Vice-presidential candidate Paul Ryan has reportedly had favorable things to say about Ayn Rand, author of Atlas Shrugged and the philosophy of Objectivism, which stresses the absolutism of reason, reality and individual rights (including laissez-faire capitalism). The New Yorker magazine … Continue reading
I ran across a quote recently: ‘Those who know the least, know it the loudest.’ I don’t know the author of the quote. But it says a lot. ‘Loud,’ in this context, means: unthinking, or shrill. It doesn’t mean strong … Continue reading
Mitt Romney’s selection of Representative Paul Ryan as his running mate will likely trigger debate about privatization of Medicare. Ryan did not actually propose privatization; he has proposed a voucher system for future retirees, in which the federal government pays … Continue reading
I ran across the following criticism of Ayn Rand in a Facebook comment: ‘Arguably, no 20th century writer brought more people to libertarianism than Ayn Rand, but never underestimate how much damage her hyperindividualism did to the movement and to … Continue reading
Mitt Romney has been accused by Obama supporters of murdering a woman by “taking away” her health insurance. They’re counting, of course, on nobody asking any critical questions such as, “What does taking away actually mean?” You cannot “take away” … Continue reading
Dear Dr. Hurd,I’m a substitute teacher and I go from school to school. When kids see a sub they think it is a free day. I know there are ways to defuse situations but I’m having a problem with voice … Continue reading
A number of readers know I’m a fan of Ayn Rand’s ideas. (Ayn Rand is the author of ‘Atlas Shrugged’ and much else.) They have written to ask me if it’s true that Ayn Rand, an advocate of individual rights … Continue reading
Dear Dr. Hurd: I am having a difficult time understanding the actions of my brother’s former girlfriend, who is also the mother of his 3-year-old son. When she says my brother can have him on a particular day, she always … Continue reading
The Olympics represent the exact opposite of everything polite society requires. What I mean by ‘polite society’ in this context are ideas that aren’t necessarily true, or that you necessarily believe—but that you feel compelled to pretend you have adopted. … Continue reading
Traditionally, it’s conservatives or anyone not of the “liberal” persuasion who’s considered racist. In fact, every time somebody takes a position not consistent with socialism or welfare statism, he or she is labeled a “hater” or a “racist.” If you … Continue reading
It’s remarkable how people sometimes blame the medium for the malady. For example, people say, ‘Money is the root of all evil.’ It is true that people sometimes use money for unhealthy or evil reasons. For example, you might become … Continue reading
Bill Clinton’s popularity is reportedly at a record high. He would probably beat anyone — Romney or Obama — if running in 2012. This suggests that most people still want a liberal Democratic President, only not Obama. Yet this begs … Continue reading