Ayn Rand did indeed oppose religion in general. However, being an atheist does not translate into being un-loving, un-caring or un-helpful. When Ayn Rand "dumped on" altruism, she was referring to the practice that fit her definition of that word - which was sacrificing yourself to others, with no value in return - including the practice of FORCING people to help others. When she "dumped on" religion, I thought she was wrong to do that. I think her arguments could have been made without alienating people who might otherwise be attracted to the freedom her philosophy represented. Will you agree 100% with Ayn Rand, or her philosophy? No, you won't. I don't either. However, it isn't fair to imply that she would oppose love,...

Totally ridiculous. Ayn Rand did not denegrate loving, helping or caring for others. If this is the basis for your objection to her philosophy, then you need quit reading other people's mis-representation of her ideas, and read her books directly (not some cliff notes version, either). Ayn Rand opposed being FORCED to help others.

Gerson probably also missed the part where Rearden stated, "That metal is MINE - do you understand that concept? - MINE!".

Actually, the first time I read it, it was *not* a chore. I enjoyed the book. It so challenged my long-held beliefs - destroying some, and clarifying others - that I couldn't put it down. I felt both an overwhelming sadness, and a joy at the same time. I would say reading that book changed my life.

Michael Gerson's article is not very complimentary of Ayn Rand or the "Atlas Shrugged" movie. He is clearly speaking from ignorance, and promoting all the common misconceptions about Ayn Rand and Objectivism. I do not believe that Mr. Gerson has read "Atlas Shrugged", or is at all familliar with Ayn Rand's philosophy. He writes: "But both libertarians and Objectivists are moved by the mania of a single idea -- a freedom indistinguishable from selfishness. This unbalanced emphasis on one element of political theory -- at the expense of other public goals such as justice and equal opportunity -- is the evidence of a rigid ideology." No Objectivist argues for injustice or un-equal opportunity, unless the definitions of these words are...