Everybody hates the rich.  Certainly the writers of the scriptures had plenty of warnings to the rich.

First truth:  it is undeniable that the scriptures make it clear that the rich should voluntarily give of their substance to the poor.  The number of passages, especially from the Book of Mormon, emphasizing this is simply overwhelming.

Second truth:  you who are reading this are most likely rich.  Yes, you, the one who loves to bash the rich thinking it is anybody but you.  Compared to most of the world’s inhabitants, you are rich.  If you don’t believe me, travel to India or China or Africa or Latin America, where the vast majority of people get by on a few hundred dollars a month or less.  So, go look at yourself in the mirror, buddy.  When the scriptures are talking about the rich, they are probably talking about you.  Take that beam out of your eye.

Now, on to some myths.

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As most lovers of free-market economics know by now, “Atlas Shrugged,” the movie is coming out this week.  Just two years ago, I wrote this piece on Rand’s philosophy, called Objectivism.

To sum up:  I believe, after reading “Atlas Shrugged” and recently re-reading “The Fountainhead,” that Ayn Rand celebrates selfishness, although her heroes become literary Christ symbols.  So Rand seems to recognize that self-sacrifice is a good thing, but then rails against it at the same time.  Personally, I find this aspect of her philosophy pretty confused.

The gospel teaches us that voluntarily giving to others is the highest possible achievement.  Rand sees giving to others as taking away from yourself and creating a society of parasites.  I couldn’t disagree more.

However, having said that, Rand’s celebration of free-market economics and the wonders of humans who better the world through their hard work is spot-on.   Her reminders that the state has no right to your personal property are important and especially timely (charitable giving should be voluntary, not forced).  The world she creates in “Atlas Shrugged” is in many ways the modern world, where legions of covetous people look at ways of taking from others without producing anything of value themselves.

So, I will be watching “Atlas Shrugged” soon after it comes out, even though Rand’s celebration of selfishness is not compatible with the Gospel, in my humble opinion.

This is a guest post by Camila B, a teenager who is an avid movie watcher.  Please keep all comments civil and polite.

By Camila B.

 I have been thinking about something all day that has gnawed at me quite persistently.   The subject is movies, movies throughout the decades and the negative changes that I have noticed.   Now the difference of me writing about this compared to, let’s say, a middle-aged woman, is that a ‘teenager’ is supposed to be quite biased towards the cool new things that movies explore.  I understand the charm of the unknown, but when I search deeper I’ve realized that the corruption viewed daily by millions of people is disgusting.

 Now I don’t mean to imply that all modern movies are bad and are corrupting our youth. I have seen plenty of movies throughout the years with their share of explicit content and I don’t see myself as necessarily corrupt. I understand that all people should have the choice to see anything they want, in fact, I lean towards freedom of choice in every sense of the word.  It doesn’t cause me any anger to have these movies out there because I have the choice of not seeing them and everyone else should be able to choose otherwise.  What does bother me, and what i feel should be taken in to serious consideration, is the glorification these movies receive. Our society has changed in many ways, things have become much less taboo to the extent where sex is something we see on national television. Most swear words are now used without any form of censorship.  I understand that we must ‘evolve’ and be ‘broad minded’. I have no problem being exposed to the world in a correct and mindful way because living in a fantasy isn’t going to help teenagers realize the dangers out there with sex, drugs, and alcohol, but the moment we start glorifying such actions at such a young age is when things become a problem.  Teenagers lean towards rebellion and look up to idols that portray that message; but at the same time media is not the only factor that affects a teenager, and definitely not enough to make them drug addicts and sex fiends. There are too many factors to name. My rant has to do more with the glorification of terrible movies.

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I have not been able to sleep well since the sexual assault a few days ago by the TSA, which is detailed below. I have had some very disturbing dreams and have found myself getting extremely depressed. I have felt completely powerless and ashamed.

I’m the kind of person who generally tells himself and others, “get over it, buck up, get your life together.” And I know I will be able to do this. I also try to avoid drama. Life is about choices — live with your choice and move on is my general philosophy. But I have learned a few things that have increased my empathy and given me some peace. Read on.

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All, after being sexually assaulted at the Denver Airport, I am joining the campaign to try to get the TSA to change its policies. At this point, if you travel by airline, you have two choices: 1)Be put in a cancer box or 2)Be sexually assaulted.

If you would like to contact me on this post, please e-mail me at geoff@millennialstar.org. I would prefer not to have comments. Thanks.

Below is the letter I wrote to the TSA. It will be sent to many public officials and news outlets.

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