I recall that when I read Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead years ago the heroes had two characteristics: they were unflinchingly honest in everything they said and did, and they knew, used, and trusted science and the scientific method. Since the stars of the modern GOP and the Tea Party have neither of these characteristics, introducing Ayn Rand into discussions of these worthies' depredations seems as inappropriate as their mentioning her name in justifying anything they are doing.