“Money is the barometer of a society’s virtue. When you see that trading is done, not by consent, but by compulsion – when you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing – when you see that money is flowing to those who deal, not in goods, but in favors – when you see that men get richer by graft and by pull than by work, and your laws don’t protect you against them, but protect them against you – when you see corruption being rewarded and honesty becoming a self-sacrifice – you may know that your society is doomed.”
~Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged, Francisco’s Money Speech
Ayn Rand wrote Atlas Shrugged about 60 years ago. It seems like she’s describing today’s politics.
The Justice Department announced last week they won’t be prosecuting “crooked” Hillary Clinton. Rand never met Hillary or her husband Bill. But she clearly knew what it means for society when scoundrels wind up in charge.
Growing social unrest, politics, and money are all interconnected. We raised this subject a little over a year ago following the riots in Baltimore. But, sadly, except for the advocates of sound money and one very prescient novel written 6 decades ago, it is almost always overlooked.
Continue reading “Corrupt Politicians and Corrupted Money Go Hand in Hand”