A quick google of the term presents a lot of websites, including this one, all dedicated to bringing the fictional land of "Galt's Gulch" to reality. Much of this initiative seems to be propelled by libertarian ideology, which, ironically, I've heard several objectivist speakers between Penn State and YouTube distancing themselves from. This movement is spurred by the obvious "socialist" skew that the Obama administration supposedly has.
Well, to a degree, yes, I can see how Obama's administration was seen as socialist (an amusing CNN broadcast last week discussed the events that deemed Obama a socialist no more). If you dig up objectivist writings and readings, they're always speaking out on key governmental issues. To have this movement suggested is, well, predictable.
Socialism isn't quite what it was 40-60 years ago. Not that a state of total socialism is particularly desirable, as key problems rise fairly quickly (a famous socio-political web-meme claims, "Is it not impossible to see that all blood runs red?"). But basing our entire mode of existence on a monetary system isn't fool-proof either, especially when that economy is as flawed and front-loaded as ours. From this standpoint, Galt's Gulch seems like the most logical decision.
It's interesting to see how Rand's philosophy plays out in reality, although I find absolute objectivism not perfect in of itself as well. Not to mention, the supposed manifestations of objectivism in recent years haven't been all to popular (i.e. Ron Paul was pushed for a while).
Are the great intellectuals really leaving the world behind? And what do they expect to find when they come back? Will the country really be in shambles? What's the grand solution here?
Then again, Randy Newman foretold of the end of America, too (video below)...
Some days, I honestly just don't know.
Well, to a degree, yes, I can see how Obama's administration was seen as socialist (an amusing CNN broadcast last week discussed the events that deemed Obama a socialist no more). If you dig up objectivist writings and readings, they're always speaking out on key governmental issues. To have this movement suggested is, well, predictable.
Socialism isn't quite what it was 40-60 years ago. Not that a state of total socialism is particularly desirable, as key problems rise fairly quickly (a famous socio-political web-meme claims, "Is it not impossible to see that all blood runs red?"). But basing our entire mode of existence on a monetary system isn't fool-proof either, especially when that economy is as flawed and front-loaded as ours. From this standpoint, Galt's Gulch seems like the most logical decision.
It's interesting to see how Rand's philosophy plays out in reality, although I find absolute objectivism not perfect in of itself as well. Not to mention, the supposed manifestations of objectivism in recent years haven't been all to popular (i.e. Ron Paul was pushed for a while).
Are the great intellectuals really leaving the world behind? And what do they expect to find when they come back? Will the country really be in shambles? What's the grand solution here?
Then again, Randy Newman foretold of the end of America, too (video below)...
Some days, I honestly just don't know.
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