"The Bridge in Your Mind"

"They built the bridge in their minds." Ooh, spooky. But I agree with the general perspective. This shows how the better parts of Ayn Rand's world view, minus the Rand cultism, continue to infiltrate into the culture and contribute to a kind of alternative humanism on the American right.

In other words, Rand cultists can say some interesting and defensible things which we don't hear often from others. Consider their interpretation of today's holiday, for example. Rand cultists, like this one, argue that Thanksgiving celebrates man's ability to produce and trade, and to enjoy the fruits of his efforts - a perspective which leaves god beliefs optional. Christmas, in the Rand cultists' view, serves a similar function. (I guess they would consider April 15, which penalizes production and trade and deprives us of the fruits of our efforts, a kind of anti-Thanksgiving.)

And consider this as well: You can go to an American supermarket open on Thanksgiving day, and at the very last minute buy everything you would need for the standard holiday meal, including wine and fresh flowers if you choose. We shouldn't take this marvel for granted, and we should show more appreciation for the institutions which make it possible.