John Galt Shrugs in Alberta, Saskatchewan

By Maggie M, TheWedge.LIVE

In 2011, thousands stood before cameras around the world and howled, “I AM JOHN GALT.”

The mysterious fictional character has become an icon for individualism and freedom. John Galt differentiates himself from the subversive Guy Fawkes in the most paradoxical fashion: he overcomes corrupt overlords by ceasing to be productive thus averting their plunder.

The whispered words , “Who is John Galt?” in Ayn Rand’s 1957 novel, Atlas Shrugged, resonate with the many who have read her 1,188 page magnum opus.

A culture was born. A society. An institute. Even a lexicon.

In the tale, the mysterious John Galt is elusive, appearing only to the select few, business leaders, industrialists, inventors who create real value: railroads, oil exploration, steel manufacturing, technical marvels. On the heels of his impromptu encounters, these individuals are announced ‘missing’, disappearing by choice to join a society that respects talent and hard work, where they can reap their rewards without scorn or regulated theft.

Why did Atlas shrug?

Why did the mythical Greek god, Atlas, shrug ? Rand mirrors this archetype, a god who held up the world, a trope for the strength of those who create substantive value today. In this case, Atlas shrugged choosing not to hold up the earth under the weight of endless oppression by government and bureaucratic busy-bodies–socialists who feel entitled to their ‘fair share’ of someone else’s ideas, abilities and property. These make great pretense as modern day ‘Robin Hoods’ for the masses with maximum use of their state-controlled press. The industrialists stop the theft by abandoning ship and ‘Robin’ is left with nothing to loot.

This is a simplification, but it is important to present the daunting reality we find ourselves in today, aside of Rand’s philosophy of ‘objectivism.’ (I agree with her ‘laissez-faire’ economics but not her self-interest theology.)

Fast forward to 2023, Canada. Atlas is shrugging again.

I thought of John Galt when the feds pulled in the grocery chains’s leaders for a secret meeting in Ottawa, “to control their prices.”

I thought of John Galt when Alberta oil explorers were summoned to Ottawa for a tete-a-tete.

I thought of John Galt when the feds started battling Alberta on its intentions to form a pension plan, hopefully ending the looting of people’s life long labour.

I thought of John Galt when the feds intimated their plan to criminalize those who do not transition from fossil fuels and coal, damn the suffering in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

I thought of John Galt when the feds banned nitrogen for crop farmers, yet another strike at the West.

I thought of John Galt when the feds declared all podcasts must be registered with them through their subsidized bureaucracy, the CRTC, a week from today.

Why did we allow this theft of our ideas, our labour, our property, our resources, drip-by-drip?

Government was not created to control everything: education, health, movement, information, resources. How did it balloon from its original intention? When did the power shift from the people to government and shadowy profiteers? Atlas Shrugged offers perspective and revolutionary answers.

Who is John Galt?

You are.

The novel sprang a movement and later, a movie, Part 1 which screened in 2011. It was shot in three parts, the third screening in 2014. Here are a three trailers for each part that will edify you.

Atlas Shrugged Part 1 Trailer