[Noumenon]

From an April 2000 thread posted by the now-forgotten OWK. Still a searing classic, and entirely appropriate as the looters and cannibals on the Left 'debate' the dispostion of the fruits of our labors and the terms of our existence.

Fifty years later, Rand's scenarios are playing out before us.

"Mr Rearden," said the eldest judge, smiling affably, reproachfully and spreading his arms, "it is regrettable that you should have misunderstood us so completely. That's the trouble - that businessmen refuse to approach us in a spirit of trust and friendship. They seem to imagine that we are their enemies. Why do you speak of human sacrifices? What made you go to such an extreme? We have no intention of seizing your property or destroying your life. We do not seek to harm your interests. We are fully aware of your distinguished achievements. Our purpose is only to balance social pressures and do justice to all. This hearing is really intended, not as a trial, but as a friendly discussion aimed at mutual understanding and co-operation."

Cooperation. That's all they want. Just ask them. They all sound so reasonable, don't they? And aren't we all such selfish bastards for daring to disagree?

[Chode]

communists are just democRATS in a hurry... wi guns!!!

[GSWarrior]

For the movie version, how about Aaron Eckhart (the actor who starred in Thank You For Smoking) as Hank Riordan?

[skinkinthegrass]

PING

[NittanyLion]

From an April 2000 thread posted by the now-forgotten OWK.

Good post. OWK was one the good ones.

[ModelBreaker]

There was no triumph in his face, no elation, only the still intensity of contemplating the enormity of the smallness of the enemy who was destroying the world. He felt as if, after a journey of years through a landscape of devastation, past the ruins of great factories, the wrecks of powerful engines, the bodies of invincible men, he had come upon the despoiler, expecting to find a giant - and had found a rat eager to scurry for cover at the first sound of a human step. If this is what has beaten us, he thought, the guilt is ours.

So true.

[Brilliant]

It’s like the libs got ahold of Rand’s novel, and used it as a blueprint to destroy capitalism.

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

But, but, whine, sob, moan, cry, it is for the children!

[TomServo]

One of my faves...bump!

[denydenydeny]

I would prefer not to like Rand, but damned if the typical Democratic Party presidential debate these days doesn’t sound like a convention of Rand villains.

[DaveTesla]

"I am earning my own living, as every honest man must. I
refuse to accept as guilt the fact of my own existence and
the fact that I must work in order to support it. I refuse
to accept as guilt the fact that I am able to do it better
than most people - the fact that my work is of greater
value than the work of my neighbors and that more men are
willing to pay me. I refuse to apologise for my ability -
I refuse to apologise for my success - I refuse to
apologise for my money."

And I refuse to apologise for my success.

[warinwartime]

what chapter is the trial in? (hope that translates to the audio book)

[EyeGuy]

“Fifty years later, Rand’s scenarios are playing out before us.”

####

Not yet.

None of the long overdue payback thus far, unfortunately.

We’ve yet to see the establishment of Galt’s Gulch, the exit of productive achievers from the economy, and the implosion of the talentless bureaucrats and parasites.

[Billthedrill]

Rand was an optimist. Real show trials end in executions. They're shows, not trials, and the executions are the real point.

I realize I'm preaching to the choir, but when collectivists state that individual rights are secondary to the Greater Good, they mean yours, not theirs. That doesn't mean the right to own a firearm or express an opinion, it means the right to breathe. Anyone who thinks that an exaggeration hasn't read much of the history of the 20th century.

[andy58-in-nh]

The current production stars Henry Waxman as Wesley Mouch....