PJTV: "Going Galt" around the country
Today, econoblogger Megan McArdle from the Atlantic comes on to discuss "going John Galt," Atlas Shrugged,
and why the Obama administration needs to be humble in their approach to the economic crisis. I then talk with some citizens from around the country--from Virginia, Ohio, and California--about their "Going Galt" experiences. Find out what others are doing and hear their suggestions and feelings on the bailouts, tax increases and more (currently free with no registration required). You can watch here.
Labels: Going Galt, PJTV
posted by Helen at 12:30 AM
6 Comments:
You're getting better at this sort of thing, Dr. Helen. You are more relaxed, and your demeanor is more pleasant. In some of your earlier shows you seemed uncomfortable, but perhaps that had to do more with the topic under consideration at the time. Here you present yourself very well, and that allows your guests to express themselves freely. Good job.
As to the show, I completely agree with Ms. McAardle that Europe will see civil unrest in the near future. In the US, we have subprime companies. Over there they have subprime countries. And to make matters worse, they don't have a central bank to manage the economic downturn. Not that the central bank here is doing anything effective, you understand, but at least the structure is in place; it simply needs to be better staffed.
I was impressed with each of your guests, particularly Mr. Price. He is exactly right, this is a moral issue. Freedom vs. slavery always is.
He's also right about the "herd mentality" of the corporate world. I could never work there. Even though my family owns a corporation, it really isn't part of the corporate world. Our office is actually an old ranch home we converted, and our only employees are a secretary and a few helpers. Everyone else is self-employed, so they pretty much come and go as they please.
In fact, I hardly ever go to the office. I do most of my work at home. All I need is a computer, scanner, printer, an internet connection, and a cell phone to do just about everything I need to do. And I don't drive anywhere unless I absolutely have to.
I wouldn't call that going Galt, but it's pretty close. I don't intend to decrease my productivity, because there is a lot of work to do. I do however intend to minimize my taxes in every legal way possible, maximize my savings, and reduce my consumption to the basic necessities. But I don't spend that much money anyway. My biggest budgetary expense is food--which I refuse to skimp on, because I like to eat good food.
I might go to Dallas to watch a Cowboys football game once or twice a year, but that's about it for my big money expenditures. Although I have been thinking seriously about buying a new car--sixteen years is an awfully long time to drive a truck--I'm going to wait a few months before I make a decision.
I don't see going Galt as withdrawing from society. That to me would be lunacy. Rather, I see it more along the lines Mr. Price does, as a rejection of state-sponsored theft, which I abhor.
Politically, there's not much I can do about that, given the current makeup of both parties, other than to consistently vote against every incumbent. I think the time is ripe for a new party, one grounded on the Constitution with a strong libertarian base. Absent the foundation of one, it's time for a revolution.
The tree of liberty must, from time to time, be nourished with the blood of patriots and tyrants. Or something like that.
"And to make matters worse, they don't have a central bank to manage the economic downturn."
--
Europe has a central bank and it is located in Frankfurt, Germany.
Indeed. This was the best one yet.
thanks, dr helen. some good feedback and also what might be construed as bad (which i find very amusing) from being on your show... it's a real kick being internet famous for a few minutes! cheers! -lyndse rae
Lyndse,
Thanks again for coming on. Hey, maybe we can both get the t-shirt that says we were internet famous once...
Going Galt is a waste. Better to work hard, create, and crucify anyone who attempts to take what's yours.
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