Hi John,

>Have you read "Atlas Shrugged"?

I've not, but I need to. Author Scott Peck commented that after reading it, he was feeling rather "rugged" and like put-upon "individual" for a few days -- during which he even considered joining the GOP. Then with further analysis he realized, based on Ayn's worldview, he could NOT resolve what to "do about" childen and elderly people. See what thinking will get you? :-)

>I am told by US partners that many americans feel like the industrialists in that book- doing most of the producing and surrounded by whining hangers-on with hands out who want to "have a say", attack the producer and rely on the basic goodness and honour of those they parasite.

Ayn was partially/intuitively onto something...but back then there was not the body of scholarly research we today refer to as Evolutionary Psychology. For a relevant study, check out this book review: http://www.evoyage.com/Book%20Reviews/NewRightPapers.htm

Enjoy,
Steven-