Jordana Capra: Judge Glesie
Photos
Quotes
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Judge Beckston : Henry Rearden, you are charged, along with Kenneth Danagger, in absentia...
[cameras clicking]
Judge Beckston : ... with one count of violation of Article 64 of the Fair Share Law. Specifically, the illegal sale and transfer of 4,000 tons of strategic material known as Rearden Metal to Kenneth Danagger and Danagger Coal. How do you plead, sir?
Henry Rearden : I do not recognize this court's right to try me, nor do I recognize any of my actions as a crime.
[people murmuring, Gavel banging]
Judge Beckston : Mr. Rearden, you will have to enter a plea before this court. Simply refusing to obey the law is not a defense.
Henry Rearden : If you believe you may seize my property simply because you need it, well then, so does any burglar. The only difference is a burglar doesn't ask my permission.
Judge Beckston : Sir, I will remind you the punishment this court might impose on you is severe.
Henry Rearden : Go ahead. Impose it. If you sentence me to jail, send armed men to get me. I will not volunteer to go. If you fine me, you'll have to seize my assets. I will not volunteer to pay. If you feel you have the right to use force against me, then show it for what it is... bring guns.
Judge Beckston : Sir, we have no intention of pointing guns and seizing your property.
Henry Rearden : Then why are we here?
Judge Glesie : Mr. Rearden, you are misrepresenting the letter and the intent of the Fair Share Law. It is based on the highest principle, the principle of the public good.
Henry Rearden : As defined by those who would dictate and regulate our behavior in our homes and our businesses, stealing their power from our liberty.
[murmuring. applause]
Judge Beckston : [gavel banging] Gallery will come to order!
Judge Glesie : Mr. Rearden, you wouldn't want it misunderstood that you work for nothing but your own profit?
Henry Rearden : Indeed. I want it understood clearly. I do not recognize the good of others as a justification for my existence. If their fair share demands that I get nothing for my labors, that it requires me to be a victim, then I say... public good be damned. I'll have no part of it.
Judge Beckston : And how does that benefit your fellow man?
Henry Rearden : I do not owe you an answer, but I could tell you in a hundred ways. Thousands of jobs, billions in revenue, fueling our economy despite your efforts to destroy the very foundation of our existence. And I believe most of my fellow men would say the same if they had a voice.
