When I read Smith's Tom Paine Maru, it changed my life. In fact, most of his early works are interesting and strange. This on the other hand is didactic and slow. I can't imagine how an even moderately gifted author could possibly write something this bad. Is there any real distinction in writing a scene more wooden than the 70+ page rant from 'Atlas Shrugged?' Is it brain damage? WTF? Also, stop trying to make bizarre jokes using scrambled libertarian party member names. It isn't funny, merely sad.