign editions of her rvorks Materials:ARI helped to discover rvhi, Sense of Life Production Teom Peikoff Nomed o Top Host variety of photos and documents appearedon screenthroughout the frlr Both Filmmaker Michael Paxton and LeonardPeikoff has been named one Research:Michael Paxton utrliz, associirteproducer/con.rposer have close ties to ARI. of the 100 "most important radio talk ARI personnelfamiliar with Ayn Ranc In 1987,Michael Paxton moved from NewYork City to Los show hosts in AmericJ' by Talkersmaga- life and the archivesto suppll' b.rc Angeles,a move facilitatedby the promiseof a fuIl-timejob at zine.Billed as"The Bible of Talk Radio," ground information and to check tl ARI. Previously,he hadworked part time for both PeterSchwartz the magazinecited Peikoff as "a powerfirl accuracyof various detailste.g.. d:tt at TheIntellecttnl Activist and Harry Binswangerat TheObjectivist new radio presence."According to the namesof people in photos). Forum,rvhile completing his M.A. in film at NewYork University. magazine,there are 4,300 talk showhosts Awareof the difficultiesin breakinginto the fi1mindustry, Paxton acrossthe country,appearing on 1,350 Box Office Updote plannedto takethe ARI job while trying to makesome connec- talk show stationsand networks.That "The film perforn.redphenorn, -i tionsin Hollpvood. Althoughit took tlvo and a half yearswhile puts Dr. Peikoffin the top 2.3 percentin rrdrr)nallrr rnrellt\!rr in thp firqt '..^^lwggK-(JPc!ld- ^"'.o -: workingas ARI's mail-room clerk and project assistant, the strate- the magazine'sratings. comparedto other documentaries.ii gy succeeded.He landeda job in the featureanimation depart- The winning hostswere selected by the a hit." reported Strand Releasingc. ment at Disneyand thenwent on to otherindustry positions be- magazine'seditors and "twenty highly re- presidentJon Cerrans. foreundertaking the SenseofLife project in 1994. spectedconsultants, managers, and pro- Scheduledfor a one-weekperto ]elf Britting'sARI "career"began in 1985,when he was the In- grammers."The basisfor selectionwas mance in , the film n'as e: stitute'sfirst volunteer worker, helping rvith various clerical chores. "any combination Continuedon poge2 tended due to sold-out shorvsdurir He hadjust movedto LosAngeles to pursueopportunities in the- its first rveekend. In Los Angeles. aterand film aftercompleting his B.A.in philosophyat U.C.Berke- Rand archivematerials led to further inter- weekdaymatinee was added along rr ith Iey. Involvedin the Senseof Lifeprojectand makingcreative contri- est in both A1.nRand's life and the process one week extension of its original nr't butionsfrom the beginning,Britting not only wrote the original of preservation.He now worksnearly fuil week booking. "The attendancerr-ill he. musicalscore for the film, but wasin chargeof research,including time asARI's archivist while developing his future bookings acrossthe countr\'." the gatheringof visualmaterials. His involvementwith the Ayn orvncreative projects. Contrnuedon poge Peikoff-Continued from poge I of the following aspectsof the candidate's Ayn Rand: A Senseof Life professional status": ratings, Iongevity, Openings uniqueness,potential, social impact, ser- vice, industry recognition,recognition by other media, courage,and talent. Other Atlonto:Morch l3 winners,anncounced in the Februaryis- LefontScreening Room sue,included RushLimbaugh, Don Imus, 258.l Piedmon'iRood ffi;,ut-r and Michael Reagan. Laura Schlesinger, OrongeCounty, CA: Morch 20-26 PortTheotre PaulLyle Film Componion Book Avqiloble 2905 EostCoot Highwoy In May, ,|yn Rand: A Senseof Lrfe,a Coronodel Mor companion book to the film, will be re- Xm*r leasedto bookstores.The book features Chicogo:Morch 20 Theoter An excerptfrom Tolkersmogozine, feoturing Leonord Peikoff os the entire script from the film, more than FineArts oneof thenotion's too l0O tolkrodio hosts. 418 S. Michigon 300 photographsfrom the movie along SenseoJ Life Reviews: some personol observq' with an introduction by . rions by Michqel Berliner Dollos: Morch 27 The script includesthe narration,written UA Cinemo2 Rand:A Senseof Life was the subjectof major reviews '\yn by Michael Paxton, plus the interview 5540 YoleBlvd. in New York and LosAngeles publications. However, the content segments with Ayn Rand, Leonard of those reviewsmade it clear that the media has a long way to MA: April 3 Peikoff,,fohn Ridpath, Combridge, go before reachingthe opennessand objectivity shown by the KendollSquore Cinemo Michael Berliner,and others. The vol- AcademyAwards nominating committee. One KendollSquore Bldg., #1900 ume, publishedby Gibbs-Smith,can be New York reviewsincluded: the Times,the Daily News,the ordered in advanceat many bookstores. Seottle:April24 (one week only) Post,Newsday, Time Out (an entertainmentmagazine), and The More information may be found at Gibbs- VorsityTheotre Village Voice. Los Angelesreviews included: the Times,HoIIy- Smith'sWebsite, wwwgibbs-smith.com or 4329 UniversityWoy, N.E. Reporter,and L.A. Weeklyand New Times. A review also wood by callingtheir order line at 800-748-5439. appearedin Daily Variety. Son Froncisco:Moy 8 paper was a rave or evengenerally Opero PlozoCinemq No review from a major Conlroversy in Missoulo positive, but most provided considerabledescriptive material 6012 Von NessAve. ond and found somethingpositive to say. For example,Daily Variety ARI's op-ed "The GreenUnabomb- Moy 8 (3 doys only) found the film to be "a solid and appreciativeprecis of her life," eri'written by RobertTracinski, caused a UC Theohe and the Hollywood Reporterwrote that it "details a fascinating month of continuous controversyafter its 2036 UniversityAve. life, and it does so with skill and intelligence."Writing in the publication in the Montana Missoulian UC Berkeley New YorkPost, PBS reviewerMichael Medved called Ayn Rand on fanuary2. Missoulais home to many 8 "one of the intellectualheroines of this century" and said the environmentalistsand is locatedabout 70 Philodelphio:Moy RitzTheoter film "succeedsin bringing her to life." Giving the movie three miles from the site of the Unabomber's CenterCity stars,Medved dubbed it "officially unrated, with no 'adult con- capture. tent' exceptfor challenging,important ideas."Even some in- Identifring the fact that "The Un- Son Diego:June I 9-23 tendedcriticisms were actuallypraise: the LosAngeles Times said abomber embracesthe central tenet of Ken Cinemo that "Rand herselfwould havebeen delightedwith this fiIm," environmentalism-the tenet that the 4061 AdomsAve. and Newsdaysaid that it was told "in words that might have man-madeis abhorrent,that the'natural' beenwritten by Randherself." is noble,and thus that man must be sac- Not surprisingly, the reviewers showed themselvesto be rificed to nature," the piece sparked an thoroughly modern in their intellectual'premises.A recurring unprecedented,number of letters.to-the- Op-Ed Updore objection to the movie was its "lack of balance" and editor and phone calls expressingindig- New ARI op-eds have been Pul "bias"("proven"by its endorsementby the EstateofAyn Rand). nation from local readers.The nature of lishedin 15 newspaperssince the Febn Unableto acceptor appreciatea romanticpicture of a heroicin- the responsewas unlike dissentingletters ary announcementin Impact.Highligh dividual, reviewersdemanded to see criticisms of Miss Rand or callsthe paperhas received in response include: and evidenceof her assumedpersonal failings. fanet Maslin of to past editorials. According to editorial I Robert Tracinski'sop-eds entitlt the New York Timesrevealed her own standardswhen she la- editor SteveWoodruff, the theme of the "No Paradox in Our Foreign Polio mented thar Senseof Lifewas nominated for an Oscar,while one response was indignation-not at the printed in the LosAngeles Daily News' of her own favorites(about a sado-masochist)was not. At least, specific content of the editorial-but to 8), and "Is SocialSecurity Moral?" pul her review was devoted primarily to a description of the con- the fact that the paper daredpublish such lishedin the LasVegas Review lournal tents,which is more than can be said for Newsdayand the Daily an "extreme" position. In addition to 3). "No Paradoxin Our ForeignPolio News,which were basicallydiatribes whose essencewas "I don't calls and letters, a group of environ- demonstratesthat altruism underliestl like Ayn Rand, and the movie did." mentalists marched into the Missoul- seemingparadox of America's"combir, Reviews,however, are like advertisments,and the length ian's officesand demandedthe firins of tion of fecklessadventurism in Bosn and prominent placementof the Senseof Life reviews(often ac- Mr. Woodruff. and hand-wringingtimidity in Iraq."-{ companied by photos) has helped the film reach its audience. The op-ed has been a regulartopic triusm is also named as the underlvir Although it is culturally premature to expect reviewersto re- of calls to local talk radio showsand was causeof Washington'srefusal to consid * spond positively to such a film about Ayn Rand, it is a major subjectedto a point by point responsein any alternative to Social Security in advancefor Objectivism that such a movie could be made,dis- an editorialby SierraClub Board of Di- SocialSecurity Moral?" tributed, nominated for an Oscar,and widely-and in most cas- rectorsmember Anne Ehrlich in an edito- I Gary Hull's "Love Is Selfish" rt' es-seriously reviewed. Confinuedon poge 4 Conlinuedon Poge The Tampa Tribune-Times COMMENTARY TheInjustice against

By Richord M. Solsmon Microsoft

Imagine a company that continu- steering, radios and air conditioning. "monopolist," becauseyour competi- ally generatesexceptional products. The resultswere imporved carsat lower tors are "shut out" of this market- Supposeit makes such products avail- prices. Had the manufacturers of the market you have created. able in ever-improvedversions, at ever- carpeting or air conditioning been Microsoft is only the latest in a lower prices. Supposethat the superi- allowed to charge"unfair competition," long line of victims of the unjust anti- ority of its products is so widely rec- we would still be driving bare-bones trustlaws. FTomALCOA in the 1950s ognized that they are used in almost cars. to IBM in the 1970s, to Wal-Mart in every industry, thereby raising produc- But that is exactly the chargethe the 1980s,the government'sgoal has tivity and living standardsacross the Justice Department now wants to en- alwaysbeen the same:prosecute an ex- globe.. shrine in the computer field. It claims ceptional firm that is growing riph, not Ifyou're a typical success-loving that by offering Explorer only as part through theft or fraud, but through su- American, you would regard it as self- of Windows, Microsoft has an "unfair perior production and voluntary trade. evident that this company ought to be advantage" over the makers of other Microsoft should be cheeredfor applauded. browsers. taking an unusually firm stand against But now imagine that this firm is According to the antitrusters, the Justice Department. But it is fo- denouncedas an evil "exploiter." Per- Microsoft should not setthe conditions cusing on the wrong issue. Its basic hapsits out-classedcompetitors com- of sale for its own products. It should argument should not be that the public plain to antitrust bureaucrats,who seek rather be compelled to makes its inno- benefits from the unfettered freedom of to harness this company. The firm's vations availableon whatevertermsthe the best producers. This argument is ability to gain market share by creat- government sets-on whatever terms true, but is not fundamental-and the ing the best products is condemnedas benefit those who did not, and could antitrustersknow it. "predatory." It is ordered to allow its not, originate this product. Microsoft needs to make the competition to catch up. The firm is Many people ask: If Microsoft's moral case for economic freedom. It ordered to sign an oxymoronic "con- products are so demonstrably good, needsto uphold the moral right to reap sent decree"-rsvhish is deliberately why is the companyunder assault?The the rewards of one's achievement's- made vague enough so that if the firm answeris: preciselybecause its prod- the moral right to soar as high as one's shows new signs of racing ahead,the ucts are good. Does Microsoft have a talents take one-the moral right to suc- bureaucratscan keep prosecuting it unique advantage by being able to ceed and not be shackeledby others' until it is finally reigned in. packageits browser with Windows? failures. Now, stop imagining. This is Of course. It has earned that ad- The principle to defend is that what hasbeen happeningto Microsoft, vantagebecause it, andno oneelse, cre- ability should be a source of reward, whosetrailblazing Windows is the op. atedWindows. If its competitorswant not a causeof punishment-a principle erating system for most personal com- the same benefit, let them develop a on whichAmerica wasbuilt, and a prin- puters today. product equal to Windows. If buyers ciple of which the antitrust law is an The latest instance of this attack do not like the terms Microsoft is ask- obscenemockery. on achievementis the recent court de- ing, they are completely free to patron- This is the position that will free cision prohibiting Microsoft from in- ize Microsoft's competitors. What they Microsft-and all other producers- corporating its new Internet browser should not be free to do is to have from the envious clutches of success- into Windows. Microsoft wants to sell Microsoft while eating it too. haters. that software, Explorer, as an integral All the prattle about "anti-com- petitive practices" means only one element of Windows. Richard M. Salsmanis vice presi- This healthy evo- thing: Microsoft is too competent. is a economic dent of H.C. Wainwright & Co. lution, successfulprod- Antitrust law is a tool to enfore the cofirmon to all Economicsin Boston, and a senior for fitted claims of any second-rateragainst any ucts. Automobiles, example, writer for the . only with the basics at the turn of the innovator. If you invent something so century were later enhancedwith win- good that the market clamors for it and dows, upholstery, carpeting, power makes you wealthy, you are deemeda Box Office-Continued from poge I Op-ed-Continued from poge 2 Missoulo-Continued from poge 2 said Gerrans. published in the San Diego Union-Tribune rial also publishedin the Missoulian. As ImpaA goesto press,ten theaters on Valentine'sday. This op-ed unmasksthe 'The view that ARI's position is wrong becauseit is too "er have scheduledshowings of the film [see evil of selflessor unconditional "lovei' indi- treme,"has been the theme of the many lettersreceived by AX page2l betweenMarch and ]une, with ad- catesits true nature and encouragesreaders and Mr. tacinski-with one exception:A Missoula-arearanch ditional locations anticipated. to "pause,to ignore the trivialities of life- er, who has been the target of abusefrom environmentalistr and to celebratethe selfishpleasure of being called to praise ARI and thank Mr. Tracinski for the op-ed Pro-Abodion leoder Hoils worthy of someone'slove and of having honesty. Peikoff Op-Ed found someoneworthy of yoursJ' CollegeCredir for ARI Course As part of ARI'sprogram to useits op- For the first time, two studentsof Gary Huil's "Introdu edsas intellectual ammunition, ARI recent- Philosophy: Who Needs lt tion to Objectivism:The Philosophy of Ayn Rant'course will I ly sent copies of Leonard Peikoff's 'Abor- New Affiliates-Two new stations be- receivinguniversity credit for their work in that class.Stevr tion Rights Are Pro-Life" to a dozen gin broadcasting the program in March, Richens,a studentat SacramentoState University approachr pro-abortion groups. One recipient was bringing the total roster to sevenstations the departmentof philosophyin an attempt to gain indepel president of the Pro-ChoiceLeague, Bill acrossfive states.KITZ 1400AM in Seattle- dent study credit for the ARl-sponsoredclass. Impressed wi Baird, who has been defendingthe right to Thcoma (WA)-the nation's 13th largest the curriculum,the philosophydepartment offered the equiv abortion for more than 30 years,and who market-airs the program from March 1, Ient of two semestersof philosophycredit for his work. Bc has successfrrllylitigated two such casesbe- and KBIM 910AM in Roswell(NM) carries steredby Mr. Richens'ssuccess, John Dennis, an undergradua fore the U.S. SupremeCourt. Mr. Baird it as of March 8. We arehappy to welcome at the Universityof Coloradoat Denver,gained credit aPprol calledARI to expresshis enthusiasmfor the thesenew affiliates. in the departmentof philosophy.Both studentsattend the cla piece.He has alreadydistributed the edito- Internet Broadcasting-Since early Urtnl11from their homes. rial during a lecture'atVassarCollege and; Januarywe havebroadcast the program-si- he says,will continue to do so at lectures multaneouslyusing Realdudioon the Inter- Upcoming Events in the future. net. Early difficulties with sound quality r SecondRenaissance Conferences will presenta sun havebeen overcome, but demandhas over- mer conference,]une 28 to July 11, 1998,in Nashua,Ne Publishing whelmed two successivesystems, We are Hampshire(44 miles from Boston).One- and two-weeka An Italian languageedition of now investigatingways to expand the ca- tendanceoptions are available. For detailswrite to 130Fede hasbeen produced by Italianpublisher Alfa pacity and reliabilityofthe service.To find al Road,Suite 56A,, Danbury, CT 06811, or call 203-791-175 Editricein paperback. out how to listen, visit the show'sWebsite or [email protected]. (wwwpwni.com). r A banquetto commemoratethe 60th anniversaryof Antlu Richqrd Rolston Speoks Missing Show-We are requestingthat will beheld on April 11,1998, in NewYorkCity. After a winerece r Director of Development Richard anyonewith a recording of the October 26 tion and dinner,attendees will hear a 14-minuteradio dramatiz Ralston spoke to the World Affairs Club show from last year please call Andrew tion of Anthemoriginally broadcast in 1950.All guestswill receivr of the JonathanClub about Ayn Rand on Lewisat 310-306-9232ext.303. copy on audio cassette,Brief talks will be given by Hat January28 in LosAngeles. This tradition- Binswangeron the significanceof Anthem andby RichardRalstr al club has accommodatedbusiness and Employment qt ARI on Anthem'spublishing history. The eveningwill concludewith r civic leadersfor more than a century. Due to ARI's continued growth, we auction of selectedAyn Rand papersand memorabilia'The ba r On February 14, Richard Ralston are seekingr6sum6s for upcoming em- quet will be held at the FinancialCenter Marriott in downtor gavea talk to the Los AngelesMensa Soci- ploymentopportunities. Interested appli- Manhattan.Contact ARI for further details.Lyceum Internatior ety.An audienceofabout 50 peopleattend- cants should send a current r'esum6and will be holding a daltime conferenceon Ayn Rand'slife on April ed his talk on Ayn Rand'slife and the activ- letter indicating area of interest to ARI and 12,at the samelocation. For more information,contact Ly( ities of ARI. Director of Administration, Julie Repass. tm at 360-479-4765or [email protected].

Publisher:The Ayn RondInstitute, 4640 Admirolty Woy, Suite 406, Mqrinodel Rey,CA 90292 I 310-306-9232. fox: 3l 0-306-492 e-moil;moil@oynr,ond.org r Web: http://www.oynrond.org ]l Editor: LorrySolzmon I All rightsreserved Q1998.-^-.-

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