Dang Mike. I don't remember you being like this in your previous posts. What happened?
Back to the OP, I think generally there is a concensus that the GB own everything and live high on the hog. i don't think this is really true. The horde cash yes, but then again so does Apple. The GB members live in similar quarters as the rest of the bunch. They drive the same crappy Crown Vics that alot of companys who provide cars own. Its not a luxurious lifestyle.
That being said, they have probably never had to care for a family, and they have all of their needs met. Wether you think that is ok depends on how you feel about them already. Many priests, deacons, and pastors as well as their staff receiv e compensation from a church in order to continue their work.
To the point though, they really don't have the moral high ground to tell others to simplify. I suppose it is just a "hint" at it, but they have trained this group to respond to them as though everything spoken is due to godly authority. So they bear more responsability than they like for other peoples choices. An article about not being caught up materially sharing general principles, is much more useful than telling a pioneer that mo money=mo problems.
As far as you brother Mike, you have neither the right, nor scriptural task to declare anyone an apostate. You should think twice. This board is full of men and women just like you. People share their thoughts, care for each other, and disagree. Its called normal. In here you are allowed to feel differently than others, and still walk away with dignity. Even though I haven't even been gone a year (and probably will have to go to an assembly this week), I know that even respectful disagreement is cause for discipline.
