So, you are an Ayn Rand reader. I hope her teachings have landed you in the school of Objectivism. I appreciate your writing. I stumbled upon it when looking for the exact verbiage of my favorite quote: "to be or not to be" for man is "to think or not to think." words I was raised by. I dont know how old your posts are but refreshing nevertheless. I recently told a friend who was vacillating between her own political beliefs and populous conjecture that: PRINCIPLES ARE NOT A MATTER OF CONVENIENCE, THEY ARE & OUGHT TO BE ABSOLUTE! THEY ARE A MANS DEFINING IDEALS THAT WHEN ACTED UPON, ILLUSTRATE ONES CHARACTER, ONES VOLITION, ONES SELF. I so deeply treasure Rand's works, her insight or her unapologetic correctness. I was pleased when searching Google for the quote that I didnt have to skim her book, as it is displayed/quoted in abundance & from multiple sources on the web. Thankfully the lack of Rand exposure in academia has not stifled her voice. Best Regards, Kara