Philip Kaifer Atlas Shrugged Chapters 4-7

It is clear from these chapters that Rand is very fond of individual intelligence and creativity over government economic meddling. Ayn Rand’s contempt and hatred of any socialist system is represented in the character of Francisco, a man who believes he is forced to give in to the will of the majority despite his better judgment and intuition. The shift of his character from a very wealthy and influential businessman into a lowly playboy signifies what Ayn Rand believes will happen to the country should people give up their individuality and unquestionably follow the majority.
    As this trend inexorably spreads throughout the nation, the country seems to be shifting more and more towards a socialist wreck where the government is in control of the economy and capitalism ceases to be. The major example of this socialist takeover is the passing of the Anti dog-eat-dog rule, a law which would prevent the normal capitalist competition between Taggart Intercontinental and the Phoenix-Durango line.  Another way in which Rand portrays the flawed nature of socialism is the Lillian’s party. Ayn Rand uses the confrontation between Dagny and Lillian to represent the most basic characteristics of Socialism and Capitalism. The difference between the two women is that Dagny appreciates the sentimental value of the bracelet that Rearden made with the first of the Rearden metal. Dagny, who shares Rand’s point of view, respects the work and effort put into the fabrication of the bracelet while Lillian simply seeks to be appreciated by the most people for the wealth she displays on her person. In a socialist country, Lillian wants to fit in with the majority while in a capitalist nation, Dagny wants to display her individuality for her own benefit.
    In regards to the denunciation of Rearden metal by the State Scientific Institute, Rand is demonstrating what would happen should individual innovation be trampled by a government that wants to restrict individual wealth and success. In this instance, the government fears what would occur if Rearden’s company were to compete with the other companies. It is under the impression that the other companies would fail and that this would be bad for the nation.  As for the major construction endeavor of the Rio Norte Line, and eventually the new John Galt Line, the only people who seem to be involved in true capitalist business are Dagny, Wyatt, and Rearden. Each of whom is being targeted by the government for their success, thanks to the Equalization of Opportunity Bill.
   I do not believe that Ayn Rand is against socialism for the sake of socialism however. I think that she despises the idea of a corrupt socialist system where the people in charge simply make decisions for their own benefit, as the the lobbyists for Taggart's company do.