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Ayn Rand Explains Objectivism; Milton Friedman Explains Capitalism

In this 1959 interview, Ayn Rand talks about her philosophy and explains the principles behind Objectivism. This Mike Wallace interview, which occurred just a few years after “Atlas Shrugged” was published, shows how liberal journalists use loaded statements and questions to launch attacks.

He begins by misstating the name of her philosophy as “Randism.” Surely, Mike Wallace knows that her philosophy is called “Objectivism.” The use of her name is intended to imply her philosophy is her subjective opinion and undercut the idea that it is objective. Ayn Rand quickly corrects him and explains the basic precepts, but Mike Wallace returns with “you like a certain kind of Ayn Randist selfishness.”

Next, Mike Wallace goes on to say “What is wrong with loving your fellow man? Christ, every important moral leader in history, has taught us that we should love one another. Why then is this kind of love, in your mind, immoral?” Aside from the obvious phoney bandwagon argument about “every important moral leader,” this loaded statement really comes out of nowhere. Ayn Rand didn’t say anything about love; she was talking about altruism and self-sacrifice.

Mike Wallace continues the “interview” with more of the same, and Ayn Rand does an excellent job of explaining her philosophy. It would have been nice to see her challenge Mike Wallace’s fallacious statements more. However, she was probably more interested in explaining her philosophy than she was in beating back the communist onslaught.

What should Ayn Rand have said to Mike Wallace? This clip below of Phil Donahue interviewing Milton Friedman demonstrates the method perfectly. Watch as Donahue loads up his “question” on capitalism and greed only to have utterly deflated as Milton Friedman counters with, “Is there some society that you know of that doesn’t run on greed?”

When speaking to liberals, always question the premise. Also, take note of the manner in which Phil Donahue asked his question. He spent about 25 seconds to ask a simple question about whether Milton Friedman ever had any doubts.

The question itself takes a few seconds to state. However, Donahue stretches it out to set the trap and and make his attack. The inherent implication of the question is that capitalism and greed are the cause of misery in the world, but Milton Friedman quickly knocks down that fallacy. That is how it is done!

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July 6, 2012 at 1:23 am Comments (2)

“Occupy What Street?” – a Funny Interview of Occupy Wall Street Protestors

This interview of the Occupy Wall Street protestors by Youtuber “americanmayor” (AKA Travis Irvine) is full of his wry, low-key humor. This is definitely one of the best reports on the Occupy Wall Street protests.

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October 31, 2011 at 10:19 pm Comments (0)