Response to "New Look at Atlas Shrugged"

A response to Sarah Szabo's article in "The Collegian" (U of Tulsa's Newspaper): A new look at old books: "Atlas Shrugged".

First of all, in the edition mentioned (1060 pages), Galt's speech spans about 50 pages, not 100. But either way, it says little that isn't clear before that point.

The core of the philosophy is basing conscious reality on objective observation. Rand's fundamental conclusion is that the most basic right is to be left alone--people interact when it is mutually beneficial, but either should be able to terminate the relationship at any time (unless there's a contract). I hope you'll agree, she does pretty well at defending this.

However, Rand spends so much time playing defense against those that would rob her to give to the poor that most people believe her philosophy consisted of keeping ones possessions in a hole and kicking puppies. She actually believed it was fine to give things away, but not if charity was demanded by law. This distinction is left unclear in "Atlas Shrugged."