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To: Publius
Just as in the simulated cellar at the top of a penthouse, the world is upside down. The weak thrive on the labors of the strong, while mediocrity flourishes. Sympathy and (what Rand called) altruism are wrecking the Rio Norte Line and industries that have succumbed to the prevailing ennui are falling to pieces. The few shining exemplars of capitalistic excellence -- Rearden, Danconia, Wyatt -- are all being taxed (in its broadest sense) to support their less able competitors.

This is the world begotten by procrustean socialism, and a misplaced sense of human empathy.

5 posted on 01/31/2009 12:05:13 PM PST by IronJack (=)
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To: IronJack
Just as in the simulated cellar at the top of a penthouse, the world is upside down.

Good. Rand is fond of symbols and metaphors. Connect this to the rotted out tree in the first chapter.

9 posted on 01/31/2009 12:15:23 PM PST by Publius (The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other peoples money.)
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To: IronJack
Just as in the simulated cellar at the top of a penthouse, the world is upside down. The weak thrive on the labors of the strong, while mediocrity flourishes.

Good analysis - I didn't catch that.
35 posted on 01/31/2009 2:50:50 PM PST by CottonBall
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