You might consider taking her seriously, she has had about 10000 times more impact on American society then any other "philosopher."

Certainly the corrosive effects should be taken seriously, as one would take poison in the water supply seriously. I certainly respect the right of any to hold an opinion, but do not ask me to universally respect opinions. It really depends on the opinion.

Earlier, due to the OP, found out that Atlas Shrugged enjoys a circulation second only to The Bible. I kept my peace but then your comment set me off reflecting about this. What is interesting about the above fact, that an anti-intellectual civilization such as America's holds the above two books in popular esteem, is very informative:

Both books promote the idea of exceptionalism and both appeal to the popular mindset. In one, the exceptional is held to a requirement of service to his lesser brethren. In the other, the lesser ones are held to be ballast and clay in service of the exceptional individual.

Now it is (somewhat) easy to see why The Bible enjoys wide circulation among the many (after all what sort would not be affected by the sermons of Christ or some of the Psalms?), but the wide circulation of the other is surely worth further reflection.

I think people are a lot more like ants then lions, pretending to be something you are not generally creates unhappy outcomes.

It is as you say. One should not pretend to be a follower of Christ anymore than one should entertain grandiose notions of heroic efforts and the upholding of the heavens on one's back.