economic relevance

            Throughout the novel, I have noticed a parallel between the current economic conflicts and Atlas Shrugged’s. The government in Atlas is corrupt and intentionally damages the progress of both small and large businesses. Why do they do this? The answer is simple, power. The governments, both currently and in the novel, thrive to control and restrain American citizens from becoming financially prosperous. The more fear they can install in the lives of ignorant, uneducated people, the stronger they become. The governments strive on micromanaging every aspect of life, to the point where we question, what are our rights? In Atlas Shrugged, the government essentially tells Hank Rearden to hand over the Rearden Metal Empire, or he will later face serious consequences. In today’s economy, the Democratic Party is fundamentally doing the same thing. In reference to the new Obamacare program, the government is forcing Americans to buy health care, and if not they are penalized by paying an additional tax. Constitutionally speaking, the government is not permitted to make you give away anything, like in Hank Rearden’s case, nor are they allowed to make you purchase anything. Overall, both scenarios are similar in their unjust way of forcing citizens to go against their will. Ayn Rand makes it clear that she is disgusted with the government, and I believe if she were still alive today she would be highly disappointed.

-morgan mills