Voting with Reason: The Profound Work of the Ayn Rand Institute’s Push for Principles and Rights

How do you view the world? Do you see it as a glass half empty? Half full? Isn’t it true that for a glass to have water in the first place it must be filled half way and you can’t, by logic, empty a glass halfway with water? This is an example of a common misconception about philosophy. While it is demonstrably true about the glass always being half-full, there is so much more to ideas than thought experiments, and mind games, and seemingly impossible scenarios.

What the Ayn Rand Institute (ARI) purports is that philosophy is a major factor in human life and governs the life of every conscious human being. Not everyone is a philosopher by trade, but everyone possesses his or her own worldview.

ARI is one of the only honest 501(c)(3) American organizations linked to Miss Rand’s words and works. It is also one of the only for profit, tax-exempt organizations in terms of spiritual gain. Miss Rand held that the individual’s life is sovereign. If anyone wanted to vote for something it should be for the rights of the individual. Beyond the vote, author, professor and ARI affiliate Dr. Andrew Bernstein has said that he will, “Keep writing books and essays, and keep giving public lectures!”

This is the power of the pen, press, and now mobile electronic device. As a way of spreading the ideas of reason, individualism, and capitalism, this organization continues to uplift the spirit of selfishness. While politicians bandy about bad ideas on both sides of the political spectrum, the worst among them may be their disdain for the Self.

Leftists and those on the right would both rather sacrifice the individual for the collective. Both sides wish to smother the individual for stating that Obamacare, Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security (amongst a whole host of other government programs) should be abolished. They’re termed the “third rail” by both sides. No matter what party a politician aligns with, right now, he or she would lose in a landslide if they ever challenged these evil “entitlements.”

Beyond the vote, I will firstly and emphatically state that the United States of America is not a democracy but a constitutional republic. The former is an unlimited majority rule that could see an individual’s property or even life seized or extinguished, respectively, because a majority of people felt a certain way. By being bound by the original founding documents, this country has seen tremendous prosperity. I will continue to vouch for ARI and ensure that as many people all over the globe know of the beauty and power of Miss Rand’s ideas. Like a messenger making rounds, I plan to spread the notions of liberty and egoism. After my vote became signed, sealed, and delivered, I knew that I would do more action than just putting a pen to a name on some documents. I intend to uphold the principles that few if any politician lives or even spouts.

While it is easy to say that nothing will change for the positive, that does not give one license to fall back with arms folded and an angry expression painted on one’s face.

The fight beyond the ballot box is to express the glory of free thought, free movement, and a free economy. It is noble to go against the grain not out of popular nonconformity but as a principled way of governing one’s own existence. Government should be an agency to only protect individual rights. I will see to it that the torch that Ayn Rand passed to the members of ARI will forever blaze with the intense fire of freedom.

To be as direct as possible, I will of course continue to donate a percentage of my earnings to ARI for all that they do to advance the cause for individual rights.

ARI is a global organization which has held events in Asia, Europe, Israel, and Latin America amongst other places. In just over thirty-five years, ARI has demonstrated a small but formidable presence on the world stage. In this country, the organization delivers books to high school students and holds essay competitions with prizes ranging up to $20,000. Beyond the vote, I will carry the banner of thought as espoused by ARI through going to conferences in the new normal world in which we live.

Of course, this will not be as easy as having this organization receive dollars from my bank account, which is wonderful. The system of trading value for value is exemplified in this act. I will search for ways to write about and promote Objectivism which is the philosophy of Ayn Rand. As an Objectivist, I challenge myself every day to be a rational man of substance. The correspondence that I receive from ARI will bring the ideals to the forefront on not just the political scene but just life, especially. After all, the politicians ought to exist only to safeguard the rights of Americans. Life ought to be the focus of the individual. The topics and issues only represent our lives. I will never stop in my efforts to bring to the light and further clarify the principles that ARI upholds. This organization deserves every penny that it takes in because it is a beacon illuminating the bleakness of our current age. ARI also requires the work of its staff and volunteers and other personnel to aid in the activity of advocating Miss Rand’s life and work.

Beyond the vote, it is up to me and anyone else who values living somewhat unfettered in present day America to show how we should be completely uncuffed. From Wall Street to the bed sheets, the topics which affect all of our lives undergo objective analysis from ARI experts. We should be vehement supporters of ARI and everything that the organization stands for in this world.

Beyond the vote, I will write as many stories and collect as many deposits so that ARI can keep accepting the cash that I generate. The idea is to develop an interest and then engulf a mind in the fire of Objectivist thought. From free speech to abortion, from environmental concerns to the debt ceiling, whatever happens after this election, ARI will continue to be on the vanguard for rights. I will remain a warrior in the fight against irrationalism and oppression. I will combat these ugly ideas with the ammunition provided by ARI.

Beyond the vote, I will forever endeavor to create a glowing idealism related to ARI. It is with this fervor that I will influence anyone willing to have their lives revolutionized by Objectivism. It is with this fervor that I will always write, speak, donate, and live a life that is worthy of an individual who chooses to think. That is the only way for America and the world to recognize the truth.