The Power of the Government

The government clearly showed its power when signing the "Equaliziation of Opportunity" bill. The fact that they did this with no warning and amazingly fast is what frustrates me. Whenever they want something done in their favor they will certainly do it without hesitation.  One can see that the large companies that encompass most of the economy got their status through hard and determined work. In my opinion, they deserve to be there. The fact that the government can shut everything down in just 45 minutes by voting on a bill is unfair. Yes, it does help many of the other small companies who were begging for a share in the market, and now have it, but it ruins all the hardwork put in over many years for the large companies, like Rearden's. One can feel Hank's disgust toward the new bill when he is selling his mines to Larkin. Larkin tries to make him feel better but it is much easier to say it when the bill is helping him and not destroying half of his business.
Another demonstration of government power is seen when the scientific institute writes about Rearden metal. The way they display the article makes the population believe that the metal cannot be trusted, however, the government wanted to buy the metal! When the government cannot get what it wants, it makes sure it destroys it. Even the leader of the scientific institute, whom believes in the metal, cannot do anything about it. I would say the government is Rearden and Dagny's biggest enemy at this point.