I have recently read howl and it seems to me to have a strong social message. The best minds being destroyed are obviously the deviant minds and the repressive conformities of the 40's and 50's being the context.

While reading it though, I got a strong sense that it can be interpreted towards today’s standards. While in many ways society is much more open than it was in the 50's in other ways it is reaching the zenith of human capitalism and consumerist culture, which is a celebration of individual egocentrism. Our society is becoming more and more narcissistic and as such minds are still being destroyed by the constant barrage of what a happy life is according to the companies.

What I am getting at in my ranting; is Howl still as powerful a meanig today as it was 50 years ago?

yes. IMO, Howl is more about materialism and how it forces conformity. But our society has still changed little and, if anything, consumerism is becoming worse and worse. People are so addicted to material possessions, that they go into debt buying unnecessary toys that just end up making them miserable.

I just took a look at the anniversary edition of the book earlier today. I want it.

The meaning to be found in inspirational poetry that's written as strongly as Howl never dissipates. I'll pull out an example later on.