George W. Bush as Ayn Rand Hero?

There has been much consternation, especially in the aftermath of the 2004 election, concerning the issue of “morals” and how they relate to George W. Bush’s re-election. When many of the voters polled after the election cited morality as a key factor in deciding their vote, it suddenly became open season on religion, as most liberal commentators immediately juxtaposed the two together. Since liberal dogma asserts all value judgments are relative and not absolute; a hidebound voter can only base absolute morality upon religious beliefs, right? Thus, W’s backers were religious nuts and W. himself now a dangerous theocrat.

Well, maybe I can give another explanation. While basic morality does have its roots in religion, for many individuals it goes beyond what God may or may not tell us to do. My favorite definition of morality comes from Ayn Rand’s classic opus Atlas Shrugged. When the heroine, Dagny Taggert, asks “What is morality?”, she is given the following answer:

“…Judgment to distinguish right from wrong, vision to see the truth, courage to act upon it, dedication to that which is good, integrity to stand by the good at any price.
But where does one find it?”

A wonderful definition of morality, supplied by an avid atheist, one which I have carried with me (a believer!) for many years, as I fought to see whatever visions I have had for my personal and professional life realized. But does this definition not describe George W. Bush perfectly? When he made his decision to invade Iraq, the whole world was against him, including probably half of his own nation. He was called horrible names, accused of despicable things, and told his plans would lead to ruination and failure, for himself and his people. “Experts” the world over intoned with great seriousness in media outlets worldwide how wrong this President was, how he was too simple and too stupid to understand the complexities of the world the way they did.

And President Bush stood firm. He refused to back down from distinguishing right from wrong (But…but…it’s not black and white, it’s grey!!!), he had the integrity to stand by his policies (he’s to stubborn and close-minded!!), while realizing the potential price was his political future and place in history.

Well, he was right, as we now know. And he has shown greater morality and courage than all the poll-watching, flip-flopping so-called “leaders” around the globe.
This is where you find morality; with our President. Ayn Rand would be proud. I know I am.

And in a similar vein, I’d like to close this post with another quick excerpt from Atlas Shrugged. As Dagney Taggert is about to begin the first run of her new railroad on tracks made of a new, controversial type of steel, a reporter shouts:

“…Tell me, Miss Taggert - what’s going to support a seven-thousand-ton train on a three-thousand ton track?”

“My judgment!” she replied.