Objectivism Today 1996

Saturday, May 4, 1996
9:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Loews New York Hotel
Lexington Avenue and East 51st Street
New York City

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Program
• Prices and Registration

Introduction

Each May, the members and supporters of the Institute for Objectivist Studies gather to celebrate the progress of the Institute and the effects of Objectivism on our culture. Last year, over 140 people joined us for a day of learning new ideas, meeting interesting people, and renewing friendships in the context of a growing, exciting Objectivist movement.

This year we continue our tradition with a full day of activities. Registration and refreshments begin at 9:00 a.m. and the sessions begin at 9:30 a.m. Several breaks and a sit-down lunch are provided to give participants more time to talk with the speakers and each other. At the end of the final lecture, approximately 5:45 p.m., a cash bar reception provides an opportunity to discuss the day and make plans for the evening. Join us for a celebration of the sixth anniversary of the Institute and of the growth and impact of Objectivism. It is sure to be an enjoyable and stimulating day.

Program

David Kelley: What's Wrong with Welfare Rights?

The welfare state is based on the moral premise that individuals have a right to food, shelter, medical care, and other "necessities" at public expense. Despite the enormous cost of the welfare state and its squalid effects, it survives on the strength of this premise. David Kelley will describe the role that this idea played historically in the creation of the welfare state, show why it is radically at odds with the principles of a free society, and discuss ways to counter it effectively in the current debates about welfare policy.

David Kelley is the executive director of the Institute. He has taught philosophy at Vassar College and Brandeis University, and written and lectured frequently on the philosophy of Objectivism. In addition to his philosophical writings, he has published scores of articles on public policy in Harpers, Barrons, and other journals, and appeared frequently on radio and television interview programs. He is currently writing a book about welfare rights and the welfare state.

Robert James Bidinotto: The Case for Cultural Optimism

Every day, the news media highlight depressing examples of irrationality, decadence and evil; the forces of reason appear to be dwindling and on the defensive. It's only natural sometimes to feel discouraged, even paralyzed. But is this cultural pessimism warranted? Not according to Objectivist writer Robert James Bidinotto. Probing hidden trends underlying current events, he will present a powerful, positive vision of our future. He will outline many unprecedented opportunities for Objectivists to leverage their efforts, and to decisively shape that future.

Robert James Bidinotto is an award-winning investigative journalist, columnist, reviewer, and lecturer who specializes in cultural and political issues. A frequent contributor to Reader's Digest, he is perhaps best known for his article "Getting Away With Murder" in July 1988, which helped make convicted killer Willie Horton a household name. He has also written Reader's Digest articles on sex offenders, secrecy of criminal "rap sheets," the legal system's "revolving-door" policies, probation abuses, homelessness, global warming, and the 1989 Alar scare. Mr. Bidinotto's wide-ranging articles and reviews have also appeared in The Boston Herald, The Freeman, Success, The American Spectator, City Journal, Orbis, REASON, and many other publications. A frequent public speaker, he has been a guest on hundreds of media programs, including CNBC's "Rivera Live," "The Rush Limbaugh Show," "Geraldo," and "The Bob Grant Show."

Edward H. Crane: The Market Liberal Influence on Contemporary Politics

Over the past 30 years, the market liberal, or libertarian, movement has become a major influence in American political life. What are the strategies that brought it this far? and what are its prospects for the future? Ed Crane will examine the growth of the movement and assess its strengths and weaknesses relative to the contemporary political scene. He will discuss the initiatives and politics of the 104th Congress and look at the GOP presidential nominating process.

Edward H. Crane is president and founder of the Cato Institute, a Washington, DC, think tank that has led the market liberal movement to prominence. After the 1994 elections, the Wall Street Journal observed, "Cato's intellectual guns now roar throughout the capital." Mr. Crane is the coeditor of Market Liberalism: A Paradigm for the 21st Century, An American Vision: Policies for the '90s, and The Politics and Law of Term Limits, and the author of numerous articles for such publications as the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, and the Chicago Tribune. He is also the host of the Cato Institute's weekly television program "Cato Forum," which is aired over the National Empowerment Television Network.

Panel Discussion: The Politics and Culture of the Next Decade

To end the day, the speakers will take questions from the audience concerning the prospects for changing the American culture and political scene, and the means of effecting these changes.

Prices and Registration

The conference fee includes admission to all sessions, refreshments, and a sit-down lunch. Sustaining Members, Sponsors, and Benefactors of the Institute are entitled to a 10% discount on their conference fee.

Advance Registration

Advance prices are valid for enrollments postmarked on or before April 24, 1996. It is important to register in advance so that we can order lunch for everyone. Registration fees are nonrefundable.

Single $130
Couple $230
Student $60

Late Registration or At the Door

Registration will be possible after April 24 only if space is available. We cannot guarantee that lunch will be available for everyone registering at the door. If possible, please call the Institute to see if there are seats available.

Individual $160
Student $75

Accommodations and Parking

A limited number of rooms at the hotel have been set aside for Friday and Saturday nights for participants. The hotel is offering a rate of $139 per night plus applicable taxes. To reserve a room, call the hotel at 212-752-7000 by April 15 and tell them you are with "Objectivism Today." Parking is available next to the hotel on 51st Street between Lexington Avenue and Third Avenue.