Rion ’s comment > Likes and Comments

Well, I'm flattered to have elicited such a lengthy and passionate response. I do not presume to be any kind of expert in replying, but I will make some, I hope, pertinent comments.

Philosophical Reasons:
The case for objectivism seems to be similar to the case for Christianity, socialism and many other 'isms' in that it boils down to 'if we were all rational, capable, intelligent, ethical..' life would be great.
'City states' governing 'in their own interests'? And when those interests conflict? Is government at any level incorruptible? How do national and international businesses fit into this system. How is the national infrastructure managed?
Rand:
'Society should be a COLLECTIVE of competent individuals'. Great idea. I don't disagree with most of your points here.
Socialism:
All economies are mixed to a degree. I would take Germany as a model. It's system of stakeholder (union, local and national government) representation on company boards seems to be very effective. While Britain dismantled most of its industry and talked nonsense about a post-industrial economy, Germany not only retained its great industries, they thrive and prosper.
I wholly agree with your points about big business effectively controlling government. I don't see what your solution is. So far as the banks are concerned, the current crisis was brought about because governments in USA and UK progressively dismantled regulation, including the Glass-Steagall act.
I haven't been to Baltimore but I did see 'The Wire'. I suppose our difference boils down you seeing Big Government as the problem and I see it as Big Business.
Literary Reasons:
All I can say is that Rand appears on NO list of great works anywhere.
Finally:
Yes, I've read it. No, it isn't considered one of the greatest novels ever written.

Someone else already mentioned this but Atlas Shrugged is an attempt on Rand's part to compare Soviet morality to American moral structuring.

I don't know why you capitalized collective and disregard INDIVIDUAL. Group think is for lemmings. And Lemmings jump off cliffs together. Be the person who says no chap. Read Atlas Shrugged again, this time without all the social conditioning and find out why so many people in Sweden and India are buying Atlas Shrugged. ;)

Ok seriously now,whether Atlas Shrugged is a great novel or not is completely subjective of course.

"Why is it popular in the US?"

"decide for yourself why it's considered one the greatest novels ever written."

Did I go a little far with the irony in answering your Elitist question with an alternate perspective? Perhaps, because Don Quixote is supposed the be the greatest book right? Did I write a huge rant and think that you'd be won over my argument? Not really. I'll have to admit that U.S. has largely become the land of lemmings as well. Didn't I point out that all her observations have been coming true? You know the one weapon we have against powerful people trying to fill our heads with propaganda? Well knowing it's propaganda is a good start. As for my grand solution to all the world's problems? Take them one at a time, focus on the problems you as an individual can change. Examples: Vote for the best candidate not a party. Second be a responsible consumer. Only buy products that are good for you, and the environment. If INDIVIDUALS COLLECTIVELY began acting rationally and in their own best interests then many problems we are dealing with today could be solved.

I can't believe you said people in India reject charity because the poor person "decided" to drop out of society and beg?? Do you not know they still have a caste system? You don't "decide" anything if you are born poor, just how you are going to try to stay alive.