Once again, Rand's work is being trotted out as some insightful literature on economics.

It isn't.

Once again, the Randians are trying to spread Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt that if you tax the rich just a little bit more, there will be no rich to tax.

#1. It isn't Bill Gates, it's Microsoft. Who cares if the rich guy leaves the country. What matters is where the COMPANY is.

#2. This is because the rich guy doesn't employ that many people directly. The COMPANY does.

#3. We're ALREADY seeing the COMPANIES moving away. And with the WTO stupidity, there isn't much we can do about it.

Rand makes the same mistake that everyone of her idiot followers make. Where the rich guy is doesn't matter. It's where the JOBS are. Unless the rich guy is going to pack up the company and move it, it doesn't matter where he claims residence. The people need jobs to pay for the merchandise that the companies produce.

Then there's the claim that the rich might, if taxed a bit more, start using loopholes to avoid paying taxes.

Like they aren't already doing that?

Well, they might use ADDITIONAL loopholes.

And the reason they aren't using them TODAY is? Well, that's never explained. If you have to ask, you just don't understand Randian "logic".

The fact of the matter is, all you need to do is look at Enron.

Well, what about if they uses SHELTERS and SHELTER more of their income to avoid taxes.

Again, the reason they aren't using these, alleged, "shelters" today is? Again, if you have to ask, you just don't understand Randian "logic".

Despite countless studies showing that small and mid-sized companies hire the most people, it is always the Randian's belief that the mega-rich CEO's are the True Sources of prosperity.

And no one has yet provided any rational for why person A with 100x the wealth of person B should not be taxed at 100x the rate of person B.

Rand and her followers have the most simplistic view of financing a government to be found outside of a kindergarten.

The facts:

#1. The CEO's will move their companies wherever they get the best package deal.

#2. It is the companies that provide the jobs.

#3. It is the jobs that are important, not where the rich CEO claims residency.

#4. It is better for the economy that 10 million people each have $100 extra than for one person to have $1 billion dollars extra.

None of this will make any sense to a Randian. They have the religious belief that the "economy" is tied to the rich CEO's. In other words, they have the entire system BACKWARDS. Effect before cause.

Rand tried to philosophically justify selfishness for adults. Then she tried to say that this wasn't just "justified", but that selfishness was the BEST system to follow.

Who has done more for the computing industry?
Bill Gates
-or-
Linus Torvalds

Who has more material wealth?
Bill Gates
-or-
Linus Torvalds

Who is advancing the industry more?
Bill Gates
-or-
Linus Torvalds

Who best embodies the views of Randians?
Bill Gates
-or-
Linus Torvalds

Rand had to resort to fiction to "prove" the superiority of people who follow her creed.

In the real world, the economy of Washington state sucks. Yet, accourding to Rand, it should be prosperous. Now that the government has okayed all of MS's business dealings.

But that's the problem when you get your economic education from a work of fantasy.