Galt's Gulch - My Version (Part 1)
From a literary perspective, Galt's Gulch (from Ayn Rand's Novel: Atlas Shrugged) was a fictitious place in Colorado that the producers of society escaped to in order to withhold their talents from society. It even had a type of cloaking device and force field to keep out government intruders that wanted to force them back into the workplace and economy.
The story's protagonist (John Galt) was unhappy with the prevalent crony-capitalism of the time. Over time, he was able to convince many key industry titans to close up shop and bring the entire system to a halt.
In the present day, government has grown exponentially since the days of Ayn Rand. Public sector unions are a major driving force behind many politicians and corrupt lobbyists have control of the rest. It is now impossible to make and keep a profit without bowing to the state.
I see very little hope in changing the system from within. However, I am not an industry titan. Nonetheless, as a member of the middle class, I am affected by the encroaching income tax burden.
So, I am redefining Galt's Gulch for my own situation. I desire to find a way to escape the current system that penalizes success and rewards those who do not contribute. One way would be to acquire enough wealth to leave the country and hope to find a location that is friendlier to the producers. Unfortunately, I do not have the means or wealth to do this. The other method would be to reduce my income to below the income tax level and live comfortably.
Now, maintaining a mortgage, car payment, utilities, smart phone, cable, etc. It is impossible to just reduce income. That would be crazy and I would be miserable. I have become accustomed to a certain standard of living.
So, what am I to do? Keep doing what I am doing and hating every minute or do I have another option? Next time, I will discuss the path that I have chosen.
Until next time,
Kit
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