Going For Galt's Gulch

The Autonomist ^ | 05/27/05 | David MacGregor

[John_Galt518]

"Atlas Shrugged" should be a must read for any elected official. As relevant today if not more, than when it was written. I'm a little partial though....

[Hank Kerchief]

Ayn Rand had pets of her own, especially one cat who frequently accompanied her when writing.

There are children in Atlas Shrugged, and a very important passage has to do with a mother and her children in Galt's Gulch.

Hank

[myself6]

This is an infomercial....

[P_A_I]

Galt's Gulch portrays what could be possible in a rational society—and in each new generation of readers it inspires hope, and shines like a beacon pointing to a different world.

It has also inspired speculation as to how such a society may be created in reality. ---

--- Freedom-loving individuals would simply love a place to call their "own".
Trouble is, such a place does not exist—and appears to be impossible to create, under the existing notions of national sovereignty.


______________________________________


Under the principles outlined in the US Constitution, any County in any State of the Union could declare itself to be a "Galts Gulch" in spirit, and eventually gain quite a bit of autonomy in reality, under the provisions of "Home Rule". -- Here is a typical example of such a charter.

Home Rule Charter for Allegheny County
Address:http://www.county.allegheny.pa.us/charter21/


A county that adopts a home rule charter has the ability to amend its governmental organization and powers to suit its needs.
A home rule charter is, in essence, a local constitution.

Home rule gives control over the structure and operations of county government to County voters.

Home rule does not set a county adrift from the rest of the state.
A County is still subject to restrictions found in the United States and Pennsylvania Constitutions and in state laws applicable to all counties.

"Counties without home rule can do only those things specifically authorized by state law; however, home rule counties can do anything not specifically forbidden by state or federal law."


Of course the real kicker would come when a group like minded 'Galts Gulchers' took over political control of a County, and insisted that ALL Fed & State officials strictly obeyed our US Constitution while in the county.

[Hank Kerchief]

This is an infomercial....

We believe in free enterprise and free trade. Fundamental to all free transactions between individuals is information. Call it what you like--I call it liberty and the exercise of free speech. Hank

[DocRock]

"One question about Ayn Rand: Where are the children?"

Anyone on this thread ever hear of the Flint School? There were a lot of kids there. Ayn Rand's philosophy of objectivism was taught there for many years and a lot of the students keep in touch even today, (almost 25 years after the school closed).

[skinkinthegrass]

:D *Good Train Music* "..Riding on, The City Of New Orleans... Good Morning America How Are You..." */Good Train music*...from Arlo Guthie

[diogenes ghost]

Well Hank, c'mon over. I may be the only current resident of Galts Gulch around here. The county requires anyone with a driveway over 300' long to have it named, and the owner may choose the name. Hence, I live in Galts Gulch. Ya'All are always welcome to drop in & share a brew, which we unfortunately must import.

[the gillman@blacklagoon.com]

There is no Galt's gulch.
And if there was the government would find it and Waco them all.

You will be assimilated.

[FreeKeys]

Atlas Shrugged ping

[FreeKeys]

One question about Ayn Rand: Where are the children?

I'm an Ayn Rand fan with kids and grandkids, and I think your question is incredibly, bizarrely, outrageously inane, let alone irrelevant. Rand put out an ENORMOUS amount of work; A.S. alone took 12 years of 16-hours-a-day intensity, and she explained that, since such productivity was her goal, that it would have been unwise, let alone unfair, to have kids in the face of all that.

I believe that she has brought over 4 million Americans (including myself) over from the Dark Side -- (and W. would have lost if she hadn't). So DO try to develop a little realistic perspective, and appreciate the positive, won't you?

[Mr. Jeeves]

I just go to Las Vegas...it's as close to Galt's Gulch as we're ever going to get in America today. ;)

[KC_for_Freedom]

Las Vegas...it's as close to Galt's Gulch as we're ever going to get in America today. ;)

There is definitely a "shrugging" feeling in Vegas, especially when they clean me out at the tables.

[RobFromGa]

Children are not inconsistent with Objectivism.

There are many rewards that come from having children-- financial, emotional, spiritual. They are an investment that pays off over time, and then a whole bunch at maturity. It is not a totally safe bet, but people will continue to try- we are wired that way.

Now, Ayn Rand and Objectivism would certainly have a problem with the Looters taking someone's money to pay for someone else's children. But as long as each family is taking care of their own, there is no problem.

I also do not see a big problem between Objectivism and charitable giving, as long as it is freely given. Religion is also outside of the realm of her philosophy.

Just because Ayn Rand was a childless atheist that had some big personal issues does not negate her basic philosophy which holds that man should not be coerced at gunpoint to give to others.

[Vicomte13]

Man has to be coerced at gunpoint to obey law.
Otherwise there is no law.

[Chef Dajuan]

So is George Gershwin's "Concerto In F"

He said he was inspired writing that music by the sounds of the "Broadway Limited" when he was riding it during that compositions difficult birth.

[sarasmom]

You did not answer the question.
WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN?
I consider the book "Atlas Shrugged" to be deeply provocative, and I would recommend it as a core classic novel to be read by everyone who pursues a thorough basic education.
It, and the Author, is limited in its scope, if one tries to twist it into a rational, working philosophy.

[FreeKeys]

Man has to be coerced at gunpoint to obey law.

Rand said the law should be to protect man's real rights. You don't have to coerce a rational man to leave his neighbors alone, just as he would want to be left alone. The law should PROTECT against the initiation of force, fraud, or coercion in general, NOT TO DO THE INITIATING.

BTW, I notice you have posted nothing on your profile page; I'm suspicious of people who post nothing personal, let alone nothing at all. Could you be a troll in disguise? An agent-provacateur? A puddin'-stick?

[Myrddin]

You obviously haven't read "We the Living" yet. It's almost an autobiography. A view into a society crushed by a communist revolution.

[Myrddin]

There is definitely a "shrugging" feeling in Vegas, especially when they clean me out at the tables.

My local taco shop puts cute little quips on their sign each week. One that fits your situation:

They say money talks. All mine says is Adios.