miltonfleitas

Ayn Rand's Anthem attempts to introduce the reader to her philosophical thought within the pages of a science fiction novella. Reminiscent of Huxley and Orwell in its brevity and social lessons. Ayn's sole work of "fantastic fiction" is unknown to most - possibly because of its not so subtle vision of a world controlled by a "collectivist" dictatorship. A world that seems to be what Americas national media is so intent on establishing. Whether it is a musical instrument as portrayed in Rush's 2112 (a rock opera tome to this book) or Rands electricity & incandescent Light-bulbs being outlawed and removed from collective history by those who know what is best for us. Rand's vision is eerily similar to much of today's American leftist ideals which have hijacked the democratic party. Ideals previously only spoken of between the intellectuals and social radicals are now being openly adopted within the halls of congress and our president. Ask yourself, who is it that is trying to outlaw incandescent light bulbs today for the greater good of society? Ironically our enlightened overseers are replacing this evil invention with one of the most toxic elements known to man....... Mercury based fluorescent bulbs! A toxic and ecological future nightmare. Rand paints a future that is extreme and exaggerated in order validate her "objectivist" philosophy, yet to a North Korean citizen alive today in our modern world - its a future that is all too real.

An excellent follow up to his Pulitzer winning "Goedel, Escher, Bach: an eternal golden braid" Written in an essay format Dr Hofstadter delves into everything from Rubik's cube to short biographies of science greats - and all these wide ranging essays are organized into a coherent, intricately organized order that somehow finds a connection to everything. Written for a popular audience Hofstadter is always searching for and asking even deeper philosophical questions which often touch upon the supernatural.

Betrayal by Linda Chavez is as relevant today as it was 5 years ago when it was first published. Chavez systematically takes on the "system" which has been put in place by far left leaning organizations by using Unions as the Democratic political policy makers and presidential "king" makers. This book is extensively footnoted while being easy to read with short and concise sections dealing with a systematic overview of the "Union" Problem, its history and its possible future with a chapter on what must be done by both Republicans and any remaining capitalist Democrats still left among us. Though this review may be best listed under politics, in 2009 it is very relevant for any business leader today. Sanchez makes it clear that it is possible to be both involved in a union and still protect the American capitalist system - but union members must be the ones to speak out with their votes at the ballot box. They did so in 1980 with 43% of their votes going for Ronald Reagan, himself a Lifelong union member. Voters understood then that a strong independent business climate that protects small business was vital for their own economic life. With our current climate of "who cares about small business" being expressed by the actual deeds of the Obama administration. We can only hope for a union associated candidate to run in 2012 for the Republicans. Eye opening to business leaders is Linda's review of how a defacto Apartheid system is being established with unequal rules. One advantageous set of rules for unions and another more stringent and business defeating set of rules for private businesses. I always smile when I see Liberals exhorting Free Speech and equality for they only seem to want it when it favors themselves, often seemingly resorting to name calling and empty rhetoric when confronted with a logical discussion of the issues.

A good book for any one interested in the life of Paul, our greatest apostle. And yet so many people are unaware he was responsible for the majority of our new testament. Peter Jones takes a philosophical approach on using Paul's methods of reaching an overwhelmingly pagan Roman world 2000 years ago while updating and expounding upon his methods. When I first read this book several years ago I felt his characterization of an overwhelmingly pagan America was years away and over the top - but as I review the information today less than 2 years into a presidential administration that seems to be looking forward to Jones' pagan post modern world. This book now seems prophetic. This possible overwhelmingly pagan world may actually be at hand, using their favorite weapons of ridicule and marginalization - are Christians today willing to stand up and use the simple and honest tactics of a travel weary Rabbi?