From an Objectivist perspective, the advocacy for domestic terrorism attacks against Tesla represents not only an immoral call to violence but also an explicit assault on the principles of individual rights, private property, and free enterprise—the very foundations of a free society. Let us deconstruct this situation with reason and reality as our guiding principles.
First, the essence of such advocacy is an initiation of physical force—a hallmark of irrationality and a fundamental evil in Objectivist ethics. Actions aimed at "killing Tesla" involve a blatant disregard for Tesla's right to exist as a private enterprise and for the rights of individuals, including its customers, employees, and shareholders. Individual rights are absolute, and the role of government in this context should be limited to protecting those rights, not enabling or endorsing aggression against them. Advocating for the destruction of a private company under the guise of combating authoritarianism is, as noted in the text, an ironic contradiction because it employs authoritarian tactics itself [6].
Calling Tesla a "bank for fascists" or accusing it of financing Musk’s alleged ambitions without evidence is not a rational argument; it is an arbitrary and baseless assertion. It reflects an emotionalist attack rooted in envy or resentment toward achievement. Tesla, as a company, represents productivity, industrial innovation, and the voluntary exchange of goods and services—the hallmarks of capitalism. Demonizing such an entity in this manner is an evasion of reality. The moral principle at stake here is that of justice—evaluating individuals and enterprises based on their objective actions, not emotional or sensational condemnations [1][6].
From a civics standpoint, this advocacy for "crippling" a private enterprise through direct attacks embodies terrorism, as it seeks to instill fear and manipulate through coercion. Allowing any movement or individual to promote violence against businesses sets a precedent for the destruction of capitalism itself. Once the principle of individual rights is sacrificed to mob tactics, no one remains safe—not even the advocates of such violence themselves. Free enterprise is the lifeblood of a rational society, and it must be defended against all forms of force and coercion [5][6].
The civics lesson derived from this situation is one of absolute importance: freedom requires reason, individual rights, and capitalism. Those who attack a producer like Tesla are not fighting authoritarianism; they are rejecting the values that uphold a free society. The proper response, therefore, involves unwavering commitment to the principles of objective law, protection of private property, and the rejection of physical force as a means of resolving disputes. To advocate for force against a private company is not only immoral but self-destructive, as it undermines the framework of justice and liberty upon which all progress depends [6].
In conclusion, targeting Tesla under the pretense of fighting authoritarianism is an exercise in evasion and irrationality. It is essential to uphold the primacy of reason, protect individual rights, and ensure that capitalism remains the moral and practical system under which free men and women can thrive.
Sources
1 The Objectivist Newsletter by Ayn Rand
2 Understanding Objectivism by Leonard Peikoff. Edited by Michael S. Berliner
3 The Objectivist by Ayn Rand
4 Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology by Ayn Rand
5 Ominous Parallels by Leonard Peikoff
6 Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology by Ayn Rand expanded 2nd edition edited by Harry Binswanger and Leonard Peikoff containing never-before published philosophical material by Ayn Rand
From an Objectivist perspective, advocating for attacks against Tesla—such as in Rick Wilson's explicit call to "Kill Tesla, Save The Country"—is deeply immoral and constitutes a direct assault on the fundamental principles of individual rights, private property, and free enterprise. Reasoned analysis reveals why this position is both ethically and rationally indefensible.
1. The Immorality of Initiating Force
At the foundation of Objectivist ethics is the principle that the initiation of physical force is intrinsically evil. By urging attacks against Tesla, Wilson promotes coercion and destruction, thereby violating the individual rights of all involved parties. Tesla, as a private enterprise, is the product of voluntary action, wherein its leadership, employees, and customers freely engage in the creation and exchange of values. To advocate for its destruction under any pretext is a clear initiation of force and a departure from justice, which demands that individuals are treated based on objective evaluation rather than baseless accusations and emotional resentments [6].
2. Evasion of Reality and Justice
Wilson's characterizations of Tesla, labeling it a "bank for fascists" and a "goose-stepping hedge fund," are not reasoned critiques based on evidence but arbitrary assertions aimed at stirring resentment and attracting supporters through demagoguery. Such tactics evade the reality of Tesla's productive achievements. The company has pioneered innovations in electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies, creating immense value for its customers and contributing to human progress. Justice, the Objectivist virtue of rational evaluation, demands that Tesla be judged objectively for what it objectively represents: a productive force within the free market. To malign it without evidence is to reject the facts of reality and, instead, indulge in emotionalism and envy [1][6].
3. Capitalism and the Role of Producers
Tesla epitomizes the productive capabilities of a free-market economy. Its wealth and successes are achieved not through coercion but by offering value to willing participants: customers buy its products voluntarily, and investors fund its growth willingly. In advocating for violence against Tesla, Wilson is, in fact, advocating for the destruction of capitalism itself—a rejection of the system that promotes innovation, voluntary exchange, and individual achievement. Capitalism operates on the principle of mutual benefit, and Tesla’s success is a testament to this principle in action. The collectivist mindset that perceives profit as inherently corrupt or power-seeking is rooted in an envious hatred of the good for being the good—a destructive and irrational attitude [6].
4. Erosion of Free Enterprise and Private Property Rights
Any attack on Tesla would necessarily compromise private property rights, a linchpin of a free society. Private property is the material implementation of an individual’s right to life and liberty; it is the recognition that the products of one’s mind and effort belong to oneself. To advocate for the destruction of a private business is to deny these rights entirely. The consequences of such actions extend beyond Tesla itself: they erode the confidence of producers, investors, and innovators in their ability to operate free from physical threats and mob violence [6].
5. The Danger of Mob Mentality and Statism
Calls to cripple Tesla also pave the way for statist policies, as they imply that private businesses can and should be punished for their perceived political affiliations or associations. This opens the door to statism—a system where government force replaces voluntary cooperation. A statist approach, whether in the guise of "defending democracy" or "combating authoritarianism," is fundamentally incompatible with freedom. The irony, as Wilson's rhetoric demonstrates, is that invoking authoritarian tactics to dismantle a company like Tesla undercuts the very liberties that such tactics purport to defend. Freedom cannot be preserved by violating the freedoms of others [6].
6. A Civics Lesson in Objectivism
The Objectivist view affirms that a free society is built on the protection of individual rights. This protection entails ensuring the freedom to innovate, produce, and trade without coercion or threats of violence. Tesla’s existence as a private enterprise is a function of its ability to create value, and its proper relationship with others is one of voluntary exchange—not one imposed by force. Advocating for its destruction disrespects not only the company but also the broader framework of rights and institutions that enable a free-market economy to thrive. Force is the negation of thought; it replaces persuasion with coercion and destroys rather than creates [5][6].
In conclusion, domestic terrorism such as Wilson’s call to “Kill Tesla” is more than a misguided rhetorical flourish—it is a nihilistic attack on reason, free enterprise, and liberty. The appropriate response is to reject such emotionalism and defend the principles of capitalism, reason, and individual rights. A free society does not operate on violence or fear but on rational discourse, voluntary action, and respect for the facts of reality. This is the moral and practical framework within which a flourishing human existence is achievable. The way forward is not destruction but reason, achievement, and justice [6].
Sources
1 Understanding Objectivism by Leonard Peikoff. Edited by Michael S. Berliner
2 Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology by Ayn Rand
3 For the New Intellectual by Ayn Rand
4 Ominous Parallels by Leonard Peikoff
5 Capitalism by George Riesman
6 Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology by Ayn Rand expanded 2nd edition edited by Harry Binswanger and Leonard Peikoff containing never-before published philosophical material by Ayn Rand
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