Letter: Consider 'Ten Cannots' and more

To the Editor:

On Friday, the movie “Atlas Shrugged II” opened around the country. This film is the sequel to “Atlas Shrugged” released in April 2011 and can be viewed in many theaters within driving distance of Red Wing.

Ayn Rand wrote the book “Atlas Shrugged” in 1957, yet its message could not be more timely than it is today. “The Ten Cannots” and the “Seven National Crimes,” which were written by Rev. William J.H. Boetcker in 1916, are also timely — just as they were four years ago when I last asked the Republican Eagle to publish them. They pair very well with Rand’s book although they are so brief in comparison.

I firmly believe the life of this nation depends on the hope of Rand’s message and the promise of Boetcker’s words. They remind us that good intentions, no matter their compassionate, are not good enough. In truth, the results of any action must be weighed before the value of its "good" can be measured.

The Ten Cannots — You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot help little men by tearing down big men. You cannot lift the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer. You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot establish sound security on borrowed money. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred. You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than you earn. You cannot build character and courage by destroying men's initiative and independence. And you cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they can and should do for themselves.

Seven National Crimes: I don’t think. I don’t know. I don’t care. I am too busy. I leave well enough alone. I have no time to read and find out. I am not interested.

Joella Sutherland

Red Wing

Tags: opinion, letters