Neither do I recall Rand characterizing the industrialists as high-minded, but portrayed them as devoutly interested in what they produced creating a profit and fiercely competitive; the rent-seeking segment of them was also represented.
I believe the author of this piece did not understand the book, nor the moral, as Rand intended.
jpat, Atlas Shrugged is very long, often redundant (boy! Did Ayn need a good editor!), but worth reading, in my opinion. The book has recently undergone a renewed interest, resulting in millions of new copies sold. It obviously resonates truthfully with a lot of people, unlike Mr. North.