Notes on OCON 2005

I am currently in San Diego, attending the 2005 Objectivist Conference (OCON 2005).  For Objectivists and other interested persons, I thought I'd give comments on lectures and events in the conference, when I have time. 

For my first attempt, I will start with comments on Yaron Brook's talk The Neo-Conservatives--Friend or Foe?

This lecture I liked quite a bit.  The talk starts off by giving a lot of the history and current policy positions of neo-conservatives.  Dr. Brook also explains why the neo-conservatives are gaining in influence: they make "morally toned pronouncements," unlike pragmatist Republicans and even more pragmatic (and loopy) liberals.  Even in today's America, moral confidence and certitude sell well.

I don't think I'm giving much away by saying Dr. Brook puts neocons squarely on the "foe" side.  He shows that the neocons are not friends of liberty (the quote from Gertrude Himmelfarb was especially frightening), but merely altruists who see America as the power that can bring order to a fractured world, by sacrificing American soldiers on all continents where there is unrest and strife.

Dr. Brooks more powerful statements definitely come in the last third of the talk.  A lot of what comes before is build-up that occasionally fails to engage.  But it is all useful information, and that last third is extremely worthwhile.

Let me put it this way: if you are an Objectivist, and you think neocons aren't so bad because they sound pro-American, buy the CD to disabuse yourself of that thought.  And if you know better, buy a copy to remind yourself, then buy a second copy to give to any friends who are having trouble understanding.