People of the Rope vs People of the Ladder

Dinesh D’Souza has a wonderful way of explaining complex issues using simple analogies. In the video below D’Souza, speaking at Columbia University, describes the difference between Republicans and Democrats using the analogy of a rope and a ladder.

Ayn Rand used “Textbook of Americanism” to explain in the simplest terms possible what made America unique and great. She opens with an explanation of two starkly contrasting ideas.

What Is the Basic Issue in the World Today?

The basic issue in the world today is between two principles: Individualism and Collectivism. Individualism holds that man has inalienable rights which cannot be taken away from him by any other man, nor by any number, group or collective of other men. Therefore, each man exists by his own right and for his own sake, not for the sake of the group.

Collectivism holds that man has no rights; that his work, his body and his personality belong to the group; that the group can do with him as it pleases, in any manner it pleases, for the sake of whatever it decides to be its own welfare. Therefore, each man exists only by the permission of the group and for the sake of the group.

These two principles are the roots of two opposite social systems. The basic issue of the world today is between these two systems.

Read ‘Textbook of Americanism’

Rand built her case for limiting the power of the collective, for the difference between arbitrary law and moral law, and for the meaning of rights. She summarized the proper role of government — the smallest conceivable and essential functions — and the moral imperative not to initiate force. She clarified that individualism and collectivism are exclusive terms, that any “mix” is a breach against individualism.

Finally, Rand issued a warning: Compromising individual rights will lead to society’s destruction.

D’Souza’s “people of the ladder and people of the rope” analogy describes what Ayn Rand warned us about. The rope that Democrats are throwing to their supporters is actually a nose that will hang them and lead to the equal sharing of misery.

RELATED ARTICLE: The False Compassion of Liberalism

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