These are indeed interesting articles. I was midway through the second one
before I realized where I was. A quick trip to both sitešs ŗAbout Us˛ page
and one Google search confirmed, I was reading two fineš examples of
Objectivism. When you read them, you will notice the complete absence of the
one thing needed most in this aftermath, compassion. This, of course, makes
sense because there isnšt really room for compassion and other such
weaknesses in Ayn Randšs Objectivist philosophy. (Sorry religion.) In her
own words, the philosophy is broken down as follows:
1. Metaphysics: Objective Reality
2. Epistemology: Reason
3. Ethics: Self-interest
4. Politics: Capitalism
The philosophical context in which these articles exist is, I think,
important to know when reading them. Especially so if you are considering
presenting them to a class for discussion. (I am sure that one could fine
examples of the same type of thinking that are actually well written too.)
These essays don't lend any real help to the situation. The bodies aren't
even in yet. People in Chattanooga are still needing help getting moved
into temporary shelter. There are still real things that we can do to help
and I doubt that informing these people that ŗthe root cause of this
particular disaster˛ is their dependence on the federal government for hand
outs is one of them.
More essays consistent with Hornberger and Tracinskišs thought can be found
on their sites as well as the following link. Enjoy!
http://www.aynrand.org/site/PageServer?pagename=objectivism_advessays
On 9/13/05 6:52 PM, "Dr. Joe Dumas" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Michel Holder wrote:
>> Bravo Mike !!!!!
>
>> Mike Roeser wrote:
>>> What is appalling to me is the people you mention are shooting the
>>> people that are trying to rescue them then stealing their boats so they
>>> can rob other people stranded on rooftops. That type of behavior is
>>> hindering all of the rescue efforts at this point.
>
> I have been too busy since the Katrina disaster, first trying to actually help
> people in need, and then trying to get caught up on work here, to comment on
> this topic until now. However, let me now offer a couple of links that folks
> might find thought-provoking with regard to the root cause of the
> still-unfolding tragedy in New Orleans. Those of you whose course content
> lends
> itself to class discussion of such issues might find these articles of
> particular interest, whether or not you personally agree with the authors.
>
> http://tiadaily.com/php-bin/news/showArticle.php?id=1026
>
> http://www.fff.org/comment/com0509a.asp
>
> I can say that my perception, based on first-hand observation, of the reaction
> of the residents of rural south Mississippi (many of them just as poor and
> just
> as hard hit by the storm as the folks in New Orleans), was quite different
> than
> what has been seen in the "big city." By and large, the "country folks" took
> care of themselves rather than waiting for the government to come in and take
> care of them. Those who were too elderly or infirm to take care of
> themselves,
> or who had small children, or who had simply lost everything, were taken care
> of
> by their neighbors in classic small-town American fashion. In most cases
> things
> were more or less under control by the time we arrived with supplies later in
> the week ... and, virtually to a man (and woman), people accepted only the aid
> for which they genuinely had a need.
>
> When a large segment of any population becomes used to "big brother" taking
> care
> of everything, and then suddenly (but inevitably, regardless of which
> political
> party is in power) "big brother" falls down on the job ... then people are
> truly
> left helpless and hopeless. I agree with the authors above ... *dependency*
> itself is the biggest problem in American society today, and the root cause of
> this particular disaster as it unfolded in New Orleans.
>
> Agree, disagree .... food for thought, anyway.
>
>>> What appalls me even more is how quickly folks are using this disaster
>>> for future advancement of their political careers. This is not the time
>>> for politicians to behave in this manner. I am ashamed of all of them
>>> and the media for purposely trying to make matters worse by selectively
>>> focusing on one or two areas and stirring people up.
>>> I keep seeing references made as to why the Bush administration did fix
>>> the levees in New Orleans. If memory serves, Bill Clinton served the
>>> country for eight years before Bush did. Why did President Clinton not
>>> fix the levees? This is not even an issue at this point.
>>> This was a massive disaster that I do not believe anyone in the White
>>> House could have handled any faster or any better.
>>> Let us drop politics and help these folks out to the best of our
>>> abilities.
>
>>> Maggie McMahon wrote:
>>>> It is a public relations nightmare. And a disgrace that citizens that
>>>> "just happen" to be poor and mostly black are literally abandoned at the
>>>> place they were told to go. I thought the sports arena was isolated by
>>>> miles of deep water - BUT in fact, it is possible to drive right up to
>>>> the center. My GOD! People are miserable, sick and some are dieing. What
>>>> would it take to get a Krystal's truck full of food and water to those
>>>> stranded people? I am so ashamed for our country. And am totally
>>>> frustrated by the juxtaposition of want and waste. mm.
>
> --
> "One man with courage is a majority." -- Thomas Jefferson
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