Atlas Shrugged
I listened to Atlas Shrugged for the first time on my road trip to Canada in December.
It's a big concept and a long book and there's just so much going on that let's hold off on talking about all my thoughts.
But they're doing a film to be released in just 2 months and here's the trailer
Which led me to this interesting video done by a pretty creative dude
All in all I never knew there was this world of people who love the book and who hate the book. I try hard to understand each side.
I love the concepts of true-individuality, of freedom and responsibility. So mostly I stand in respect to the book... though as I drove I couldn't really delve to far into the book and I can't say I stand 100% behind everything because I stand behind the Prophets and the words of God.
But from what I understand looking out for the individual, freedom and taking responsibility are what we are told to cherish by the prophets along with Faith, Hope and Charity (amongst others)
I can already tell from comments that this movie will be very devisive with people coming down very hard on either side... and those that oppose will be finding any fault (acting, script, principle) to pounce on the movie. They're hoping for a failure before it's ever shown.
“Patriot” Act
Over-reactions are fun sometimes and sometimes spot on
You want my overeaction to the subject.
I guess we can call it the Patriot Act because the bill is practically spitting in the face of real patriots interested in freedoms from oppression... stirring them up to act and get off their butts.
SOOOO... it's a bill that creates Patriots.
I could see how it could be called the Patriot act if you think about our original patriots and the types of laws that stirred them to action.
It's certainly not an actually patriotic bill. It doesn't support the principles of the founding of this country.
CONGRESSMAN CHAFFETZ
There is quite a bit of conversation going on over on the FB page of Utah Representative Jason Chaffetz ... because he was one of those that previously was against the PA and just recently voted to support several provisions.
People are rightfully shocked by an apparent change of heart.
He has invited discussion... of which there has been much. Though as of yet we haven't really heard from him yet.
Here were my responses so far as I'm thinking through the issues and principles at hand:
Written to Rep. Chaffetz
Well Kudos to you for asking us about this issue. (Honestly I like that)
Sadly it was a little late... after the vote... this conversation would have been better served prior to the vote. Your vote will be in the books For-e-ver.
I think most people just assumed that you would vote against it.I don't read many bills so forgive me for my ignorance... but it seems it doesn't say much... just extends parts of the Patriot Act. Wouldn't that make it the Patriot Act?
Anyway, it just references other sections. I'm having trouble following so please if you say you want us to "read the law" point us to it. Heck if it's so short paste the text of those provisions that you're extending. There's only 3 provisions.
We'll gladly tear them apart or praise them.
That was in response to his status:
Some are concerned about my vote tonight. Please, read the bill. It is 1.5 pages. It simply extends three provisions for 10 months. Many parts of the law have dramatically changed since the P.A. was first introduced. Don't rely on arguments from 10 years ago. Read the law now and let me know your specific concerns. I have an open mind, but I can only respond to specifics of the current law...not the old P.A.
You can read his notes on the details of the vote here
And my reaction to reading that was:
I'm softening my revulsion just a little bit. But something here just makes me sick to my stomach.
Maybe it's a where do we draw the line scenario, perhaps the power is in the definitions section of terrorist and foreign powers
... in 20 years do we just state roving wire taps are what we have always done so why do people care just because we're putting ALL conversations into a big database, or starting to be more lenient on who gets tapped. (OK there's probably plently of other scenarios better than my random one I just made up)
I think I just don't trust the "supervisors" as part of it and I guess them being secretive we'll never know just how many abuses there are.
When abuses are acted in "the light" we can see how Checks and Balances are serving us or failing us.But I do urge more debate just as the congressman has called for on the essence of this bill. Seems like time is well spent here as on the newest thread which is getting more commentary.
He asks for reasons why we his constituents don't like the bill so several have responded... Of special interest are reports that there have been many abuses of power
Still learning
It's interesting to read the other comments because many of the people state what they feel and what I feel much more eloquently.
I appreciate the discourse and the perspectives because I am not 100% familiar with all these laws and going ons. I am still learning.
I invite people to share solid reasonings based on solid principles.
I appreciate trying to understand how both sides feel and how they reason their support.
