the

“ItUndercurrent was as if an underground stream flowed through the country and broke out in sudden springs that shot to the surface at random, in unpredictable places.” April 2005 Volume 1, Issue 1 the-undercurrent.com

The Liberal Slantby Rebecca on Knapp the Liberal War ny American who has in a difficult ground war when Wouldnʼt a liberal president by the fact that it takes a stand. glanced at a newspaper in they could have simply leveled be lauded for this step towards Ultimately, the liberals do not theA past two years knows that cities first and asked questions democracy? hate the liberal Iraq War merely the liberals are unhappy about later. They struck only govern- The most revealing accusa- because of the morality of self- George W. Bushʼs war in Iraq. ment and military targets. They tion, though, came in a campus interest to which Bush pays Editorials continue to cite cleanly decapitated the regime, publication, Yaleʼs Daily News, lip-service, or even his loudly our failure to discover weap- removing a reviled dictator who which declares Bushʼs whole pronounced Christian ethic, but ons of mass destruction, as well had spent decades opposing mul- project defunct because: “Hon- because he proclaims a morality as the greater hostility and more ticulturalism, environmentalism, est support of the spread of de- period, and does so proudly. advanced nuclear capabilities of abortion, and womenʼs suffrage mocracy, freedom and free mar- This is the target at which all and North Korea, as evidence (as well as terrorizing and tortur- kets would mean the decline of of their equivocations and prag- that the invasion of Iraq was moti- ing his own people). Americaʼs own super-power pre- matism are aimed. In the face of vated by economic interests. Bush proceeded, not to with- eminence.” Here, a college stu- moral certainty, the left doesnʼt Liberals accuse Donald draw from Iraq and to leave it in dent is willing to state baldly the care how liberal the presidentʼs Rumsfeld of turning a blind eye turmoil as liberals erroneously real issue: no matter how many war becomes—it cares only to to torture and of signing condo- predicted, but to pump billions people America helps, no mat- undermine his conviction, sub- lence letters with an automatic of dollars into its economic in- ter how many liberal ideals Bush ordinate his America to the will pen. They see Condoleeza Riceʼs frastructure and to encourage upholds, if America is not taking of the United Nations, and ef- shrugging off problems in the the Iraqi people to engage in actions that will lead to its own face any inclinations he might rest of the world as grounds for democratic elections. Al-Jaaf- decline—to the presidentʼs head have to act independently to de- skepticism about the adminis- ari, the top-contender for Prime on a pike, the stock market in fend an America that he honest- trationʼs intent. They ask, “Does Minister, announced to report- shambles, and Americaʼs cities ly seems to love. Bush plan to invade all or any of ers his intention to employ Is- reduced to rubble—then Ameri- The liberals cling to petty the sources of authoritarian re- lam as “the official religion of ca is morally in the wrong. potshots in the face of a war gimes from North Korea to Zim- the country, and one of the main If America had fought an fought clearly in accordance babwe?” (Harvard Crimson) sources of legislation.” Bush did identical war in Zimbabwe with liberal ideals. It can only be The left is severely criti- not object: like a true liberal, he against Robert Mugabe, the left because they do not care about cal of our efforts in Iraq. Yet if showed himself to be willing to would be, if not thrilled, at least those ideals, but merely about Maureen Dowd were to write a accept the results of democratic not hysterical. If troops had sunk tearing down all ideals as such. handbook called “How to Fight elections unconditionally. themselves into Rwanda to end Their op-eds are not written to a War According to Liberal Prin- Still the liberals are dissatis- ethnic cleansing—fine. Such champion a positive vision of ciples,” Bush could comfortably fied. They are unimpressed by wars could not be interpreted as the good, but to reduce all such sleep with it under his pillow. the democratic elections, choos- selfish or self-righteous. George visions to rubble. Bush didnʼt carpet bomb Iraq, ing instead to pick at the nega- Bush could not stand behind a Liberals need to find a posi- confiscate its oil, and declare it tive details. Yes, yes, says a New podium and proclaim proudly to tive moral compass if they want the 51st state. Though he went York Times column called “When the world that Americaʼs safety to make a meaningful contribu- into Iraq against grumbling from Camels Fly,” there was indeed a was secured by the removal of tion to American politics. They the United Nations, heʼs certain- democratic election in Iraq, “But Robert Mugabe. should pick up the mantle that ly doing his best to make up for we have to be very sober about But those on the far left, the conservatives have long since it now with his good-will tour of what is ahead....The walls of au- who would decry even our hy- abandoned: principled, secular Europe to “change the ugly at- tocracy will not collapse with just pothetical Zimbabwe War, give . mosphere” (New York Times). one good push.” Another article away the deeper motives of the On its face, the war in Iraq guardedly points out that, after all, liberals. They see any action that Rebecca Knapp is a junior at was a liberal dream come true. “most Sunni Muslims, at the urg- America takes as “cultural impe- the University of Chicago. She is American forces carefully avoid- ing of their leaders, did not vote.” rialism”—as an assertion of what studying classics and plans to go ed civilian casualties, engaging Why the lack of optimism? it believes to be right—merely to law school. Inside Welcome to The Appeal of Ayn Rand The Undercurrent ...... p. 2 by The “Hate Crimes” Bandwagon ...... p. 3 ebruary 2nd marked the hun- teachers have requested over now,” the refrain goes, “but wait dredth anniversary of the 130,000 copies of and until youʼre older. Youʼll discov- 21 Fun Things Fbirth of one of Americaʼs most to use in their er that life is not like that.” To Do During controversial and inspiring writ- classrooms. They know that stu- But when one actually con- Confession ...... p. 3 ers, Ayn Rand. dents respond to her stories and siders the essence of what Rand The Academic “Rights” She continues to be wildly heroes as to few other books. teaches, the accusation that her Smokescreen ...... p. 4 popular among the young: some It remains, however, all too is childish over-sim- The Humor That Is 14,000 high school students per common for a young person to plification stands as condem- American Idol ...... p. 7 year submit entries to essay con- be told that his interest in Ayn nation not of her ideas but of tests on her novels and, in the Rand is a stage he will soon grow the adult world from which the Speakers, Meetings, past two years alone, high school out of. “Itʼs fine to believe in that (continued on page 2) Events ...... p. 8 2 Welcome to The Undercurrent By Gena Gorlin elcome to the The Under- sands of readers to live purpose- depicting heroes who achieve is no wonder, since most even- current. Before we begin, ful, fulfilling lives in pursuit of their ambitions was a thing of the tually “crack” under the pressure letW us tell you what we are not. We their most ambitious dreams. past; the New York Sun sarcasti- of their sex drives or the tight- are not a political journal (though Her novels, most famously cally accused her novels of “epic ness of their wallets. politics will be discussed); we are The Fountainhead and Atlas implausibility.” The Christian ethic has giv- not a humor magazine (though Shrugged, present the dramat- But as Onkar Ghate elo- en values a bad name. The reli- we have every intention of being, ic stories of men and women quently addresses in “The Ap- gionistsʼ philosophy, which has at times, knee-slappingly funny); who erected their own earthly peal of Ayn Rand” (printed be- monopolized the field of moral we are not a literary publication paradise by holding fast to their low), Ayn Randʼs idealism is not values for ages, is as alive and (though rest assured, arts and cul- moral principles. naïve; she offers a vision that kicking as ever: in the oppo- ture will get plenty of coverage). But her heroes do not re- is achievable and real, and she nents of life-saving stem cell re- Our aim is deeper and more basic semble the usual “moral types” presents the principles one must search; in those who would ban than all these. We aim to intro- in literature: they are not chaste follow in order to achieve it. The homosexuality on the grounds duce you to a practical philoso- “Christ figures” who die for a modern world finds this moral that “the Bible says so;” and phy—one that could radically noble cause or hopelessly delud- idealism impossible to live up to in those who raise up as heroes alter politics, culture, and every ed Don Quixote types who live because it is jaded by two war- the soldiers who “die for free- avenue of your life. in their own moral dream world. ring , both of which dom”—so long as itʼs not their You might ask, how can a They are steel industrialists, pit moral values against the prac- own freedom, but the Iraqisʼ philosophy be practical? Isnʼt business executives, architects, tical requirements of life. (see our cover article). In short, that an oxymoron? Arenʼt phi- scientists, students. They do not Today when you hear talk they preach a philosophy of losophers those bearded-profes- martyr themselves to save man- about “moral principles,” you self-sacrifice—which cannot be sor fellows who sit around and kind or sacrifice their fortunes to probably think right away of lived up to in life, since its ulti- engage in idle banter about “pos- save the rainforest; they let no stuffy religious zealots—the mate is death. sible worlds,” while the rest of one lay claim to their bank ac- ones who go around denounc- Is it any wonder that ideal- us go about dealing with real is- counts, their independent judg- ing all sexual pleasure as “cor- ism is dismissed as silly, naïve, sues of this world? ment, or their lives. And they rupt,” insisting on censorship of and impractical, when such is the There was one philosopher each adhere uncompromisingly “indecent” movies and coarse only ideal we are offered? With who disagreed. According to Ayn to a code of moral principles. radio shows, guilt-tripping you this as the mainstream view of Rand—the woman whose novels In the media coverage sur- into giving your money away to what constitutes values and prin- and ideas inspired the founding of rounding Ayn Randʼs 100th birth- religious charities, and generally ciples, it is no surprise that being this publication—philosophy is day, many articles chided the trying to squeeze all the fun out totally principled is considered an indispensable tool for achiev- “naïve idealism” of her novels. of life. Anyone who tries to live impossible. To say something is ing a successful, happy life. called her up to these ideals is widely con- painted in “black-and-white”— Ayn Rand has inspired thou- “the last Romantic,” as though sidered silly and naïve—which (continued on page 7)

ideas or values to the “public posite of the view that ideals it leaves no room for worldly interest,” as liberals demand, or transcend this world, oneʼs in- compromises, since, as Peggy The Appeal to the “glory of God,” as conser- terests and human comprehen- Noonan puts it, “perfection in the vatives demand. It is refusal to sion—that idealism is, in the life of man on earth” is impossi- grant obedience to any authority, words of the religious exhorta- ble—Ayn Rand stands alone. She of Ayn Rand human or divine. The indepen- tion to Americaʼs youth in Bushʼs argues that perfection is possible (continued from page 1) dent mind rejects faith, secular or inaugural address, “to serve in to man the rational animal. Hold accusation stems. supernatural, and embraces rea- a cause larger than your wants, your own life as your highest val- The key to Randʼs popu- son as an absolute. “The noblest larger than yourself.” ue, follow reason, submit to no larity is that she appeals to the act you have ever performed,” The advice Rand offers the authority, create a life of produc- idealism of youth. She wrote in declares the hero of Randʼs last young? Think, reason, logically tive achievement and joy—enact 1969: “There is a fundamental novel, , “is the consider matters of truth and mo- these demanding values and vir- conviction which some people act of your mind in the process rality. And then, because your tues, Rand teaches, and an ideal never acquire, some hold only of grasping that two and two own life and happiness depend on world, here on earth, is “real, itʼs in their youth, and a few hold to make four.” She meant it. it, pursue unwaveringly the true possible—itʼs yours.” the end of their days—the con- The conviction that ideas and the good. On this approach, Does an adult world that dis- viction that ideas matter.” The matter represents a profound the moral and the practical unite. misses this philosophy as “sim- nature of this conviction? “That dedication to self. It requires that On this approach, there exists no plistic” not convict itself? ideas matter means that knowl- one regard oneʼs own reasoning temptation to think that life on The centenary of Randʼs edge matters, that truth matters, mind as competent to judge good earth requires compromise, the birth is an appropriate time to that oneʼs mind matters. And the and evil. And it requires that one halfway, the middle of the road. recognize the thinker who was radiance of that certainty, in the pursue knowledge because one “In any compromise between food courageous enough to take on process of growing up, is the sees that correct ideas are indis- and poison,” she writes, “it is only that world and challenge its best aspect of youth.” pensable to achieving the irre- death that can win. In any com- rampant skepticism, eager cyni- To sustain this youthful con- placeable value of oneʼs own life promise between good and evil, it cism, and unyielding demand viction throughout life, Rand and happiness. “To take ideas is only evil that can profit.” for compromise, the thinker who argues, one must achieve a radi- seriously,” Rand states, “means In a world where our Presi- portrayed and explained—at the cal independence of mind. Inde- that you intend to live by, to dent (as well as the religious most fundamental level—the he- pendence does not mean doing practice, any idea you accept as warriors weʼre battling against in roic in man. whatever one feels like doing true,” that you recognize “that the Middle East) equates ideal- but rather forging oneʼs convic- truth and knowledge are of cru- ism with otherworldliness, faith, Onkar Ghate is a Ph.D. in tions and choosing oneʼs actions cial, personal, selfish importance and sacrifice of self, and where philosophy and a senior fel- rationally, logically, scientifical- to you and to your own life.” commentators otherwise sympa- low at the ly. It is refusal to surrender oneʼs Her approach here is the op- thetic to his message lament that (aynrand.org). 3 • WINNER of the BLOGGER CONTEST • HUMOR The “Hate Crimes” 21 Fun Things Bandwagon to Do by Gus Van Horn During Confession n January 14 of this year, the ate exactly what happened and by Jason Roth bodies of all four members why, we must set aside the Ar- Oof an Egyptian family were dis- manious murders for a moment covered dead in their New Jersey and consider an important legal 1 12 home. Until recent arrests in the concept in the context of a pair Speak in tongues. Invite a friend to go in with you case, it was widely believed that of murders committed over six and pretend to be your interpret- the murders were the work of Is- years ago. 2 er. Make sure his or her English lamic militants. Two brutal slayings occurred Confess to “lying during con- translations are sufficiently dis- For example, Daniel Pipes less than a year apart and made fession.” proportionate in length to the du- noted certain similarities to ex- the local news in 1998 in Lara- 3 ration of your incomprehensible ecutions performed “in the ritu- mie, Wyoming. In both, the vic- Tell the priest youʼll have to talk grunting. alistic Islamist way (multiple tim was savagely beaten and left to your lawyer before you agree 13 knife attacks and near-behead- for dead. One of these murders to anything. ing).” In addition, the head of made national headlines as a Shine a flashlight through the the Coptic Christian family, “hate crime” but the other re- 4 partition and ask the priest what Hossam Armanious, had been mained obscure. In both cases, Try plea-bargaining down to half heʼs doing in there. engaging Muslims in angry dis- the perpetrators were convicted a Hail Mary. 14 putes about religion online. It and sent to prison. 5 Give the priest three guesses was thus plausible that these The murderers in the “hate Tell the priest that if you have to figure out which command- disputes provoked the slayings. crime” case were convicted of any choice in the matter of pen- ment you broke. Make his effort Because there were no signs of murder, spared the death penalty worthwhile. forced entry, some thought that only because the victimʼs mother ance, youʼd prefer to volunteer at the perpetrators might have been asked for mercy, and will serve a youth center rather than “mum- 15 Muslim men known to the fam- life with no possibility of pa- bling all that gibberish.” Tell the priest youʼre an atheist ily who had pretended to convert role. The killer in the other case 6 and to “lay off the God stuff.” to Christianity. was convicted only of voluntary Say the words “Jesus Christ” like Ask him, “Canʼt a guy get a little The killings were widely manslaughter, sentenced to 22 to youʼre cursing. forgiveness in this town without discussed by conservative pun- 29 years in prison, and will occa- having religion shoved down his dits. Pipes, for example, raised sionally come up for parole. 7 throat?” the reasonable concern that law The “hate crime” case is, of Tell the priest youʼre not sorry one bit and youʼd do it again. 16 enforcement did not pay close course, the murder of Matthew Confess to immoral thoughts enough attention to the possible Shepard, and it is frequently 8 within your motherʼs womb. religious motivation for the slay- cited as an example of why we Take in a buddy with you, and ings. Michelle Malkin noted that need more “hate crime” legis- pretend to be Siamese twins. 17 crimes against certain groups, lation. The other case was the Confess to stealing your broth- Make the same elaborate con- like Muslims, receive extra at- murder of 15-year-old Daphne erʼs watch. Get into a brawl after fession twice in one day. If the tention from media and law en- Sulk by her boyfriend after he your brother accidentally over- priest points out that you already forcement, but that crimes like learned of her pregnancy. These hears you. made the confession, just say, these, committed against Chris- were both cold-blooded murders. “Yeah, I know, not a very good tians, do not receive the same Werenʼt both crimes committed 9 day, is it?” level of attention. out of hate? If so, why was only Slip the priest $20 and ask if he The crimes were not in fact the Shepard case considered a can leave the big guy out of this 18 religiously motivated. However, “hate crime”? And what is “hate one. Pick a famous movie villain the discussion about the slay- crime” legislation anyway? and confess to his crimes. If the ings raised a disturbing fact: All but seven states have hate 10 priest catches on, tell him heʼs some crimes are investigated crime statutes on their books. Ask the priest if you can be re- won a prize. and prosecuted more aggres- According to the FBI web site, deemed for missing Church ev- 19 sively when they are commit- federal law defines a hate crime ery Sunday for the last five years. After he answers you, tell him Confess to giving up your only ted against members of certain as “a criminal offense commit- son to be crucified. groups. This is America. Arenʼt ted against a person, property, or your question was only hypo- we all entitled to equal protec- society, which is motivated, in thetical and youʼll be back to see 20 tion under the law? And if we whole or in part, by the offend- him in another five years. Ask if the nuns have a locker are all free to profess whatever erʼs bias against a race, religion, 11 room, and if so, does he have beliefs we want, why shouldnʼt disability, sexual orientation, or Tell the priest that you “com- the keys. Hey, itʼs worth a shot, a crime against a Christian be ethnicity/national origin.” mit that sin all the time” and you isnʼt it? prosecuted just as vigorously as Hate crime statutes typical- usually get off much lighter. Ask 21 a crime against a Muslim? ly impose harsher penalties for if thereʼs another priest available I wish it were true that the criminal offenses to which they Confess that you have noth- who can give you a second opin- ing to confess, and that you are discussion about the Armani- apply. Although the “hate crime” ion. ous murders resulted in a great- may not always be prosecuted as truly sorry for being convinced er awareness of the need for all such, it will often result in great- you are morally on par with God Americans to be treated equally er public pressure to mete out the Himself. under the law regardless of their harshest penalty possible for the beliefs. In fact, just the opposite criminal offense. Furthermore, Jason Roth is the editor of happened. In order to appreci- (continued on page 6) www.savethehumans.com. 4 The Academic “Rights” Smokescreen By Noumenalself

y now, no doubt, youʼve pioned by a group known as the Whatever is to be done about they choose to offer us diplomas: heard the story of Ward Students for Academic Freedom Churchill and his ilk, all of this that would violate their rights. Churchill,B the renegade Univer- (www.studentsforacademicfree- rhetoric about the “freedom” and Not their right to “academic free- sity of Colorado professor who dom.org). SAFʼs Bill states that “rights” of professors and stu- dom,” just their ordinary free- is under fire for his controver- “no faculty shall be hired or fired dents is completely invalid in dom of contract. sial remarks comparing certain or denied promotion or tenure on this context. Why all the “rights” rheto- victims of the 9/11 attacks to the basis of his or her political or Professors have no right to an ric, then, if this controversy has Nazis (for their role in the global religious beliefs.” “academic freedom” that permits nothing to do with rights? The financial system) and advocating To promote “balance,” them to teach whatever they like, answer is that liberal invoca- more such attacks. Horowitz and the SAF urge col- regardless of the views of those tions of “academic freedom” Churchillʼs comments, of leges to require that professors who pay their salaries. As Onkar and conservative invocations of course, were false and contempt- be hired or fired based on their Ghate of the Ayn Rand Institute the “rights” of students are noth- ible. They were not, however, academic qualifications and on argues, “Free speech does pro- ing more than political rhetoric unsurprising views for someone their willingness to foster “a plu- tect an individual who voices un- designed to entrench their own in the contemporary humanities. rality of methodologies and per- popular ideas from governmen- views in the academy. What is more interesting is the spectives” in the classroom. tal force, but it does not require Liberals know that “aca- debate about American higher Presumably, Churchill that other citizens support him. demic freedom” allows them to education that has been gener- should be permitted to spout If an individual wants others to retain an ideological monopoly ated by the controversy. whatever nonsense he likes out- finance the expression of his on humanities departments, be- Churchillʼs comments caused side of the classroom, but while ideas, he must seek their volun- cause this doctrine means hir- a justifiable public uproar that teaching, his lectures should tary agreement.” ing decisions are to be made was quickly channeled by poli- provide students with “dissent- Ward Churchill has the same by academic peers, without any ticians. Republican governor ing sources and viewpoints free speech rights as the rest of veto power by people paying the of Colorado Bill Owens urged where appropriate.” Above all us. But our free speech rights bills. If liberal professors were the University of Colorado he should not use his course donʼt give us the right to demand serious about defending unpop- Board of Regents to review “for the purpose of political, a free microphone and audience ular views like Ward Churchillʼs, Churchillʼs employment, argu- ideological, religious or anti- at Madison Square Garden—and they would be willing to accom- ing that “it is not incumbent religious indoctrination.” If he his donʼt give him the right to a modate views they themselves upon the University of Colo- says anything anti-American or job giving him the equivalent. find unacceptable. rado to subsidize someone who anti-anything in the classroom, At the same time, there is But they arenʼt. One need calls for more 9/11s.” then he should be fired. also no such thing as a studentʼs only consider the case of Law- In response, 200 Colorado The SAF is having an impact. “right” to be free from indoctri- rence Summers, president of professors published a full-page Bills and resolutions inspired by nation in the classroom. True, no Harvard, to see this. In a recent ad in The Boulder Daily Camera their “Student Bill of Rights” one ought to be forced to subsi- colloquium, Summers dared to protesting these threats against have been introduced in state dize the expression of views they raise the question of whether Churchillʼs employment and call- legislatures in California, Colo- reject. This, however, has noth- the disparity between men and ing on the University to protect rado, Georgia, ing to do with women in the sciences may be “free speech” and Churchillʼs Indiana, Ohio, an alleged evil due to innate differences be- “academic freedom.” and Tennessee, This rhetoric of being “indoc- tween the sexes. Professors It is easy to sympathize with and in Resolu- about the trinated.” were outraged by this “political Owens. Why should Colorado tion 318 of the No student incorrectness,” and called for taxpayers have to subsidize a U.S. House of “freedom” chooses to at- Summers to resign. The AAUP man whose views they find ab- Representatives. and “rights” tend college has yet to issue any statements horrent? The professorʼs remarks The pro- of professors on the condi- defending him. Liberal profes- do help confirm the allegation, fessoriate is tion that their sors invoke “free speech” only long made by conservatives like worried. The and students is professors will when their ideology is at stake, David Horowitz, that left-wing American Asso- completely invalid never advocate not as a matter of principle. anti-American views are all too ciation of Uni- a viewpoint. But conservatives are no bet- common in American humanities versity Profes- in this context. The SAF, how- ter. They know that requiring a departments. sors (www.aaup. ever, thinks that “balance” of perspectives in They also seem to support org) has objected to the “Student when professors “indoctrinate” the classroom would give them the notion that something must Bill of Rights,” arguing that it is their students, they take advan- the chance to help end the lib- be done to bring greater ideo- itself at odds with “academic tage of their studentsʼ “imma- eral monopoly in favor of es- logical “balance” to college freedom.” The AAUP errone- turity” by preaching viewpoints tablishing another one. They campuses. One might be tempt- ously accuses supporters of the before students have “sufficient donʼt (yet) want to mandate that ed to think that if this means fir- Bill of calling for hiring quotas knowledge” to form a judgment only conservative viewpoints ing a few Ward Churchills and based on political affiliation, a of their own. Even ignorant stu- be taught, but this isnʼt the only hiring a token conservative or mistake Horowitz quickly re- dents, however, are not helpless way to smuggle in ideology. two, so be it. buts. But it correctly notes that pawns: no one is ever “forced” Conservatives know that all that Although Horowitz objects the Billʼs anti-advocacy clause to accept anyoneʼs opinion just is required to popularize an un- to Churchillʼs views, he himself would stop professors from con- by hearing it. derrepresented idea is to give it has argued that firing Churchill demning even such things as ter- Each and every one of us is equal time. But why should con- would violate Churchillʼs right rorist violence, a point Horowitz bound to encounter views that servatives get to dictate to pro- to free speech. Horowitz doesnʼt does not address. we object to, even outside of fessors what will count as wor- actually think that the way to What are we to make of this the classroom. We can do all we thy alternatives? bring ideological “balance” to mess? When a professor dares like to avoid them, but if hear- There are many alternatives the academy is to fire leftists and to bring controversial views into ing them is a condition of get- to liberal orthodoxy besides the hire conservatives. the classroom, should we side ting a diploma, it is always our typical conservative ones. One Instead Horowitz endorses with his “academic freedom,” or right to forego the diploma. We can reject the idea that socio-eco- a position called the “Student the “right” of students not to be canʼt demand by right that oth- nomic factors are destiny with- Bill of Rights,” which is cham- “indoctrinated”? ers alter the conditions on which out assuming we are products 5 of our genes. One can reject the way of advocating oneʼs own or the holy revelation of a God. fender of objective knowledge. idea that values are subjective views is to compare and con- Man left to himself isnʼt thought They donʼt think there are any without assuming that religion is trast them with opposing views. capable or worthy of unlock- objective facts, and they proceed their proper source. Indeed one Not everyone has to accept the ing the real secrets of nature. To to fabricate “facts” en masse in can even reject left-wing paci- researcherʼs conclusions: they them, it is still original sin to eat the service of their political ends. fism and anti-Americanism and are free to agree or disagree ac- of the tree of knowledge. (See, for example, “Afrocentrist” still think George W. Bush is an cording to how persuasive they In opposing the conservative history, great swaths of environ- idiotic disaster! Yet conservative find his arguments. view of scholarship, it might at mental “science,” and just about “equal time” lets conservative This is how new knowledge first seem we have an ally in the anything in contemporary liter- politicians decide which alterna- is discovered and spread: brave AAUP, which says of the SAFʼs ary theory.) tives must be taken seriously, to thinkers and researchers devel- argument that it “is antitheti- If liberals invoke the impor- the exclusion of others. op innovative ideas, and then cal to the basic scholarly enter- tance of scholarly standards, it Some liberals may agree show how these ideas compare prise of the university, which is is more likely because of their that using the language of “free- to, and improve upon pre-exist- to establish and transmit human reverence for the group, rather dom” and “rights” to protect ob- ing prejudice. knowledge” and that it “reduces than for the facts. If things were noxious professors and bratty Since these two views about all knowledge to uncertain and otherwise, they would be curi- students is inappropriate, and the objectivity and progress of unsettled opinion, [proclaiming] ous to undertake research on that government should have no scholarship are actually consis- that all opinions are equally val- the innate differences between say one way or the other about tent with one another, how is it id, [negating] an essential func- the sexes that Lawrence Sum- educational content. Still, they that liberals and tion of universi- mers asked about. According to might object that beneath this conservatives, ty education.” post-modernism, rhetoric about language is a legitimate issue who seem to But the “knowledge” is just one groupʼs about standards of scholarship: hold one or the Neither side AAUP also means of asserting power over even if a professor doesnʼt have other, come into makes a quali- another. Whether or not liberal a right to teach whatever he conflict? The an- really gives a fication, admit- professors are post-modernists, wants to on the dime of another, swer is that nei- ting that “knowl- at whatever lip service they pay isnʼt there a principle that objec- ther side really damn about edge is mutable to unhindered scholarship is tive scholarship must proceed gives a damn and open to re- nothing more than a post-mod- regardless of its implications for about the objec- the objectivity vision.” This ern power grab. popular prejudice? tivity and prog- is ambiguous. In the debate between “aca- Likewise, some conserva- ress of scholar- and progress It could sim- demic freedom” and “student tives may say that even if a stu- ship. This can ply mean that rights” and the corresponding dent doesnʼt have a right not be seen by ex- of scholarship. knowledge ad- liberal and conservative split to be “indoctrinated,” there is amining the jus- vances through over “objective scholarship,” we still the issue that an objective tifications each group gives for history, even though people can are presented with a false choice. curriculum must present “both its position. make mistakes. But it could also In effect, “academic freedom” sides of the story” where there First, consider the conserva- mean that knowledge is relativ- means the “freedom” to function is controversy. tive view that competing view- istic. by permission of the consensus, Yet even when we step be- points must be given equal repre- Sadly their response to the unhindered by the facts; “student yond the issue of rights, this de- sentation. According to the SAF “Student Bill of Rights” contains rights” means the “right” to func- bate about scholarly standards “Student Bill of Rights,” the rea- no reference to “objective facts,” tion by permission of personal, continues to offer us a false son competing views should be but it does talk an awful lot about usually religion-inspired preju- choice between typical liberal considered is to “reflect the un- “scholarly and professional stan- dice, unhindered by the facts. and conservative mistakes. certainty and unsettled character dards, as interpreted and applied Both views are shamelessly un- Itʼs true, scholarship is objec- of all human knowledge.” by the faculty itself.” hindered by the facts. tive only if the scholarʼs research Hearing this, one is remind- That too is ambiguous: only To change the American takes him wherever the facts lead ed of the classic conservative scholarly authorities are quali- university—and American ed- him, whether or not he or anyone argument against socialism on fied to judge what the objective ucation in general—what is else likes his conclusions. And the grounds that it is “too scien- facts in a given subject matter needed is not more funding for educational material is presented tific,” as well as their argument are. Then again, without even professors, nor new govern- objectively only if teachers pres- against evolution on the grounds making a reference to the im- ment intrusions to “protect” ent competing views on contro- that it is “just a theory.” Social- portance of the facts, the AAUP students. What is needed is a versial questions. ism is too awful and evolution could be accused of thinking that change in the basic philosophy Both of these points are ful- too well-confirmed to deserve it is only the judgments of schol- of educators and their patrons. ly consistent with each other. A argumentative tripe like this. arly consensus that matter, and We need an alternative to the researcher must be guided by The problem with socialism is this would relativize knowledge tradition-worshipping religion the facts, and come to conclu- not that it is “too scientific,” but to the views of the “experts.” of the conservatives, and the sions on the basis of his own that it has no rational scientific Whatever the framers of the post-modernist relativism of the best judgment, regardless of basis at all, neither economical- AAUP statement had in mind, liberals. We need an educational whether or not they conform to ly nor morally. As for the theory David Horowitz reminds us of an philosophy that defends the ob- what is regarded as acceptable. evolution, there may be debates important consideration: “This jectivity of scientific fact—and When he presents these views about the particular mechanism statement is puzzling to say the one that shows how such objec- to others, however, a require- driving species change, but if least. Major schools of thought tivity might be brought into the ment of effective communica- anything is a scientific certainty, in the contemporary acade- humanities. tion is to recognize that his own it certainly is. my—post-modernism, decon- Only a philosophy that cel- conclusions are not obvious to Conservatives are interested structionism, and pragmatism ebrates the power of the mind to everyone, and that they must be in mandating the presentation to name three—are anti-founda- know can motivate students to presented in the context of op- of opposing viewpoints, not be- tionalist in their epistemologies learn, and professors to advance posing views. cause it is a better method of and build their disciplines on the frontiers of science. Readers This doesnʼt mean one scholarly communication, but exactly the premise that knowl- of The Undercurrent should have shouldnʼt advocate oneʼs own because they are against the idea edge is uncertain and even rela- no difficulty learning which phi- views: advocating oneʼs views that unaided human reason can tive. Has the AAUP condemned losophy I think that is. in public, even in the class- discover truths of nature. The post-modernism as a threat to room, is an excellent way of im- “truths” they care the most about scholarship?” Noumenalself is a graduate proving oneʼs understanding of impressing upon the young are Probably not. And whatever student in philosophy at an un- them, by seeing how they stand the ones they deem to be the the AAUP thinks, it is clear that disclosed location. His blog is up to scrutiny. But the best sacred inheritance of tradition the liberal professoriate is no de- found at www.noumenalself.com. 6

the story unfolded, Malkin would minorities would not be tolerat- to make a stand for individual make no less than five entries about ed, they should not be tolerated rights? Senator John McCain did The Subjectivity the slayings with the term “hate against Christians. little better when he responded crime” as part of the title. This is not an isolated case. to calls for federalizing all hate of Hate Crimes When I first saw the term Pat Buchanan, who opposes crimes. His bold stand: “Federal- being used by a conservative, I hate crime laws for homosexu- izing all such crimes will simply (continued from page 3) chalked it up to righteous indig- als, called Trent Lott a “victim obstruct justice by forcing them in the wake of such cases, lib- nation and the fact that the term of a hate crime” after he fell into clogged federal courts.” eral activists will often push for was being bandied about by law from grace due to some ill-con- The proper response to hate stronger hate crime laws. This is enforcement and the media. In- sidered remarks about Strom crime legislation is simple. supposed to remedy widespread deed, Malkin herself wrote dis- Thurmond. A conservative web- First, abolish it. Second, throw bias against some group the vic- paragingly of the notion of “hate site hosts a petition that calls for the book at criminals for their tim belongs to, such as homosex- crimes” at one point: She up- “U.S. Attorney General Alberto actual crimes rather than for uals, in Matthew Shepardʼs case. braided the Council on Ameri- Gonzalez to investigate the hate- what they think. Our govern- But do hate crime laws re- can-Islamic Relations (CAIR) crime case of a Coptic Christian ment exists to protect us from ally serve the purpose for which who had not yet condemned the family in Jersey City, N.J.” This the initiation of force on the part they are intended? Or do they slayings for being “always quick alone might be fine, if poorly of others (i.e., from fraud, theft, undermine the very concept of to jump on the hate-crimes band- put, but in case you were won- and murder). But holding a be- equal treatment under the law? wagon when it fits their agenda.” dering what they meant: “Sign lief, however repugnant, does And what does this have to do So is the idea of “hate crime” this petition urging Gonzalez to not, as Thomas Jefferson might with the Armanious slayings? OK when it fits the agenda of the look close [sic] at what defines put it, “pick someoneʼs pocket We have to go beyond the legal- religious right? hate crimes and include Chris- or break his leg.” The only valid ese and ask ourselves just what a Some conservative pundits, tians as victims.” reason to consider someoneʼs “hate crime” really is. like David Horowitz, the brothers So the take-home message in beliefs in a criminal case is to In her book, The New Limbaugh, and Armstrong Wil- the Armanious murders has not establish intent. This is already Thought Police: Inside the Leftʼs liams, have voiced opposition to been that all Americans should part of criminal law. The crime Assault on Free Speech and Free hate crime legis- be protected should be punished the same re- Minds, Tammy Bruce points out lation. But what equally under gardless of the belief system of that through hate crime legis- of those who, the law. In- its perpetrator. lation, the left has managed to like Malkin, Do hate stead, it has Punishing someone for his make the content of our minds want to make been that Chris- beliefs in addition to his actual illegal. Take this example. anti-Christian crime laws tians should re- crime is, in fact, exactly the op- “[L]etʼs say that both of the bias punishable ceive special posite of what the government victims are gay. The grocery- as a hate crime? really serve treatment as should be doing. For example, store clerk...kills his victim be- And how seri- a class pro- if someone gets ten years for a cause he hates gay people. In ous are the con- the purpose tected by “hate crime and has two more added the...carjacking, the guy wants servatives as crime” laws! on because he is “guilty” of a the womanʼs car, sheʼs in the a whole about for which they But social con- “hate crime,” heʼs being jailed way and represents everything repealing these servatives try two years for his ideas by the he hates (heʼs poor and disen- odious laws? are intended? to enforce their government. franchised, she is not), so he Where does ideas by gov- is guar- hates her and kills her. Whereas equal treatment Or do they ernment edict anteed in our Constitution be- the grocery store clerk is still under the law all the time. cause government regulation of guilty of a hate crime, the car- stand on the list undermine the Who favors speech would prevent the open jacker is not, despite the fact that of Republican government exchange of ideas. But if we they both killed a gay woman. priorities? Tak- very concept “ d e c e n c y ” criminalize ideas themselves, the The actions were the same. The ing the drives standards on guarantee of freedom of speech only difference is what the per- to ban abortion of equal our airwaves? becomes meaningless. The son was thinking when he com- and “defend” Who works to American Revolution was fought mitted the crime” (p. 46). marriage as ex- treatment ban the teach- not primarily with the sword, but And this is why the murder amples, we can ing of evolution with the pen. The writings of of Matthew Shepard was con- surmise that under the in our schools? such men as Thomas Jefferson, sidered a “hate crime” while, repealing hate Who wants Thomas Paine, Alexander Ham- incredibly, that of Daphne Sulk crime laws is law? prayer back ilton, James Madison, and John was not. In the one case, the men a very distant in publicly- Jay were instrumental in provid- hated homosexuals, a protected third at best: I have heard of no funded schools? Why would the ing the theoretical framework for class of citizens. In the other credible move afoot to do so. religious right fail to recognize our form of government as well case, Sulkʼs boyfriend merely (in Worse still, the two major the golden opportunity afforded as convincing others to fight off the eyes of “hate crime” advo- branches of the conservative them by hate crime legislation? tyranny. Our life, liberty, and cates anyway) hated a pregnant movement offer less than noth- So the social conservatives see happiness were won through, heterosexual woman. ing to the opponent of hate crime this as a chance to make “bias and depend upon, a free, open So rather than punish repro- law. Not surprisingly, some against Christianity” (whatever exchange of ideas. bates like these three men for the Christian conservatives have that might comprise) illegal. Donʼt be suckered by the ultimate crime, murder, to the chosen special treatment over Is the secular wing of the Re- shouts of “hate crime” to com- fullest extent of the law, we are the principle of equality under publican party any better? No. pound brutality with tyranny: to punish some criminals more the law: they are actively seek- Here are just two examples of the These are the shouts of a mob harshly than others for harboring ing protection under these very appeasement and indifference in who want your head. “politically incorrect” notions? same “hate crime” laws! this camp. Arnold Schwarzeneg- With the left legislating ideol- For example, after some ger, the Republican governor of Gus Van Horn is a re- ogy, you might be thinking that crosses in an anti-abortion exhib- California, recently came under search scientist from Hous- the Republicans came to power it were vandalized in Louisiana, fire from social conservatives ton, Texas. He maintains a web in the nick of time. the man in charge of the property for signing a bill that added tran- log about political issues at Think again. I first learned of had this to say: “Defacing a re- sexuality and transvestitism to gusvanhorn.blogspot.com. the Armanious slayings through ligious symbol is a hate crime.” the list of protected classes un- For more information about the blog of the socially conserva- He added that since similar acts der Californiaʼs hate crime law. the blog contest, see our website: tive journalist, Michelle Malkin. As against Jews and other religious Is he too much of a “girlie man” www.the-undercurrent.com. 7

is taught by his professors that fully charted course, in order to friends and your emotions are “morality is a social conven- improve your own life. A fulfill- pushing you to go out and have A New tion,” and then destroys his col- ing career; a hobby you enjoy; a few extra beers on a Tuesday lege GPA by getting wasted ev- a satisfying romantic relation- night, it is your mind that proj- Undercurrent ery night. ship—these are values. It is in ects long-term, and sees that This is the alternative with the attainment of your values— studying for tomorrowʼs test (continued from page 2) which you are presented. The your happiness—that philoso- will bring much greater eventu- choice is to obey the principles phy should aid you. Now you al rewards (and heck, think how meaning, in clear-cut terms of set out by an otherworldly author- see why Ayn Rand called her many more six-packs of beer good and evil—is as good as ity, sacrificing yourself and your philosophy, , “a you can buy with a 100 grand calling it shallow; stories of vir- judgment to a “higher ideal,” or philosophy for living on earth.” salary!). tuous characters who achieve to sacrifice ideals and judgment Given, then, that philoso- Just as you cannot construct their ideals are grouped together a l t o g e t h e r, phy should a car without a set of principles with fairy tales. and be blown guide you (or instructions) to tell you how, Yet it is deeply ironic that our along by any in achiev- so you cannot build a happy life culture regards philosophy and social wind. ing your without a principled method. talk of principles as a bunch of Both choices, It is in the own values, Ayn Rand, by meticulous, sci- hot air, because that view itself fundamental- who should entific observation of human be- stems from a certain widespread ly, demand of be the judge ings, the world around us, and philosophy. Understandably you the same attainment of what they what we require to survive suc- frustrated with the Christian eth- sacrifice: your are and what cessfully in that world, discov- ics, which condemns the pursuit self. Your of your you must do ered the method. Our challenge of wealth and pleasure and gen- own thinking to achieve is to understand it with our own erally stifles personal fulfillment, mind, which them? Well, minds and apply it for ourselves. the relativist camp in philosophy experiences, values—your l o g i c a l l y This publication is here to help, has turned away from values and judges, feels, enough—you by showing you how philosophy principles as such. Skeptical of and appreci- happiness— are. Not God, is applied to daily life, and with the Christian moralistsʼ claim ates values, not society, what consequence. that values are dictated by some must be abdi- nor any other Philosophy, unbeknownst to entity external to man (by God, cated; either it that alleged “high most, runs through every nook by society, etc.), they gave up the must subordi- inquisitor” and cranny of our culture. It is quest for values—and replaced nate itself to philosophy who seeks to like an undercurrent that flows them it ambitionless, moment- Godʼs will or run your life, beneath our feet and determines to-moment impulsiveness. This it must shut but you, who our direction. Today, religion view, that moral principles are down and should aid chooses your and its alleged opposite, rela- baseless and arbitrary and are be driven by values and tivism, are steering our culture ultimately irrelevant to life, is chance whim. you. must take toward disaster. But a new un- called relativism. Thankful- the actions dercurrent—which has inspired The result is manifest in to- ly, Ayn Rand to achieve thousands of people to live pur- dayʼs society. In fact, this anti- discovered an alternative to this them. It is your reasoning poseful, productive lives and value philosophy courses like bleak choice. Values, according mind—which can survey the vigorously pursue their values— poison through our cultureʼs to Ayn Randʼs philosophy, are world around you, find out what is slowly but surely spreading. It veins. Consider: the champions neither dutiful commandments it has to offer, and project the is Ayn Randʼs life-giving philos- of political correctness, who prescribing proper behavior, nor consequences of your actions— ophy of Objectivism. With your believe that any act of passing are they trivial social conven- who should be the highest arbi- help, it can win. judgment is an act of prejudice; tions that can be flouted capri- ter. Only you can get inside your the champions of modern art, ciously. Values are the things own mind and decide what ca- Gena Gorlin is a freshman who equate a can of feces with which you value, the goals that reer (or partner or movie) will enrolled at Tufts University and the Mona Lisa; the friend who you seek, by a conscious, care- make you happiest. When your the New England Conservatory.

HUMOR The Humor That Is American Idol by Jason Roth donʼt follow American Idol, I on American Idol? ble for everybodyʼs torture. incompetents cry their makeup just watch the auditions. Itʼs Actually, Iʼm not so con- So letʼs look at the two pos- off on national television? theI only time during the series cerned about the people who sibilities: Telling yourself a lie is white when thereʼs a little variety. Itʼs perform on the show. Iʼm wor- 1. Her friends are as stupid is just a lie you tell yourself to the time when not every blond- ried about these so-called as she is. get out of the responsibility of haired, skinny white chick is “friends” who are telling all 2. Her friends pride them- telling a hard truth. No one says trying to sing like she wants the these people they can sing. The selves in being such wonderful itʼs necessarily easy. But if your whole, wide world to kiss her scary thing is, I actually believe people that theyʼre willing to lie friend canʼt sing, they canʼt fuck- 300-pound, black ass. Some peo- the performers. I think some of to this womanʼs face just long ing sing! Youʼre their friend, ple actually try to be themselves. them really do have friends. To- enough for her to get on TV and arenʼt you? I guarantee you that Hence, the humor. day, one female performer re- embarrass herself in front of an no one will tell them as nicely as If sociologists want to dress peatedly stated, “All my friends entire country. you. If you donʼt do it, the world themselves up in lab coats and told me I have an amazing Anyone who advocates will, one way or another. play science, then I have a sug- voice.” Either her acting was as “white lies” ought to explain Hence, the humor. gestion. Hereʼs a study you might good as her singing was bad, or how such lies benefited these want to pretend to conduct. How she really meant it. Her friends, American Idol rejects. Is it espe- Jason Roth is the editor of about looking into these people therefore, are the ones responsi- cially compassionate to let these www.savethehumans.com. 8 SPEAKERS, EVENTS, MEETINGS CAMPUS EVENTS Where: Seely G. Mudd 123 a God is in conflict with our When: Tuesday, April 12, monopoly power is not co- event*) (3620 McClintock) most basic knowledge of 7:00 pm (doors open 6:30 ercive or destructive; it is April 24, 2005 Contact: Jason Hoskin logic and reality.” pm) the life-giving power to 9:30 am – 10:30 am University of Southern ([email protected]) Where: Kimmel Center, produce products that are Dr. , California Description: Tufts University 10th floor, Room Rosenthal incredibly appealing to cus- “Guide to Ayn Rand Sites (Los Angeles, CA) “Two major points are (Boston, MA) Pavilion (60 Washington tomers and far superior to in Manhattan: A Presenta- What: Videotaped lecture, presented in this talk. What: Public lecture, “The Square South) those of laggard competi- tion, With Q & A” ($25 per “ and the En- “One: Neither guns, Morality of War” Contact: Kara Zavarella, tors. Antitrust law, argues person) vironment: The Virtues of bombs nor tanks consti- Speaker: Dr. , (nyuoc_president@yahoo. Dr. Hull, is fundamentally 10:45 am – 12:45 pm Exploitation” tute a nationʼs most power- executive director of the com) unjust: it throttles, punish- Dr. Yaron Brook, “ARI and Speaker: Richard Salsman ful weapon. Rather, moral Ayn Rand Institute Description: es and sacrifices Americaʼs the Future of Objectivism” When: Wednesday, April 6, rectitude—the courage to When: Tuesday, April 19th, “Does the individu- best producers for the sake (FREE) 8:00 pm proudly defend the prop- 8:30 pm al make genuine choices, of their inferiors. This evil More information: www. Where: TSC-204 erty, freedom and lives Where: Barnum Hall, room choices that are entirely is not merely in any specific objectivistconferences.com Contact: Jason Hoskin of its citizens—does. The 104 (163 Packard Ave., self-generated? Or is he fun- case or application of anti- ([email protected]) United States has abdicated Medford, MA, 02155) damentally passive, merely trust, but inherent in the law, Irvine, CA this weapon in fifty years Contact: Gena Gorlin (eu- reacting to antecedent fac- as such. Antitrust cannot be What: Public lecture, What: Public lecture, “The of appeasement in the Mid- [email protected]) tors beyond his control? “fixed” or redeemed. It must “Antitrust is Immoral,” Philosophical Basis for a dle East. Just as President Description: “According to the the- be abolished. sponsored by the Ayn Rand Womanʼs Right to Abor- Thomas Jefferson and the You think youʼve ory of free will, the indi- Institute tion” fledgling republic—inspired heard all the arguments for vidual is fundamentally in George Mason Univer- Speaker: Dr. Gary Hull, di- Speaker: Dr. Andrew by the battle cry of ʻMil- and against the war? Think control of his own life, forg- sity (Fairfax, VA) rector of Program on Values Bernstein lions for defense, but not a again. es his own character, and is What: Public lecture, “The and Ethics in the Market- When: Wednesday, April penny for tributeʼ—had the “In this passionately morally responsible for his Morality of War” place, Duke University 20, 6:30 pm courage to stand up to the reasoned lecture, Dr. Yaron own actions. Ayn Rand ad- Speaker: Dr. Yaron Brook, When: Tuesday, May 24, Where: Taper Hall of notorious Barbary Pirates in Brook of the Ayn Rand In- vanced an original theory executive director of the 7:30 pm (doors open 6:30 Humanities 101 (3501 1801, so President George stitute illustrates how ʻjust- of free will that locates free Ayn Rand Institute pm) Trousdale Parkway) W. Bush must have the warʼ theory has been under- will in a single basic choice: When: Wednesday, April Where: Hyatt Regency Contact: Jason Hoskin moral courage to wipe out cutting Americaʼs success to think or not to think. 20, 7:30 pm Irvine (17900 Jamboree ([email protected]) Americaʼs current fanatical in the war, and why it is “In this talk, Dr. Where: TBA Road) Description: and deadly enemies. necessarily self-destructive. Binswanger presents and Contact: Nick Provenzo More information: “This talk is a de- “Two: This is not fun- Dr. Brook argues for an al- defends Ayn Randʼs theory (nprovenzo@capitalismce www.aynrand.org fense—on philosophical damentally a political but a ternative morality of war.... of free will, and explains nter.org) grounds—of the right to philosophical struggle. Is- Drawing upon Ayn Randʼs its vital significance for abortion. To validate this lamic Civilization—essen- understanding oneself and San Diego, CA philosophy, Objectivism, What: Objectivist Sum- right requires a rational the- tially a religious culture— he advocates a war based human nature generally. ory of rights, one grounded loathes and seeks to destroy Dr. Binswanger argues that OTHER mer Conference 2005, on the principles of rational OBJECTIVIST sponsored by Objectivist in fact, not faith or feeling. Western Civilization, which self-interest. oneʼs volitional control over In est ablishing the basis is essentially secular. Their the operation of oneʼs own EVENTS Conferences “Dr. Brook explains When: July 2-14, 2005 of this right, Dr. Bernstein religious fanaticism is the why our soldiers are dying mind is an axiom which has also demonstrates that anti- fundamental reason they to be implicitly assumed as Where: Omni San Diego needlessly; why winning the New York, NY Description: abortionists have no rational hate the United States and war and safeguarding Amer- true even by those, such as basis for using the phrase the West, and is the reason Marx, Freud, and Skinner, What: A Celebration of Everything “from lec- ica are easily within our Ayn Randʼs Life, sponsored tures analyzing hot issues ʻright to life.ʼ that rational negotiation with reach; why it is ultimately a who attempt to deny it.” “Dr. Bernstein pres- them is impossible. This is a by the Ayn Rand Institute in the culture, such as neo- nationʼs moral premises that ($235 per person) conservatism and judicial ents the scientific arguments life-and-death struggle be- lose wars—and win them.” What: Public lecture, “An- used by anti-abortionists, tween contradictory philo- titrust is Immoral” Where: Marriott East Side activism—to courses that then demonstrates the errors sophical systems.” Speaker: Dr. Gary Hull, di- When: apply Objectivism to educa- in those arguments: failure St. Johnʼs College rector of Program on Values April 23, 2005 tion, economics, history and (Annapolis, MD) and Ethics in the Market- 9:00 pm, – 9:30 pm mathematics—to classes on to recognize the biological University of Illinois Dr. Yaron Brook: Welcome nature of the fetus; equivo- (Urbana-Champaign, IL) What: Movie, Ayn Rand: A place, Duke University enhancing your appreciation cation on key terms; and Sense of Life When: Thursday, April 9:30 pm. – 11:00 pm of literature, poetry and op- What: Discussion—The : “Ayn Rand, an era. By popular demand, we obliteration of the distinc- question of God When: Saturday, April 9, 21, 7:30 pm (doors open tion between actual and po- 8:00 pm 6:45 pm) Illustrated Life” will once again hold a panel When: Tuesday, April 12, 11:00 pm – 11:15 pm on Objectivismʼs inspiring tential. 7:00 pm Where: FSK Auditorium Where: Tisch Hall T200 “Dr. Bernstein grounds Contact: Daniel Schwartz (36 E. 8th St.) Coffee break progress in academia, fea- Where: Grainger Engineer- 11:15 pm – 12:45 pm turing the intellectuals and his view of rights in an eth- ing Library, Room 329 ([email protected]) Contact: Kara Zavarella, ics of rational egoism and The Academy Award (nyuoc_president@yahoo. Dr. Shoshana Milgram, businessmen who are mak- Contact: Doug Peltz “Ayn Rand in New York: ing it happen every day. contrasts it with the theory ([email protected]) nominated documentary. com) of self-sacrifice espoused by This event is free and open Description: Her Life and the Goal of And, in celebration of Ayn Description: Her Writing” Randʼs centenary, the con- anti-abortionists. “More than 90% of to the public. Candy/soda “Over the last century, “Both political conser- free for students the government has used 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm ference will be highlighted Americans believe in God, Lunch break by lectures on Ayn Randʼs vatives and liberals deny the and the existence of a God antitrust law to prosecute principle of individual rights What: Book discussion, and punish some of the 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm increasingly influential con- is usually taken as necessary Dr. Michael Berliner, “Ayn tributions to philosophy, and the egoist ethics on for explaining morality and Objectivism: The Philoso- most productive and inno- which rights depend. Only phyof Ayn Rand: Chapters vative companies in history. Randʼs ʻMusical Biogra- psychology and art. the ʻorderʼ of the universe. phyʼ: A Recorded ʻConcert,ʼ “In total, the confer- Ayn Randʼs philosophy of But might all of these peo- 10 and 11 It has subjected companies Objectivism validates both When: Saturday, April 16, like Standard Oil, Gen- With Commentary” ence schedule contains 15 ple be wrong? Do we need 4:00 pm – 4:15 pm general lectures, 16 optional rights and egoism, thereby God to explain all of this? Is 1:00 pm eral Electric and Microsoft providing the only valid Where: Mellon 104 to endless trials, massive Coffee break courses, 2 panels, a dance it true that ʻif God is dead, 4:15 pm – 5:45 pm workshop and several din- philosophical basis of a anything is permissible?ʼ Contact: Daniel Schwartz fines and destructive break- womanʼs right to abortion.” ([email protected]) ups—on charges that they Dr. Harry Binswanger, ner events—including one If not, are there any other “Ayn Randʼs Philosophical aboard a U.S. aircraft car- good reasons for believing harmed worthy competitors What: Public lecture, and helpless customers by Achievement” rier! There is literally some- in God? In this discussion, New York University Reception and Celebration thing for everyone who is “America at War: The we will examine popular ar- (New York, NY) engaging in so-called anti- Moral Imperative to Self- competitive behavior. Dinner ($285 per person*) interested in Objectivism.” guments for the existence of What: Public lecture, “Ayn 7:00 pm More information: www. Defense” God, and how Objectivism “In this provocative Speaker: Dr. Andrew Randʼs Theory of Free lecture, Dr. Gary Hull ar- Mary Ann Sures describes objectivistconferences.com refutes them. We will also Will” gues that the targets of an- Ayn Randʼs enjoyment of Bernstein examine why Objectivism Speaker: Dr. Harry New York City and answers When: Thursday, April 21, thinks that the very idea of titrust are not criminals but 5:30 pm Binswanger victims. Their much-reviled questions. (ARI fundraising

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