The words Rand uses are rather strong, but there is truth there. Yes, there are the producers and the parasites, but truly the world would be a rather boring place if we did not allow a place for the arts. I look at the arts as something voluntary, a producer can purchase the arts if they wish, but should never be forced to pay for art..such as our taxes being used to fund "The National Endowment for the Arts".
We as a nation have slipped far from our roots....
Although I appreciate the premise Ayn Rand operates upon..I can't agree with her atheism. Perhaps that is where her view of society partially comes from. Any purely atheistic nation would be lifeless, loveless and devoid of many of the things which make life really worth living.
If you are a producer, what are you working so hard for? Is it not to ebjoy and appreciate the finer and decent things, which makes it all worthwhile.
BTW: Billy...Who is John Galt ?