What programs do YOU consider "entitlements"?

[IndependentinWis]

The dictionary meaning of the word entitlement means you are actually entitled to something, but in our country it also has another meaning for many. To many it is getting something for nothing. Now there has been many posts on this message board about cutting or doing away with entitlements, but which programs are we actually talking about? So, I ask, what do you consider to be the "entitlement" programs, i.e., something for nothing, and which program are people actually "entitled" to as per the dictionary meaning?

 

[connieb]

Anything for which you feel you are "entitled" to have but are not required to pay for yourself.

So, I do generally not include SS and Medicare in those programs. For the most part - they are funds which we are required to pay for ourselves, and which in many ways are promised to us as if those funds are earned from our own labors. Now, that does not mean we don't need reforms and we don't need to address fraud, both of which I think are rampant in those programs. BUT - for the most part, if you work your entire life and are promised ( we have all gotten those SSA letters telling us how much we can expect when we retire) then you have earned that money.

SSI is a little bit different. While I whole heartedly support providing financial assistance to the truly disabled, I believe many people abuse that system. My best friend's mother is a prime example. She is on SSI because of arthritis and carpal tunnel issues in her hands. BUT - she babysits her grand daughter 3 days a week, still works on her family farmette, cans vegetables, makes meals, etc. I am sorry but if you can do all that - you can find some sort of shitty job to work if necessary or you can become self employed by doing a home daycare if necessary. Take in one or two other kids, for instance. And, it took years to get it, SSI did decline her multiple times. But, she has it now and they are aware of her other activities but finally gave in. But, I think its a crock. She still keeps her home as immaculately clean as she always did. She still does all the type of home and life activities that the rest of us do - and so she should not be "entitled'" to compensation in that instance.

Food stamps, medicaid, section 8 housing are examples of entitlements. Where the participants in those programs feel they are "entitled" to have the same things others have, access to whatever they want in the grocery store, access to the same type of housing that others have, without actually paying for it themselves. SSI as well when it is used by those who for all outward signs live a "normal" life.

connie

 

[Woolleybugger]

I think if you follow this argument closely you will find that nothing is given freely, someone pays for it one way or the other. Therefore, I do not believe we have any entitlement programs at all and that this word is being used for political ends. For instance, does a man of age 62 who has paid into SS since the age of 15 get his SS check freely? The universality of SS fund distributions without means testing proves this to be wrong. The only way you can get SS is to pay into the system or be a family member of one who did. Welfare and food stamps can be viewed as being given for free by the individual because you are not required to have paid taxes in order to receive these benefits. Does a one year old boy living in a family that receives welfare and food stamps have to live in poverty until they have paid taxes?

 

[Woolleybugger]

My sister is on SSI, has been most of her life due to her having cerebral palsy. They only give it to her if she has met the financial restrictions on income and wealth and they are quite stringent. I think the amount is around 550 a month. Does that 550 a month for a woman who can barely walk really bother you that much or should your desire to clean up waste and abuse be targeted at something else? I for one am willing to let SSI continue assuming a certain level of fraud exists in order to keep our most disadvantaged people at a minimum level of income. It takes a cold, cold heart to take that pittance from your friends mother and my sister.

 

[connieb]

I think I mentioned that I totally support SSI for a person who is well and truly disabled. Sounds like your Sister meets those qualifications. And, yes, anyone's individual situation is a pittance. BUT when it adds up, it is hardly a pittance all together now is it?