Millzeee

check out the latest at

<a href="http://www.gumball3000.com/" target="_blank">http://www.gumball3000.com/</a>

Carl Jarrett

Actually, they each pay $9,000 to get into the race, and all proceeds go to 9/11 fund.. supposedly.

BC

[quote]Rich guys driving 1/4 million pound cars through counries where people cant afford to eat. Not very funny.<hr></blockquote>

Why is that an issue here? I take issue
with your comparing those two things. The fact that those people have that money has no bearing on the poor ones that they pass. What should they do? Should they sacrafice themselves so that others can eat or afford a car like theirs? What did the poor people do? Did they earn it? Are they working?

I don't think I will get into this too much, but there is no reason to feel any remorse, guilt, or charity for someone that does not have as much as you - and you have no responsibility to give of your self for them if they have not earned it.

The points on speeding dangerously, possibly recklessly are fine. (Although the police love the income, and let them off to speed more - if they were really bent on saftey, they would detain them longer) - But to say that the poor should have some hold on the rich is lacking.

BTW - My points are based on those made in "Atlas Shrugged" - I think this book needs to be read more before the world stops again because of the looters.

chas911

Ah Ayn Rand, one of my favorite authors! Great Book!.

Charlie

Rohan Nath

[quote] BTW - My points are based on those made in "Atlas Shrugged" - I think this book needs to be read more before the world stops again because of the looters. <hr></blockquote>

This is probably not the best forum to debate this issue but I would be careful with applying developed country standards of prosperity [or lack thereof] to developing countries.

I'm a staunch capitalist but grew up in a poor developing country. Its a little hard for me to pass value judgement on underpriviliged people that were denied basic education and many other opportunities that we take for granted in developed countries. Some (not all) are truly victims of their circumstances and probably deserve a little more compassion than Ayn Rand and objectivism might offer.

Greg H.

Go Brendan! Let them eat cake.

BC

Well....Now that Ihave shot this thing TOTALLY into off topic, I may as well digress fully.


Ayn Rand IS Black and White. She has a belief system, and she stuck to it through thick and thin. Is that a bad thing? I have studied Philosophy for years independantly, and have realized that I can no longer separate my politics from my philosophy. To be quite frank - I have yet to fully grasp the ability to live the tenets of objectivism 100%. It's difficult, but if we all did more of it, maybe things would be better. Maybe not.

I suppose that if you were to rephrase and rethink your comments that used the words "victims" and "compassion", that possibly I would be able to synthesize your ideals, but as they stand, they still seem to mirror those of Mr. McConnell's; in that somehow, a rich auto-enthusiast fellow's presence has anything to do with the individual on the corner hoping for a job today. That was a run on sentence, but I'll leave it for now.

I suppose, to bring this point back into the non-abject, I could compare it one of your situations. Your have your 993 all waxed up, and rolling down the boulevard, when another soul is riding the bus in the other lane. He looks over, and thinks to himself "A$$hole...Must be nice to just sit back and enjoy life....Why should he have a nice car while I toil away for nothing..."

So to even have a faint feeling of GUILT or any tinge of "responsibility" to that person for not being in your positive situation and "wishing" that they were is to debase your own existance.

I chastise ANYBODY that I hear saying statements such as "must be nice..." when they see another with more material wealth. It pervades, really, and its sick.

On Mr. Nath's instistance that the country around the "victim" has not let them prosper, I will simply ask the question of whether that country practices Capitalism (TRUE free market, which the USA doesn't even have any more) or a weak for of looter-socialism ("For the good of the people")

Oh-Kay. I'm done. Sorry for the rant. I just saw this on two different threads, and had to say something. Hope all above is read in good tone and respect.

Play thorugh.

Rohan Nath

[quote] On Mr. Nath's instistance that the country around the "victim" has not let them prosper, I will simply ask the question of whether that country practices Capitalism (TRUE free market, which the USA doesn't even have any more) or a weak for of looter-socialism ("For the good of the people") <hr></blockquote>

I'm in no way defending the perverse socialist policies adopted by most developing countries. I grew up with them, hated them, and made my way to the US of A to escape from them. I'm also not suggesting that a wealthy individual feel any guilt because of their wealth. Certainly I do not (though I could do with a LOT more wealth).

I AM suggesting that there are people in developing countries who do not have the means to escape to countries that offer a more rational socio-economic structure. They are poor not because of a lack of effort or desire but because they never had access to the tools necessary to improve their lot. To imply that they are poor for lack of effort and hence unworthy of compassion (which is how I read your original post) is inaccurate.

No flame intended. Just sharing my personal views (shaped no doubt by my experiences), hopefully in a respectful manner.

Robert Collins - 96 993TT

RT7-
That picture was taken in front of the massive Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN, which is where I live. Are you in or near Nashville?? I did not know if there were any other Rennlisters in or around the Nashville area.

Thanks.

BC

Yes Rohan. We must see your point. It is inevitable, and the main reason people dismiss Rand all too easily - She did not address it in any way.

I would want to put forth, though, that since her book is pre-1960, that many siutations of the last 30 years (I think I may mean 40) did not have any bearing in those days.

Well, to be sure, this is not the place for such a discussion - though it IS an interesting and "flamable" topic.

...I could use alot more wealth too. BUt during that clime - I will try my ever-all all not to feel ANY mal-content towards those who have more and have earned it.

Take Care,

ked

So, to stay on topic, if Ayn Rand were alive & driving today, would she take part in the Gumball, and would she drive a large, objective American Dreadnought-of-the-Highway (V8 w/ over 400ci), an elitist euro art-piece (hand-crafted by modern industrial serfs)... or a product of one genius that evolved from common roots to achieve tremendous stature of performance that honors & extends the visionary owner?

Curtis - '97 Targa

Wow, I didn't even know I was making a philosophical statement....I thought my car just looked real pretty and went like a scalded ape! <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" />

BC

I think Ayn would have to drive something of stature, and of unique, yet understated quality and elegance. Possibly a one-off. What that would be is obviously a personal thing, and I will leave that up to her while she roles in her grave at what is happening in France, Germany, and many other EC countries (EC European Union of Communal Socialist Looter Republics)

FormulaOne10

Yeah, that certainly is Opryland. Only been there once but the building is unmistakeable.

RT7

[quote]Originally posted by Robert Collins - 96 993 C2 cab:
<strong>RT7-
That picture was taken in front of the massive Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN, which is where I live. Are you in or near Nashville?? I did not know if there were any other Rennlisters in or around the Nashville area.

Thanks.</strong><hr></blockquote>

I used to live in Nashville, many decades ago though, but now I'm in Kali.