"Why don't we apply for a special permission on the ground of essential need? I've got a few friends in Washington. Your friends are pretty important people, big businessmen, so it wouldn't be difficult to get away with the essential need dodge. Of course there would be a few expenses. For things in Washington. You know how it is, things always occasion expenses."
"What things?"
"You understand what I mean."
"No," Readon had said, "I don't. Why don't you explain it to me?"
The boy had looked at him uncertainly, weighed it in his mind, and then come out with: "It's bad psychology."
"What is?"
"You know, Mr Rearden, it's not necessary to use such words as that."
"As what?"
"Words are relative. They're only symbols. If we don't use ugly symbols, we won't have any ugliness. Why do you want me to say things one way, when I've already said them another?"
"Which way do I want you to say them?"
"Why do you want me to?"
"For the same reason that you don't"
Many of you, I am sure, immediately recognized that exchange from pages 362-363 of Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. For those who have never read the book, buy it -- read it -- internalize it! It is available from Amazon or at your bookstores.
Written way back in 1957, that work of fiction could easily have been written today to accurately demonstrate the collectivist takeover of our government, society and our daily lives. The politically correct speech in her novel perfectly captures the correctness of today. Government does not "tax" it "invests" our money. Access to power is bought, whether overtly or covertly, through campaign contributions or perks.
My copy, hopelessly taped and retaped from repeated readings, I recently bought a new hardcover edition. I intend to buy additional copies for my son and daughter, both captives at the moment of our liberal college system.
Note, in the section above, the government boy assigned to manage and watch over the indistrialist Reardon, and his unwillingness to tell the truth about government intervention and access to power. There is no difference today between the fictional America of Ayn Rand in 1957 and the progressive Federal Government of today, except, perhaps in brazenness.
A few pages before, on page 358, a government scientist perfectly captures the mindset of 2009 when he says:
"Miss Tagart, do you know the hallmark of the second-rater? It's resentment of another man's achievement."
The second-raters have taken control of the country, and it is up to WE THE PEOPLE to regain control.
That everything old is new again.