I've not read Sowell or Williams, but this and Bob's post struck a chord with me this morning. One of my all time favorites is 'Atlas Shrugged' by Ayn Rand - I've read it several times and will likley start it again soon. First published in 1957, it provoked outrage by pointing out that until the "social welfare state" was ended, society would continue to decline. Last night I watched the recently released movie on DVD, Atlas Shrugged - Part 1 Atlas Shrugged Movie (Official Site) - Atlas Shrugged Trailer and was amazed to see that while the novel was written in the mid-'50's the movie starts with a timeline of 2016!! With a fifty year transition, the story line fits today's economic problems too well, and the movie followed the book scene by scene, not taking liberties with the plot line for effect. Atlas Shrugged - Part 2 is set to release Fall 2012, just before the next presidential election. I fear that the story line may be coming true, and the economic engines of the US may be screeching to a halt while politicians make rules to "equalize opportunities". My prayer is that the rebirth of the economy can somehow come true, too.

If you have not read Atlas Shrugged it is a good read, at least it was for me in '61 and four or five times since.... Who is John Galt??