First, a little bit about myself. I am in my 40s, have a wife and 3 kids, and am the founder and majority shareholder of a small chain of retail stores on the east coast. I am in a recession proof sector of retail, and have grown from 1 store 5 years ago to 12 today.

I am unwilling to even seriously consider going Galt, and will continue to grow my business, create wealth, employ the best people I can find, and yes, enrich the looters through the money that they confiscate from me at the point of a gun.

My reason for staying and continuing to fight is essentially a selfish one: I get great joy from continuing to succeed and grow in spite of all of the obstacles thrown in my way. I am proud of every dollar that I have earned, and it pleases me to be able to employ many who share my ideals and vision.

I am aware that the looters depend upon men like me to finance their oppression, but I am still unwilling to forego the pleasure that I get from continuing to prosper and grow amidst the carnage.

I am, as I have said before, more Rearden than Galt.

Does that make me immoral?

What say you?