I consider the Colorado portion of “Atlas Shrugged” to be somewhat of an allegory to historical events.
During the dark ages, humanity regressed, both physically. (population declined) and culturally (accumulated knowledge was lost)
Ms. Rand is describing another dark age being brought on by those who profess enlightenment.
Currently, I see a monetary and intellectual “Dark Age” approaching.
We have companies being vilified for honoring contracts and making money, (Exxon, AIG) intellectual discourse and free speech being suppressed through the “pc thought police.”
Again, the above is being pushed off on us by our “intellectual and social elites.”
Keep going, FRiend - you’re on a roll. ;-)