I know the lyrics very well. I've probably listened to that song 100 times and I never thought it was anything other than a strong criticism of idiotic socialism... what do you think that chopping trees completely to make them equal means? And considering Peart's well-documented political beliefs, I know that this interpretation is correct.
I did not see this in the lyrics, all I saw was no more oak oppression and all trees are equal hatchet Ax and saw. I did not look at it from your view point. I will attempt to do so. I always thought of it as liberal thinking, even when I was a kid. As far as tress go, I cannot put myself into the person you describe. I thought he was preaching socialism. there are no words describing his anger of it....
I'm sorry, I looked at it again and again, and I see Atlas Shrugged befor I see Neil putting down idiotic socialism!