Friday, April 16

Saturday, April 17

Are we really living in "late Capitalism," the final epoch and failing days of the market? In recent years, we have heard a drumbeat of new scandals —Enron… Worldcom… mutual funds… Parmalat— which together enhance that impression. How serious are these troubles? Are corruption and deceit inherent to complex business enterprises? Or are the troubles cultural and ethical at heart? William Thomas, TOC's Director of Programs, considers the complex nature of modern commerce and looks into the underlying moral condition of our business culture, comparing the current ethics of capitalism with the values that can sustain a lasting and vital market system.

William Thomas has a master's degree in economics from the University of Michigan, where he was a lecturer. He is the author of "Radical for Capitalism," and of several lectures and courses on Ayn Rand's thought which are available through the Objectivism Store.

Being an entrepreneur means taking risk and assuming responsibility. You need to believe that you can create something larger than your own skills and talents. Barbara Alpern Lehman—entrepreneur, author, and marketing consultant—will discuss how she has incorporated Objectivist values throughout her career, achieving greater satisfaction, enhanced control over her life, finances, and productivity, and confidence that she could think her way out of any difficulties. This talk will also cover: the major challenges one has to confront as a business person; when to say "yes" and when to say "no;" why integrity and accountability bring value to any venture; the value of building your "brand" as a measure of success; and how one's philosophy shows up every day, in discussions with employees, in negotiations with clients, in relationships with vendors, and especially in down times.

Barbara Alpern Lehman is Chief Marketing Strategist for HMI (Tempe, AZ), with a focus on developing integrated communication strategies for the beauty, health, and medical industries. She has been CEO of Alpern Lehman (Scottsdale, AZ) and President/Creative Director of York/Alpern (Los Angeles, CA), and has authored two strategic marketing guides: Reaching Women: The Way to Go in Marketing Health Services and Hitting the Right Nerve.

President Clinton famously announced after the Republicans took over Congress that the era of big government was dead. But with the Republicans now controlling all branches of the federal government, spending and expansion of government proceed unchecked. Why has the push for limited government seemingly collapsed? What philosophical errors and political pressures are driving this disaster and how might they be stopped? Edward Hudgins sets the political collapse in philosophical context.

Dr. Edward Hudgins is TOC's Washington Director. A former economist at the joint Economic Committee of Congress, he has worked at the Cato Institute and Heritage Foundation. He holds a Ph.D. in political philosophy.

Is the Patriot Act (P.L. 107-56 of Oct 26, 2001) the foundation for an American gestapo, or a necessary tool against terror? How much power does it really give the executive branch, and how concerned about it should we be? Bruce Dalcher will offer a summary analysis of the Act and review the criticisms leveled against it. The real story, he will suggest, is that our system of checks and balances has been undermined by the jettisoning of vital principles.

Bruce Dalcher is an attorney whose interest in Objectivism dates back 25 years. Recently retired from the United States Coast Guard, he has taught and published in the area of maritime law enforcement.