A word widely used these days, mostly by politicians, trying to make a point. And, depending on your “political bent”, describes a good thing or bad. Those who “have”, most generally aligned with one political party, use the term in a “scornful” way, as in: “the belief that one is inherently deserving of special treatment”; suggesting that those who hold this belief are somehow “leeches” or “parasites” on society. The “have-nots”, however, believe a simpler definition as in “a benefit derived from membership in a specific group”. To be fair, there are plenty of people in each group comprised of “haves” and “have-nots”, who hold to one belief or the other, not necessarily in keeping with their “political bent”.
It’s generally viewed that those in need can qualify for some “entitlement or benefit” as a result of income level, ethnicity, disability etc, while those who “need-not”, have fewer opportunities to qualify for a “benefit” because of their status; except of course “entitled” to obtain every tax break available, due largely to their income level, education, business opportunities…. So, if entitlement goes both ways; why would it ever be considered a scornful thing??
Social Security and Medicare are examples of just how Fair this is. I can’t think of any individual, rich or poor, who would turn down a monthly check in their mailbox, or their medical bills being first paid by Medicare, upon reaching the age of 65. After all, they’re “entitled” having paid into Social Security and Medicare all their working lives; and can now receive the “benefit” of doing so….
So when you hear these politicians, and you know who they are, keep in mind that many of them already receive Medicare and/or Social Security benefits…How embarrassing it must be to talk “smack” about entitlements while currently receiving them. Worse yet, imagine one of these politicians having a family member in need and receiving some benefit perhaps for example, as a result of disability………..
One final note; remember just who created these programs or “benefit” groups; people who believe that Government has a role to provide for the well being of all, ”haves” and “have-nots” alike; rich or poor; the young and elderly; Blind and Disabled, and in as much as Congress is responsible for their creation, “We the People” are entitled to membership in any programs for which we are eligible.
Cents Maker