Ayn Rand rising as Tax Day, ideologies converge in U.S.

The US Report ^ | 15 April 2011 | Kay Day

[Crush]

Ayn Rand died 29 years ago, yet her legacy thrives. A film based on her most well-known novel ‘Atlas Shrugged’ premieres on April 15, traditionally known as Tax Day in the U.S. Perhaps because of the film premiere or perhaps because of the current political climate, Rand is being discussed, debated and in some instances, despised all over again.

Gone missing from commentary on Rand

I noted comments on a left-leaning message board where someone had posted a link to an article at The US Report about a billboard many people see on I-95 as they drive south. The billboard asks Rand’s pivotal question in ‘Atlas’: “Who is John Galt?” The posters on the message board adopted the usual stance of attacking Rand for her “selfishness.” I doubt most had read her works; the comments are largely juvenile.

If they had, they’d have recognized another often-missed point in ‘Atlas.’ Rand's central character Dagny was willing to risk her life for the man she loved. I’d say that is not indicative of a “selfish” act.

I enjoyed reading an essay at Red State, and I enjoyed reading the more than 250 often lively comments from readers there. In ‘Rejecting the Cult of Ayn Rand’ the essayist begins with an acknowledgement conservatives (whatever that is) “properly owe a debt of thought to Ayn Rand.” Because of course she railed against what we Americans rather bizarrely call “liberalism.” The essayist questions “allegedly grown and serious men worshiping her philosophy devoutly.”

Something went missing in that essay, however, and it has to do with the times Rand lived in as well as women’s rights.

Women’s rights, Labor’s rights

On the times, it’s useful to note her novel ‘Anthem’ actually...

[Crush]

Recommended Links

April 15: Tax Day and 'Atlas Shrugged' premiere The US Report

Remembering the real Ayn Rand The Wall Street Journal

Atlas is Shrugging Video and commentary at The Labor Union Report

Rejecting the cult of Ayn Rand Red State

Why Moses is denied the Promised Land A Torah study/Jewish News of Greater Phoenix

The Ayn Rand Institute Devoted to Rand’s life and works, fiction and nonfiction

[Publius]

A fine, thickly textured article about Rand and her books.

[668 - Neighbor of the Beast]

...they’d have recognized another often-missed point in ‘Atlas.’ Rand's central character Dagny was willing to risk her life for the man she loved. I’d say that is not indicative of a “selfish” act.

You'd say wrong, and the point was never "often-missed." Rand answered questions on this point repeatedly.

[FreeKeys]

Atlas Shrugged is being made into a series of 3 movies.  The first part of the 3-part trilogy opened yesterday, tax day, April 15, 2011 in over 300 theaters nationwide.   Last year, in 2010, ATLAS SHRUGGED sold about 500,000 copies, more than in any year since it was first published in 1957.  This is ten times as many copies as Hillary's and Obama's books sold last year combined.

Awesome.

[DollyCali]

BTTT

[Kozak]

About to head to the theater to give it a try.

[DollyCali]

I was lucky. Our party saw it at first matinee at Cinemark. Only 5.00. In OKlahoma City the Cinemarks showings before 6 are all 3.75!

[FreeKeys]

In OKlahoma City the Cinemarks showings before 6 are all 3.75!

Wow!

[Mama_Bear]

Awesome, indeed! My son saw it with his family yesterday and called last night to rave about it. We discussed Ayn Rand, her books and this movie for over an hour. He was beyond impressed at how perfectly it was cast and how close to the book they stayed on message. He said he believed Ayn Rand would be very proud of this portrayal of her novel.

He also said that the theater (in Dublin, CA) was not sold out but about 2/3 full and the average age of the movie-goers appeared to be fifty-ish. Lots of seasoned citizens. And, one thing he said he has never seen in a movie theater; the crowd erupted in applause at the end of the movie. He told me at what point part 1 ended, but I won't spoil it for others. I will just say that it ended at a climactic event.

I am so looking forward to seeing this movie and am wearing my Rearden Metal Liberty bracelet as I type.

[GSP.FAN]

Box office Mojo has it at number 13,not bad for a limited release movie..

[eyedigress]

Socialists and TAX day from your best friend.

(There was a day when GOD and neighbors helped out. NEVER FEAR ASSWIPE IS HERE!)

[TheOldLady]

Just Hanging Around Grazing at Free Republic?
Haven't donated yet?
Sign up to donate monthly
and a sponsoring FReeper will donate $10

Urgent: Save Lazamataz! Donate today

[PGalt]

Thanks for the ping; post; thread.

I saw it last night in downtown Birmingham, Michigan in Oakland county. Oakland county used to be one of the wealthier counties in the U.S.A. Birmingham is still one of the most affluent cities in Michigan. Lots of wealthy job creators/producers live there. (Lots of General Motors/auto company managers...oh, the irony) There was applause at the opening and applause at the end. It was good.

In the enjoyment of life, liberty and the pursuit of your dreams it may be necessary to take the time to pursue and and destroy totalitiarians. On the other hand (the choices of fight or flight), you can go Galt. What if there is no Galt’s Gulch to retreat to?

Life, lib...

[BradyLS]

I saw it this afternoon and really enjoyed it. The best character in the movie is Ellis Wyatt. His exit and quote at the end of the movie were great.

Given the length and density of the novel—as well as the limited budget and tight production schedule—I thought Part 1 a remarkable and entertaining movie.

I have nits I could pick about it, but that would be pointless. The heart and ideas of the novel made it into the movie. That’s what really matters about it.

I hope that we see Parts 2 and 3 before too long!