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My Name is James Rozar

Posted by Rozar 11 years, 3 months ago to The Gulch: Introductions
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My outlook is probably unique for this website, considering I actually used to be a communist. I read tons of communist literature that consistently reinforced my beliefs, but there were always a number of issues that I just couldn't find a solid answer to.

To be honest I read Atlas Shrugged simply because Atlas has always been kind of a hero to me, so when his name was in the title of a movie I was interested. Then I read that it was a piece of pro capitalist propaganda so I was even more intrigued. I bought the book simply because I wanted to test my beliefs.

After reading the book I did a full 180 and started researching Ayn Rand and her works and her whole philosophy. It filled the gaps I found in communism so perfectly, it felt like it was defining things I knew in my mind for so long but couldn't find the words to express.

Philosophy has always been important to me, I constantly struggle with finding a meaning for my life. I have a "Who Is John Galt" tattoo on my forearm, and often when I'm feeling troubled I look down and touch it to remind myself of what life really means.

Anyway I never really notice a lot of personal posts on the site, but those are always the most interesting to me. The world seems like it's getting darker, but I have no fear for my own future and I would hope that many of you don't either. After all, we are the strong individuals right? ;)


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  • Posted by TeronGorefiend 11 years, 3 months ago
    Thanks for Your honesty, James and I think it is even more valuable proof of the power of objectivism, if it is able to turn someone from left to right. And it makes one thing obvious - If you are not willing to learn, nothing can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you. Enjoy your spirit and welcome to Gulch.
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  • Posted by Lucky 11 years, 3 months ago
    Welcome and congratulations on being able to think. It is not a common attribute.
    Many people here say they have always thought as they do now. Others like me have changed over the years tho' I cannot say I was once a communist. That sort of change is interesting and probably indicates mature dispassionate reconsideration and serious re-evaluation of what is known.
    A few threads back someone mentioned the Nolan Chart -look it up- there are many variations. This chart is a very good way of classifying political and social opinions in two dimensions rather than one. It explains why objectivists/libertarians are not conservative.
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  • Posted by ProudProducer 11 years, 3 months ago
    Welcome James,

    it is refreshing to see people finally doing the only right thing to do: Give a damn on what others say about Atlas, instead really reading it on their own (without any prejudices, if possible) and really start thinking own thoughts.

    Because then, all of a sudden, everything starts making sense.

    I first read AS in 2001 and immediately knew, that Ayn was right. I followed the discussions in the gulch but now I registered here, because I wanted to express my thoughs and to thank you for your post.

    Thank you, again.
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  • Posted by ObjectiveAnalyst 11 years, 3 months ago
    Hello Rozar,

    Thank you for your reassuring commentary.
    If you could be swayed, perhaps there is hope for our nation after-all!
    Regards,
    O.A.
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    • Posted by ethangibson4 11 years, 3 months ago
      The difference is though is that this person had a rational mind. He searched for answers. Most libraels in America hide and pretend not to see answers.
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      • Posted by ObjectiveAnalyst 11 years, 3 months ago
        Greetings ethangibson4,

        It does seem as if most liberals like the bliss of ignorance, or at least to display the facade. However, we don't know what the percentages of those truly ignorant but open minded vs. those who are ideologically blocked or those who know but are simply benefiting from the liberal policies without concern for right.

        One thing for sure is we must shine the light and help those who are receptive like Rozar in order to change the ratio.
        Respectfully,
        O.A.
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  • Posted by $ KahnQuest 11 years, 3 months ago
    Welcome, Rozar! I think you put it quite eloquently ("...because I wanted to test my beliefs."). Only the truly brave actually do that. You're in good company here.
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  • Posted by redoty09 11 years, 3 months ago
    I believe it was Zbigniew Brzezinski, who served as United States National Security Advisor to President Jimmy Carter from 1977 to 1981, that said the problem with Russia is they are not Marxist enough. I think in a true communist society everyone is equal and supposedly everyone has what they need. For instance, if one person has a nice home and car and other things, so does everyone else. The only problem is that there will always be a person in charge, male or female that will want and think they deserve more because they are in change. Maybe that is not correct, I am not sure because I do not know a lot of what a true communist society is supposed to be like. I did meet a woman from Russia in 2008 and she told me in the larger cities in Russia, life is good and a lot better than it used to be. However, in the outlying areas are not very good to live in; food shortages and other problems in those areas.
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  • Posted by windypoint 11 years, 3 months ago
    There are many others.
    <a href="http://s453.photobucket.com/user/alaskakingsalmon/media/johngaltriders_zps2853606c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq251/alaskakingsalmon/johngaltriders_zps2853606c.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo johngaltriders_zps2853606c.jpg"/></a>
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  • Posted by Dagneylove 11 years, 3 months ago
    Great admiration for you Rozar...especially for testing your beliefs. I too tested my beliefs in 1960 and had a lot of discussions/arguments with people until I ran out of arguments against reason..then it all clicked into place. How happy I am now to find reason as my guide.
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  • Posted by alamphere 11 years, 3 months ago
    I too saw the light at the end of the tunnel. I had no clue in 2009 of the differences between the D's and the R's and was fully prepared to vote for Barack Obama because of his charisma and great speeches much like many of our population. After learning about Ayn Rand on a bus trip down to D.C. to protest Obamacare I immediately purchased many of her books and instantly realized what had been in my heart all along and it has changed my life forever!
    Now I read the founding fathers and everything and anything on capitalism and free markets and I realize freedom really does work!
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  • Posted by MarcusCato 11 years, 3 months ago
    As I have always hoped, there IS hope that early indoctrination into "progressive" theology can be cured. All it takes is a mature mind in search of truth.
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  • Posted by fosterj717 10 years, 10 months ago
    James, thank you for your insightful posting. It is refreshing being that we are all seekers. Ayn Rand provided a great underpinning to understanding the world we live in, especially in these dark days. It also provides hope in that there is a touch of John Galt in all of us in the "Gulch". Keep seeking and you will find....
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  • Posted by $ Abaco 11 years, 1 month ago
    The book filled some big gaps in my life, too. Welcome to the club. However, I was more of a NeoCon, certainly not a communist. Still, the gaps were there. In particular, I now marvel at the new style of statist conservatism that's all the rage. People like to label theselves so much that they are willing to go off the tracks of fundamental beliefs as long as they can keep a the label. Anyway, I'm rambling. Welcome...
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