Does Ayn Rand help or hinder the message of liberty?
As excitment for the release of the new Atlas Shrugged film reaches a fever pitch in the lead up to its premiere, AFF-Chicago is asking a question that divides free marketeers every time it’s raised:
Does Ayn Rand help or hinder the message of liberty?
Join us from 6-8 PM on Wednesday, April 27th to hear arguments from both sides.
Many conservatives and libertarians read Rand’s works in their formative years and credit Atlas Shrugged, The Fountainhead, or the philosophy of Objectivism with opening their eyes to the moral rationale for a society that respects the rights of individual above all else. For some, Rand was their first teacher on the ideals of liberty.
On the other hand, some view Rand’s teachings as overly-rigid, cold, and off-putting. Although Rand criticized religious faith vehemently, her followers sometimes appear cultish and doctrinaire. Should Rand be the first person read by people curious about liberty and free markets?
The event will feature two spectacular panelists, each of whom has strong thoughts on Ayn Rand and her usefulness in broadening the movement for liberty.
Heather Wilhelm is a columnist for RealClearPolitics and a member of AFF’s Chicago committee. She penned a piece in the Wall Street Journal in December 2009 that asked, ‘Is Ayn Rand Bad for the Market?’
Marsha Familaro Enright is president of the Reason, Individualism, Freedom Institute, the Foundation for the College of the United States. She recently coauthored a column in the Daily Caller advocating on Rand’s behalf entitled ‘Can the free market be saved without Rand?’
Where: Sullivan’s Steakhouse, 415 N Dearborn, Chicago
When: Wednesday, April 27th, 6-8 PM (debate begins at 7 PM)
RSVP: chicago@americasfuture.org or on our Facebook event page
Price: $10 per person (includes one drink ticket, payable at the door). Members get free admission.
We hope you’ll join us for this exciting event!
Tags: ayn rand, heather wilhelm, marsha enright
