This week marks the 50th anniversary of two events that could not be more disparate, yet still related.
 
 On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the first manmade object to go into Earth Orbit. It was a triumph of collectivism and sent the fear of annihilation throughout the Western democracies.
 
 A week later, on October 12, 1957, Ayn Rand's epic "Atlas Shrugged" was published. Critics and intellectuals scorned it for its praise of greed and selfishness.

 Yet 50 years later, look who has won. Soviet collectivism is bankrupt - financially, morally, and intellectually. Atlas Shrugged still sells well over 100,000 copies a year and has helped shape the thinking of generations of leaders. Capitalism and individual freedom are triumphant.

 If you last read Atlas Shrugged in college, think about revisiting it today. You will likely find it is even more relevant and inspiring after a lifetime of experience than it was when you first started out. And nowhere are its lessons more needed than in the health care battles to come.

-- Greg Scandlen

-- Consumers for Health Care Choices