April 15

John Galt dropped by my cabin last night.

It was a beautiful clear early spring evening, lit by a waxing gibbous moon. When he knocked, I recognized him immediately, not by his red hair, but by his relaxed sense of peaceful purpose. Most people I meet these days look haunted, or hunted — as if trapped in a desperate race. Against what?

He suggested we take a walk.

Our shadows drifted over last year's corn stalks: row after row of tightly spaced industrial monoculture, hacked off a uniform 8" above the eroded topsoil. "Mind if I ask you a few questions?" he asked.

"No, of course not."

"Do you believe in involuntary redistribution of wealth?" he asked. "A welfare state? Corporate favoritism — bailouts?"

"Absolutely not."

"Do you believe your government has the right to intervene in foreign affairs?" he asked. "Specifically for purposes of political, military or economic gain? Or to engage in warfare without the approval of Congress?"

"No."

"Do you believe your government has the right to monitor the private communications of citizens within your national borders...without a warrant?"

"Hell no."

"Do you believe your money supply should be subservient to a private corporation: the Federal Reserve?"

"Of course not." I was whispering, dismayed.

Galt was smiling.

"Then, my friend, why do you continue to support the system?" he asked. "You have just admitted to taxation without representation. Your direct ancestor fought in a war — a revolution — to protest that principle."

When I looked up, he was gone. I shrugged, deep in thought.

Was there something I was supposed to do today?

FREEDOM SERIES:

Freedom
April 15
Civil Disobedience
Political Opportunity (Lost & Found)
Political Conventions
Financial Bailout — "Rescue Plan"
End the Fed

Comments

[ar-lock]

We support the system because we believe it benefits the group, we are taught that it is selfish to go against the group.

[allan]

Civilization's development has always been initiated by individuals balancing demands within their intimate groups against personal needs for independence and identity. Social engineers and planners always err at this point.

What they endeavor is to convert humankind from small, intimate, flexible tribes to a collective with one mind (their mind of course). They want to make all the complex human herds and packs composed of individuals into a single hive of drones. They have always failed, and will always fail, for inspired individuals will continue to imagine and accomplish exceptional goals.

Perhaps John Galt was suggesting that you are one of the inspired individuals, and have started a movement that is beyond bureaucratic control. Keep rockin'!

[Rick Toone]

"We support the system because we believe it benefits the group, we are taught that it is selfish to go against the group."

I believe you are quite correct. The question is who is "teaching" and what are his or her motives?

Behind every spokesperson for collectivisim — belief that the group is more important than the individual — is a person whose only motive is to gain personal power. The words "sacrifice" or "for the common good" are a clear indication someone intends to use you for personal gain.

The situation is no longer win-win but instead win-lose.

Involuntary sacrifice for others is both immoral and illegal under the founding principles of this country: "...the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

Begin your thought journey by reading my essay entitled "Freedom."

LINK | http://www.ricktoone.com/2008/01/freedom.html