At the eve of the collapse of the American economy, James Taggart and his Washington men gather together to discuss a plan of action to prevent further decline. Dubbed as "Directive 10-289," the plan aims to freeze the economy in its current state, preventing any more businessmen from quitting their jobs. Likewise, it will also prevent any new inventions from entering the marketplace. In essence, this plan is highly socialist in nature; it creates a looters' world, in which the productive geniuses are robbed of the fruits of their hard work and labor. Ironically enough, Taggart and his men act in the image of the "public good," where no little man is left behind. This is the product of their work - a society at the verge of economic collapse.
Brilliant minds, such as that of Dagny and Rearden, are necessary in order to run an efficient world. The Taggart tunnel tragedy comes to mind; it would not have happened had Dagny been running the railroad. The economic parasites that run this world depend on the economic brains in order to keep these railroads running. It is not enough to be politically savvy in situations that call for clarity of thought and a rational mind. Interestingly enough, Rand implies that catastrophes are not a matter of pure chance. Each individual riding the train harbors socialist views or supports socialist policies as a result of their apathy. Is Rand suggesting that the passengers deserved their death? Why does she go to such pains to describe the political convictions of each passenger if that is not the case? At this point, the story gains new urgency. Political beliefs and economic convictions are a matter of life and death. Is the socialist way of living the path towards death?
No comments:
Post a Comment