Introduction to Rugged Individualism.

The man who defined the term. President Herbert Hoover

"The greatness of America has grown out of a political and social system and a method of [a lack of governmental] control of economic forces distinctly its own ­ our American system ­ which has carried this great experiment in human welfare farther than ever before in history.... And I again repeat that the departure from our American system... will jeopardize the very liberty and freedom of our people, and will destroy equality of opportunity not only to ourselves, but to our children." Herbert Hoover, 1928, Campaign speech

Listening to the democrats primary debates last night made us realize who we are and what we stand for. We are retired Rugged Individualists. We used to be committed to making it on our own, despite all odds. We were poor but proud. We did it our way.

But alas, the sands of time slipped through our hands and suddenly we were retirement age. Gray and shaggy. It became hard to envision the future, even with the help of the optometrist. No children to help us, we would die isolated and alone. At least, Herbert Hoover could be proud of us.

Then a letter arrived.

Social security? Hell, yes! Medicare? Please!! We slipped into socialism with nary a wimper. Feels kind nice. Wow, I get a check on the 22nd!

But this website is not about us. It's for all of you, not yet retired, who decry socialism and are trying to stoically maintain the virtue of rugged individualism. We want to help you resist. You have your integrity to maintain. Been there, done that, we can can help.

STEPS TO BEING A RUGGED INDIVIDUALIST

1. You must immediately renounce any state support such as social security, food-stamps, medicare, disability, educational grants or loans, or any type of social safety-net. This includes subsidies for farmers, banking, the energy sector, and any other type of economic stimulus. Give it up. It makes you a hypocrite.
2. You must immediately desist use of any public facilities such as roads, hospitals, schools. You can legitimately go into a government building that serves government purposes, except for the case of using the restrooms for convenience.
3. You must  focus on individual entrepreneurship, enterprise, and volunteerism, as Herbert Hoover mandated in his exaltation of rugged individualism. Do not be distracted by the irony of his life.

If you have complied with steps 1 through 3, you are entitled to call yourself a Rugged Individualist, and we invite you to join our club (details coming soon). Otherwise, let's be honest, you are still operating as a socialist.

Making Hoover proud (at least most of the time),
Doin' it my way,
JRW