Help with (against) Rand

[JackintheGreen]

Periodically my wife or I will go off on some long-winded anti-Randian screed and my 13 y.o. daughter will always ask why we dislike her so. And one of us always explains the tenants of objectivism. Obviously we are not doing a terrific job of it or she wouldn't need us to keep explaining it. So I come to you, fellow DUers.

What I am looking for are suggestions for short readings about Rand appropriate for a very bright 13 y.o. I know Ernest Partridge has written some wonderful things, but I think she might find him a bit thick. I am hoping for something socratic (Ayn Rand says quote, but here's a logical response...) but I would also give to her simple pro-Rand (ha, is there anything else?) articles balanced with critique. Given her age, I would like to avoid articles that go into the details of William Hickman's crimes (e.g. Atlas Shrieked). My web searches have been singularly unsuccessful (to my taste). I am hoping some of you have suggestions at your fingertips. Thanks.

[EOTE]

1. Tell her about Rand's ideal man.

William Hickman. A true man's man. The objectivist ideal. And, oh yeah, kidnapper, burglar and multiple murderer.

http://www.michaelprescott.net/hickman.htm

[JackintheGreen]

2. Um...thanks?

From my OP "Given her age, I would like to avoid articles that go into the details of William Hickman's crimes."

Of course, I was just chatting with her and told her that Rand based her proto-Galt on a murderer (something I didn't know) and she IMMEDIATELY started looking up Rand/serial murderer on google.

I just try to protect her a LITTLE.

[EOTE]

3. Sorry, haven't had much time for anything other than skimming today.

That being said, 13 doesn't seem too young to be scared straight. Better than having a budding Objectivist on your hand, I'd imagine.

[nolabear]

4. Tell her she's committed two of the worst crimes against literature known to man.

She's boring and humorless.

But seriously, you might start by asking her how she feels about sick people, old people, disabled people, people who have such terrible things happen to them that they can't overcome them. Rand doesn't believe in those people, in her world if you don't succeed then no one has to be there for you, no one has to help or protect you from those who would harm you. There would be no laws against puppy mills that breed sick and deformed animals because that would interfere with their rights as capitalists. There would be no requirement that people send their children to school because that would be interference in individualism. The Supermen and Superwomen (who are always lesser creatures than the men in Rand's world) would get everything because they are perfect and lucky, and the rest would be left to suffer or be exploited as the Supermen see fit.

Good luck. She'll outgrow it as long as she finds some better way to rebel. Maybe joining the circus...