Congressman: We’re Living in ‘Atlas Shrugged’
As government program after government program is instituted to “save our country”, the weight of responsibility is increasingly shoved onto the shoulders of those who produce, those who employ, and those who succeed. In the 1950’s, Ayn Rand’s controversial novel Atlas Shrugged sparked heated philosophical debate regarding the role of government, where a society in which “men of the mind” go on strike due to burdensome regulation and confiscation of profits by an increasingly bureaucratic government waging war on individual rights.
Rep. John Campbell (R-Calif.), in conversation with David Weigel of the Washington Independent:
“People are starting to feel like we’re living through the scenario that happened in ‘Atlas Shrugged,’” said Campbell. “The achievers, the people who create all the things that benefit the rest of us, are going on strike. I’m seeing, at a small level, a kind of protest from the people who create jobs, the people who create wealth, who are pulling back from their ambitions because they see how they’ll be punished for them.”
In Rand’s novel, creative people (the “Atlases” of the title) are hounded and punished for their labor by an oppressive, socialistic state. In response, they retreat from society to a hidden enclave where they watch civilization’s slow collapse.
How long until our “men (and women) of the mind” start going on strike? Do you think our country is moving towards a real life version of Atlas Shrugged?
Mike Piazza said:
Rep. John Campbell’s comment would have been more accurate during the previous administration’s secret deals with big business. Halliburton, Enron, Oil comglomerates etc.
March 8th, 2009 at 5:49 am
Lee said:
That’s easy to say… would you care to “enlighten” us with an explanation? I only ask because it is the current administration that is taking away tax incentives and playing robin hood to our newly socialistic society. No, the Bush administration wasn’t very good. However, as we look to the future I have to ask… is that a light at the end of the tunnel or a big freaking train?
-Lee
March 8th, 2009 at 6:03 am
Lucas Murphy said:
My advice? Read Atlas Shrugged and then decide for yourself. Seriously, it will be well worth your while. At the rate this government and this culture are moving towards totalitarianism, there is no one book as important right now as Atlas Shrugged.
Are we headed towards the end of civilization? Well, that is up to us of course. America needs to get back that revolutionary spirit.
Don’t tread on me!
March 8th, 2009 at 6:38 am
David Z said:
Bush played up the fascist model: strong central State allied with corporations to prey on the productive People.
Obama plays up the socialist model: strong central State allied with left-wing causes to prey on the productive people.
Not a hill of beans’ difference, in the end. Yes, I agree with the thesis. We* are hoping that the attendees at the Tea Parties will decide to read the America Again! Declaration, and will have a sign-up table for the new Citizens’ Homeland Security Association to be mustered in their area.
See the declaration and ideas for your Tea Party rally here:
http://www.america-again.blogspot.com
The fully interactive website is coming soon, with educational and planning material.
March 8th, 2009 at 8:15 am
Lisa Ray said:
Now….
March 8th, 2009 at 8:26 am
Brian B said:
I am on strike! I am a talented, old-school engineer and last May I quit my job because I was fed up at having to carry so many slackers, at work and through my tax dollars. I can build things, I can survive, and I will be fine on my own, and if I have to suffer some, then I am prepared for that. But I will never again support the thieving incompetent masses. I don’t owe them anything, and I won’t work for them!
“Atlas Shrugged” is perfectly apt for these times. It is a must read. It is NOT okay to consume more than you produce, and the policies of the last several decades that have allowed that are unsustainable, and will end, like the book describes, in a societal collapse as the few capable ones who support the world, go on strike.
To the looters, I say: enjoy your last few days of unearned luxury. And to the builders: wise up, you are being stolen from; they need you, but you don’t need them.
March 8th, 2009 at 9:11 am
RobetB said:
I’ve been reading Atlas Shrugged over the past weeks, and am convinced that we are definately heading through a remarkably similar scenario. Its scary the language that I read in the book then hear on the news later in the day. Amazing foresight by Ayne Rand.
March 8th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
JD Gruen said:
I would like to know who organized this website? In short who is in charge? And - What was the political affiliation of the person or persons who organized RETEAPARTY.COM and the same inquiry is made of PEAC PAC… Is there a relationship?
I would just like to know who is running this show — A person’s name please - there must be someone in charge…?
{Neither ReTeaParty.com nor PEAC PAC have any political affiliations. Please see the About Us page for more information. For further inquiries, please e-mail: contact@peacpac.com - admin}
March 8th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
Billy B. said:
Let the weak (and stupid) die,the strong (and smart,who didn’t over extend themselves)will survive………
March 8th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Lyn Mullins said:
Do political affiliations matter? I believe this is WAY beyond “elephants and donkeys.” The direction this country has been heading, at an ever-increasing rate, since the 1940s is quickly becoming untenable for EVERY citizen.
Political affiliations be damned. I believe this is, as it should be, apolitical — citizens of the United States of America wanting to return to the principles, the rights, the obligations and the limitations defined by The Constitution.
March 8th, 2009 at 7:31 pm
Some Guy said:
Please go Galt. All of you. We won’t miss you.
March 9th, 2009 at 5:10 am
Mike M. said:
We are where we are,not by the devices of good men but by an electorate of fools. Remember, half of everyone you know is below average. Add that to a racist agenda and ‘voila’. Lincoln said it, Obama proved it “you can fool some of the people all the time”
March 9th, 2009 at 6:43 am
Freedom Fan said:
Exactly. Today Atlas Shrugs. Tomorrow our currency is garbage and our civilization collapses. Americans now have the government we deserve.
March 9th, 2009 at 11:48 am
» Megan McArdle June 2012 lunar eclipse said:
[...] thankful for the very delightful posts from http://www.atlasforcongress.com, pburghstever.wordpress.com, http://www.reteaparty.com - all of them 3 helped me forming my [...]
May 10th, 2009 at 6:14 am