[CottonBall]

Dagny fails to get a straight answer from the president of the United Locomotive Works as to when she will get her diesel engines and what is the source of the delay. There is even a hint she is being impolite by asking these questions.

This is becoming more common every day, IMO. Just expecting someone to do their job seems to be annoying to many (especially civil servants).

[Publius]

This is becoming more common every day, IMO. Just expecting someone to do their job seems to be annoying to many (especially civil servants).

Excellent observation. Now dig deeper. Why is this so? What prompts people to not gave a damn about their jobs? Why is there no fear of retribution from management?

You've uncovered the tip of an iceberg that connects the world of Atlas Shrugged to today's world. Let's throw some sunlight on that iceberg.