In the 1950s and 60s, Ayn Rand authored a series of books which focused on the virtues of individualism versus collectivism. Having grown up in Russia and the Soviet Union, she believed that government, religion, social organizations, even charities are evil.
For those of us who were raised in democracies during the 1930s, 40s, 50s and 60s, it was difficult to imagine the appeal of such a narrow-minded, selfish philosophy. Yet congressman and vice-presidential candidate, Paul Ryan, has repeatedly credited Rand as his inspiration for public service.
Of course, he says he doesnt accept all of Rands beliefs. After all, Rand was a pro-choice aethist while Ryan says hes a pro-life Catholic.
Moreover, Rand, in the last years of her life, decided that collectivism wasnt all bad, especially when she could cash Social Security checks and let Medicare pay for her healthcare. Yet these are the very programs that Ryan wants to get rid of.
But maybe Ryan isnt so different from Rand, after all. Although Ryan hates the federal government, he happily cashes government checks for his congressional salary. He gladly accepts his government-paid healthcare. He works out in a government-owned gym. And Im betting that, if Ryan and his Teapublican buddies dont kill Social Security and Medicare first, theyll happily accept those benefits to go along with their government pensions.
It would seem that, in Ryans mind, government programs are only bad when the money goes to someone else.
Im reminded of the true story of W.C. Fields. Although he was an avowed aethist, a friend found him reading the Bible on his death bed. When the friend asked why, Fields responded, Looking for loopholes.
To learn about more of Ryan’s lies, read The Teapublican Book of Lies available at Amazon.com and other on-line bookstores.