The sad thing is that many on the left actually believe the precepts of this article.

We're definitely following the socialist utopian path into slavery here. If enough people opt out of working, it will require the government to FORCE some people into work so that others can do nothing.

This is wonderful, H -- Thank You! -- j

Where is John Galt?

We are further down that road than we really want to admit I'm afraid. Did you hear about the latest CBO assessment of Obamacare? It posits that millions of Americans will choose Not to work so that they can take advantage of the better health care options they have as someone un or under-employed. So, yes, many will choose not to work because, after all, they don't have to...

There are several things the progressive ideal seems to overlook. 1. the moral necessity of earning one's keep. No matter your position on life's ladder, if you don't work you will surely perish (except in progressive utopia). The selfish laziness of the landlords of the world creates useful living space for those unable to purchase their own. Without the landlord (real estate investor) slums would eventually burn down or be bulldozed. 2. It is each person's responsibility to look out for their own health care. If that means working at some boring task for years at company that only rewards you if you come to work; well, that is why they call it work instead of hanging out. 3. Property rights are the linchpin that capitalism hangs on. If they take back the property we will be the world's largest Cuba or North Korea. I could go on, but the simple truth is the Progressive movement is a failed ideology. It has failed in Russia, China, North Korea, Venezuela, Somalia, and every other place it has been tried. For example: In Cuba, a new car is a 1958 Chevy. To foist this ideological nightmare on the USA is crazy. Einstein defined crazy as doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result. Socialism, by any chosen name, has never worked and never will. There are no long term incentives to cause it to succeed.

France has all these things right now - as well as 70% tax rates. And they just experienced an unprecedented quarter of businesses declaring bankruptcy! And in response, they just posted a huge tax hike on the rich! Never underestimate the power of compounded stupidity.

The author relies not on logic or study to make points, but innuendo and emotional appeals. Pathetic. Anyone with any brains can debunk all five of these points with ease:

1. You have the right to what you earn. No more, no less.
2. See point #1.
3. See point #1 again.
4. See point #1 yet again. Your choice to spend does not entitle you to means others chose to save/invest.
5. Government-subsidized business ventures are the road to corruption and cronyism.

The only question is why anybody would read past the heading for point 1.

viva la France. Someone explain the world to me please. How did the French economy become the goal of the USA?

That part I understand. To a certain point I even understand out witting the gov't moochers. That is a fun aspect of the act of accomplishment. But, my mind couldn't help but consider what she, or any of us, could accomplish in a world where results count and the most accomplished of our citizens are there to use, buy, supply, and demand her work. That's all. Just as the Progressives always have unintended consequences, consider the ripple effect of the gulch....why leave? To go fight your generational foe to the finish!

Dagny couldn't break the bond with the great minds and entrepreneurial spirit that built TT in the first place. To do so would have been to negate theirs and her accomplishments. It's not easy to walk away from something you've built.

That is a great addition. When I read AS, I could never figure out why Dagny wanted to go back. I understand "habit force", but she could build railroads in the gulch!

The author of that propoganda piece should have lived in Russia in the nineteen hundreds and teens... or GErmany in the 30's... Of course, they haven't, which is why they have such an immature "the world owes me" attitude.

At least it answers the pressing question - why Rolling Stone has a red masthead. Now we know...

May I add to " 1. the moral necessity of earning one's keep." 1a. The moral necessity of keeping one's earnings?

You took the words right out of my keyboard. When I commented that liberals are self-destructive idiots,
this jerk proved my point -- in spades!

Any idiot who starts a sentence with "You know what really blows?" should not be taken seriously, and I'm a millennial.

It's not often someone is willing to explain just how stupid they really are. If this guy thinks these ideas will work then I think there is no talking to him. He is just too stupid.

tsk tsk

Um...I already said that.

Jesse Myerson is a is calling for Communism. Perhaps he should start with the wealthy musicians and actors. They can do their work for the money JM decides they "need."

There are already countries that have these five things. If you want them, try the PRC, Mongolia, Cuba, and some of the South American countries.
Then come back and tell all of us how wonderful it is. I also suggest that while you are in one of these countries you strongly criticize the government. They appreciate constructive comments on how they are dong.