The Philosophy in Defense of Firearms-Appendix The Philosophy in Defense of Firearms Resources This book offers only a very broad summary of the philosophy of Objectivism. In order to keep the length to an acceptable level, I had to skip over many important topics. Basically I only presented the bare essentials needed to address the issue of the right to arms. To get the proper full scope understanding you must read at least two other books. I have listed many other books useful in integrating your understanding with many other topics, too, but the fundamentals are the most important. Works available from Second Renaissance Books are followed with a 2RB, works available from The Foundation for Economic Education are designated by FEE, and works available from Laissez Faire Books are represented by LFB. See addresses at the end of the Bibliography. The Two Books Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand by Leonard Peikoff. This book is the most important book of our century if not millennium. It is a complete presentation of the Objectivist philosophy. It starts by discussing reality and concludes with the purpose of art. No other writer has so clearly and so rationally presented a complete philosophical system as Professor Peikoff. Nothing else comes close. If there is to be a second renaissance, Leonard Peikoff is its father. 2RB, LFB Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. If Leonard Peikoff is the father or Aristotle of the second renaissance, then Ayn Rand is its Michelangelo. This book is the literature of the second renaissance. Once you have read Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand, this book will give you this whole philosophy as one concrete. This is the most important, most philosophical, most rational and most thrilling novel you will have ever read. 2RB, LFB and all major bookstores. Non-Fiction Books The Ominous Parallels by Leonard Peikoff. If you are interested in Hitler's rise to power and Nazism, then this book is a must. No other book on the subject has penetrated the Nazi phenomenon to its ultimate source like Professor Peikoff's. But it is much more than just a detailed study of Nazism, it is an unparalleled study in philosophy applied to history. 2RB, LFB The Ditko Collection by Steve Ditko. The comics coupled with Objectivist philosophy. Art, plot, story, and uncompromising heros; currently out of print but well worth the effort and expense of locating old copies. An unparalleled accomplishment in the field of comics. The Government Against the Economy by George Reisman. Partly a polemic against price controls and controls of the oil industry, this book also eloquently presents the case for capitalism. If you want to intelligently discuss economics this book is a must. If you want to better manage and understand personal investing, this book will give you the foundations in economics to succeed. 2RB, LFB Economics in One Lesson by Henry Hazlitt. The clearest, most enjoyable book on economics. This book, like The Government Against the Economy, is must reading for anyone wanting to preserve and expand their nest egg. 2RB, LFB A Time for Truth by William E. Simon. A detailed warning from former Secretary of the Treasury, William E. Simon. An insiders view of the rampant irrationalism in government. The Voice of Reason: Essays in Objectivist Thought. A collection of Ayn Rand's essays on objectivism. Includes additional essays by Leonard Peikoff and Peter Schwartz. Topics ranging from the Apollo 11 moon shot to socialist medicine. 2RB, LFB Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology by Ayn Rand. Expanded Second Edition edited by Harry Binswanger and Leonard Peikoff. If the first four chapters in Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand catch your interest this book is the next step. The second edition is worth the price of admission solely for Leonard Peikoff's essay The Analytic-Synthetic Dichotomy. 2RB, LFB Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal by Ayn Rand. Essays covering topics ranging from "The Property Status of Airwaves" and "Antitrust" to "Man's Rights" and "The Nature of Government." 2RB, LFB The Virtue of Selfishness by Ayn Rand. If you accept reality and reason, but have a hard time abandoning your long held ethics of altruism, this is the book you must read. Second only to her theory of concepts, I believe the development of an ethics of rational self-interest is Ayn Rand's greatest philosophical accomplishment. 2RB, LFB The New Left: The Anti-Industrial Revolution by Ayn Rand. If you want to thoroughly understand the mentality of the Gun Controller, there isn't a better place to start than here. 2RB, LFB Textbook of Americanism (booklet) by Ayn Rand. The most concise presentation of the basic opposition between collectivism and individualism. This booklet is must reading for all gun rights activists. 2RB The Art of Reasoning by David Kelley. An excellent college-level textbook on concepts and logic. This book can help you be consistent and help you uncover the fallacies offered up by others. LFB The Discovery of Freedom: Man's Struggle Against Authority by Rose Wilder Lane. This book is an elegant review of the history of freedom, an opportunity to place the struggle for the right to arms within the appropriate long range context. LFB Trashing The Planet by Dixy Lee Ray. The book that exposes much of the irrationalism and deceptions practiced by the environmental movement. She covers the "greenhouse effect," acid rain, alar, asbestos, nuclear power and much more. 2RB, LFB The Toxicity of Environmentalism (a booklet) by George Reisman. An extended essay on the man hating nature of environmentalism. 2RB Foreign Policy and the Morality of Self-interest (a booklet) by Peter Schwartz. A powerful essay showing that a rational foreign policy requires a foreign policy pursuing America's own interest. 2RB Does Government Protection Protect? (booklet) by Robert LeFevre. An essay showing how self-protection is the most efficacious kind of protection. Contact Freeland Press, Box 26044, Santa Ana, CA 92799 Human Action by Ludwig von Mises. This is the most comprehensive treatise on free market economics. If you are involved in "high-stakes" investing, this knowledge is a must. It is a long and sometimes difficult book, but most people will find it worthwhile. 2RB, LFB, FEE The Great Deceit published by the Veritas Foundation. Though this book is difficult no other work outlines the overt scheming of the leaders of the socialist movement like this book. How they took over the educational system, media and entertainment industry. Contact Veritas Foundation, West Sayville, NY Organized Against Whom?: The Labor Union in America by Dr. Clarence B. Carson. This book covers one of the philosophical enemies of the right to arms: unions. If you think unionism can be joined with the right to arms, I recommend that you review this book. FEE Less Than Words Can Say by Richard Mitchell. I have learned much and will learn much more about writing from Richard Mitchell. If you want to write with clarity, consistency, and purpose; this book is the best introduction to the written word, get it. More importantly, it shows the importance of understanding language to avoid irrationalism. 2RB Non-Fiction Gun Rights Books That Every Man Be Armed: The Evolution of a Constitutional Right by Stephen P. Halbrook. A comprehensive, scholarly examination of the context of the Second Amendment. The best work for establishing the intentions of our founding fathers. This book should be in the library of every gun owner. Firearms and Violence edited by Don B. Kates, Jr. This collection of studies provides the empirical ammunition in support of the right to arms. Though many of the authors adopt a utilitarian approach to validating the right to arms, those who defend the right to arms from principle will find lots of useful numbers, statistics and information here. The Rights of Gun Owners by Alan M. Gottlieb. A good compilation of all the relevant state and federal legislation concerning firearms. Also covers the dangerous invasions perpetrated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF). The Gun Control Debate edited by Lee Nisbet. A collection of essays from both sides of the battle. Useful not only in studying the irrationality of Gun Controllers, but even the irrationality of many Gun Rights defenders. Highly recommended. Armed and Female by Paxton Quigley. A good introduction to firearms for self-defense. Written by a one time self-professed anti-gunner. Survival Guns by Mel Tappan. This book doesn't really touch on the right to arms issue, but it is an excellent introduction to the many different types of firearms and their uses. Fiction Books The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. The "Second Hander" presented in literature. You will find many characters that capture the essence of those leading the Gun Control movement in this novel. Don't pass this one by. There is also a movie version featuring Gary Cooper and Patricia Neal. 2RB, LFB We The Living by Ayn Rand. A novel showing the impact of collectivism on the "soul" of man. An Italian movie version with English subtitles is available. 2RB, LFB Why Johnny Can't: Run Swim, Pull, Dig, Slither, Etc. by Jason Alexander. A rational fairytale done in the man glorifying style of the great romanticists. A fine piece of literature demonstrating the difference between man's means of survival versus that of the animals. Available from Sitnalta Press, 1881 Sutter Street, #103, San Francisco, CA 94115. Tom Paine Maru by L. Neil Smith. This book is just one of many radically pro-gun science fiction novels done by L. Neil Smith. If you love science fiction and value your guns, this is one writer you will thoroughly enjoy. The Rainbow Cadenza by J. Neil Schulman. Upon accepting the 1984 Prometheus Award, J. Neil Schulman said: "I wrote The Rainbow Cadenza to destroy an idea by reducing it to absurdity. The idea is: the rights of the individual should be sacrificed when the greatest good for the greatest number demands it. This idea is the justification for every violation of human rights on this planet today." I highly recommend this book. LFB The Jehovah Contract by Victor Koman. A droll blend of science fiction, detective potboiler, and atheistic mysticism. When you need a hilarious break, pick up a copy of this book. Very fun! Solomon's Knife by Victor Koman. A thrilling, but serious look at the abortion issue. Very good. Country of the Heart by Kay Nolte Smith. An astounding study of the psychological effect of collectivism. This book and her many others are highly recommended. LFB Lucifer's Hammer by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle. A real page turning global disaster novel. What would be needed to reestablish civilization? The Freeman by Jerry Ahern and Sharon Ahern. Fiction that borders on prophecy. How will the American's regain their freedoms, including the right to bear arms. A study of the role firearms will play in that revolution. Red Planet and the many other books by Robert Heinlein. Few other writers can spin a tale and at the same time blend in real philosophical issues as well as the "father of modern science fiction." Ninety-Three by Victor Hugo. One of Ayn Rand's favorites, I had some difficulty getting around the french names and occasional french phrases, but in spite of this no other novel has left me so emotionally spent as this one. I highly recommend working through the difficult parts, it really is worth the effort. I suspect that if you are familiar with the french language and the history of France, you will find this book particularly enjoyable. 2RB Audio Tapes The Philosophic Basis of Capitalism and The Ominous Parallels by Leonard Peikoff. Most Objectivist speakers achieve a level of excellence because of the rational nature of objectivism. Professor Peikoff not only presents his topics clearly and with rigorous rationality, but he does it with the flourish available only to one who knows his subject completely. The first tape does for the politics of capitalism what I want this book to do for firearms: it gives capitalism the metaphysical, epistemological and ethical foundation that a political system requires. This tape, that is addressed to a largely conservative audience, zeroes in on many of the basic issues that concern gun owners, too. This is one lecture tape you will want to frequently replay, be sure to get Philosophy of Capitalism--Q&A, too. The second tape, The Ominous Parallels, illustrates, via the history of Nazi Germany, that philosophy is the force that moves the world. This tape is a lecture summary of the thesis of his book, The Ominous Parallels. Get either the book or the tape, and I guarantee that you will soon want the other. 2RB The Philosophy of Education by Leonard Peikoff. If you are a teacher, a parent or want to present your ideas clearly and logically; this series of tapes will prove indispensable. 2RB Capitalism vs. "Democratic Socialism": A Debate. Harry Binswanger and John Ridpath, Objectivist philosophers, defend capitalism against Jim Chapin and Jack Clark, American Socialist. The Objectivist make the case for capitalism and for philosophy in general while smashing the assertions of the socialists. Highly recommended. Also available in video. 2RB Religion versus Man by John Ridpath. A thorough study of both eastern and western religions. If you still believe that religion and the right to arms can be reconciled, this is the lecture that needs your immediate attention. 2RB The Objectivist Virtue of Selfishness by Peter Schwartz. Why altruism is the ethics destroying man and how only an ethics of rational self-interest can save mankind. 2RB The Great Depression by Hans F. Sennholz. This lecture, by one of the leading free market economists, shatters the many myths about the causes of the Great Depression. Also available in video. FEE The Assault on Capital by Robert G. Anderson. The philosophy of gun control is at the basis of a massive assault on wealth. The envy and search for "security" ideology is not only after our arms, but our happiness, too. FEE Video Tapes The Assault on Semi-Automatic Firearms. An excellent video about the role of the semi-automatic "assault" rifle in a free society. Available from Gun Owners of America Eternal Vigilance, Charlton Heston's address at the National Rifle Associations 118th Annual Members' Banquet. An eloquent presentation of the conservative position on the right to arms. Available from the National Rifle Association. Doctor Zhivago. The kind of movie that is not possible in today's cultural atmosphere. Set during the Russian revolution, this epic movie captures the "sense of life" of collectivism. We The Living. The movie based upon Ayn Rand's novel. The history of the movie itself is quite a drama--get a copy of the August 17, 1988 issue of The Intellectual Activist for the background. This film passionately portrays the results of the idea that one's moral duty is to live for others, the collective, or the state; not just the "physical starvation," but its destruction of man's soul. If your video store doesn't have this movie, buy it. It is fully worth the price of admission. 2RB, LFB Cyrano de Bergerac. The movie based upon the play by Edmond Rostand. The story of the proud, heroic swordsman who is an outspoken opponent of "second handedness." An outspoken poet who CAN be outspoken because he is such a skilled swordsman. Periodicals and Organizations The Intellectual Activist: An Objectivist Review. Features articles by Peter Schwartz, Leonard Peikoff, Harry Binswanger and many other leading Objectivist thinkers. These writers, by applying Objectivist principles, bring a level of analysis to any political issue that you will not find in the mass media. If I had to choose only one periodical out of all the newspapers, magazines and newsletters; this is the one I'd select. Published by TIA Publications, Inc., PO Box 262, Lincroft, NJ 07738-0262 The Underground Grammarian. While many newsletters require no more attention than eating a Twinkie, this publication is the equivalent of a gourmet croissant. When this newsletter arrives it gets set aside until I can devote complete attention to it and nothing else. This is such rich and yet sometimes subtle reading that you should not just try to squeeze it in on the subway, The Underground Grammarian requires a focused mind. If you like Richard Mitchell's Less Than Words Can Say, you will want his newsletter, too. This is writing at its best, both in content and in style. A real treat. Your Children's Future. If you have children this newsletter is an absolute must. Even if you don't have children, I highly recommend Your Children's Future. YCF is really made up of three newsletters: one emphasizing the important dates in history for family celebrations, another written for children, and the main letter for the "parent." Published by George and Elizabeth Stoll who operated a private school for many years on two large sailing ships. If it means that you have to eat plain millet for a month, get a subscription to YCF. Anything less and you are surrendering your children, and probably yourself, to today's mediocrity. 4R's Academic Method, Inc., P.O. Box 5809, Sarasota, FL 33579. The Neo Tech Report. Neo-Tech Publishing Company, 850 South Boulder Highway, Henderson, NV 89015-7564. The FIJActivist. Published by FIJA an organization dedicated to informing juries of their right to judge not only the evidence, but the law itself. FIJA is the Fully Informed Jury Amendment aimed at requiring juries to be informed of the right to nullify bad laws. FIJA is an ally in nullifying the draconian gun control laws in many cities. FIJA National, P.O. Box 59, Helmville, MT 59843-9989. The Freeman. A monthly magazine chock full of free market articles produced by one of the oldest and most respected free market organizations, The Foundation for Economic Education, Irvington-on-Hudson, NY 10533 The Free Market. A monthly newsletter with articles on many topics from a capitalist perspective by the Ludwig von Mises Institute, Auburn, AL 36849-5301. Reason. A monthly magazine covering topics from a libertarian perspective. Reason, 3415 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90034. Freedom Daily. A Day-Timer® styled pocket calendar featuring a freedom quote for each day along with two or more essays. Published by The Future of Freedom Foundation, P.O. Box 9752, Denver, CO 80209. Conservative Chronicle. A weekly tabloid featuring the columns of most of America's leading syndicated conservative columnists and cartoonists. Conservative Chronicle, Box 11297, Des Moines, IA 50340-1297. Objectivist Organizations The Ayn Rand Institute: The Center for the Advancement of Objectivism. Seeks to get Objectivism into the colleges and universities. Sponsors student clubs, essay contest and research fellowships. Offers lectures, seminars, and teaching aids. This is the most important organization in our battle to preserve the right to arms. The Ayn Rand Institute is the organization seeking to create the philosophical calvary that will reverse the trend toward statism; this organization is laying the philosophical groundwork necessary for a successful renaissance early in the 21st century. The Ayn Rand Institute, 4640 Admiralty Way, Suite 715., Marina Del Rey, CA 90292. Institute for Objectivist Studies. Established by David Kelley to do research and education in the philosophy of Objectivism. Offers seminars and publishes a journal. Institute for Objectivist Studies, Box 143, Verbank, NY 12585. Gun Periodicals and Organizations The Gun Owners. Published by Gun Owners of America, Inc., Suite 102, 8001 Forbes Place, Springfield, VA 22151. Point Blank. Published by the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, 12500 N.E. Tenth Place, Bellevue, WA 98005. APRA News. Published by The American Pistol and Rifle Association, Box USA, Benton, TN 37307. Maccabbee. Published by Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership, 2872 So. Wentworth Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207. Gun Week. Published by the Second Amendment Foundation, P.O. Box 488, Station C, Buffalo, NY 14209. American Rifleman. One of the two monthly magazines the NRA publishes (the other, American Hunter, being oriented to sportsman's issues). National Rifle Association, 1600 Rhode Island Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20036. Electronic Bulletin Boards Electronic Bulletin Boards are information services available via a computer and modem. A modem dramatically extends the range of a computer system's usefulness by allowing you to download files and programs. To learn about this technology get Alfred Glossbrenner's The Complete Handbook of Personal Computer Communications. Combat Arms. Sysop Richard Bash. A good source of both pro-gun and anti-gun editorials. Hundreds of articles on the right to arms along with articles concerning technical aspects of firearms. A good starting point for researchers. BBS line (510)537-1777. Bullet'n Board. BBS line (703)971-4491 Firearms Education Institute (FEI). Sysop Mike Loving. Lots of original articles on the right to arms. BBS line (213)546-3032 Paul Revere BBS. Sysop Leroy Pyle. BBS line (408)947-7800 Softserv. Sysop J. Neil Schulman. Primarily a BBS devoted to marketing novels via computer modem. Features an area dedicated to firearms issues. Aggressively Defends the right to arms from a libertarian tradition. BBS line (213)827-3160 Booksellers The Foundation for Economic Education, Inc., Irvington-on-Hudson, NY 10533. Phone (914) 591-7230. Laissez Faire Books, 942 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94103. Phone (800) 326-0996. Second Renaissance Books, 110 Copperwood Way/P.O. Box 4625, Oceanside, CA 92052. Phone (800) 729-6149. The Objectivist bookseller. Mark A. Laughlin Aboard Legacy Chapter One: A Philosophy, Gun Owners Need it. Chapter Two: Existence, Epistemology, and Man Chapter Three: Ethics Chapter Four: Politics Chapter Five: Resisting Tyranny Chapter Six: Enemies, Traitors, and Subversives Chapter Seven: The Irrationality of Gun Control Chapter Eight: The Principle in Practice Chapter Nine: The Field of Battle Chapter Ten: Epilogue Resources Mark A. Laughlin Aboard Legacy 1740 Harbor Place S. Pasadena, FL 33707 Phone: (813) 288-3317 E-Mail offshore@digital.net