About ‘entitlement’

The Republican candidates for president and other offices devote some of their platforms to the reform of “entitlement programs.” I pay special attention to “the need to reform” Social Security and Medicare, the two programs I current qualify for. A slightly hidden message is that I should be ashamed for feeling “entitled” to support from my government, being a kind of “freeloader.”

Upon reflection I’ve discovered I do feel entitled, in many ways. For example, I have planned for my retirement with a savings account in the bank. And though the bank has changed names a couple of times, I feel entitled to take money out any time I want. Similarly, during my working years, I allowed my employers to put a portion of my pay into an IRA and other retirement funds—and I now feel entitled to get money back per our written agreement.

I received a Social Security card as a teenager in 1951, when I took a job as a bowling alley pin boy, and I have been putting money in ever since. Medicare was instituted in 1965, and I began contributing into the promise that the program would help with any medical expenses during my “golden years.”

I have finally qualified for Social Security and Medicare and am receiving benefits from those programs, as promised. By the way, I am still paying into those programs, just as I did before receiving any benefits.

Any politician who questions these “entitlements” is a welcher and has no place in “public service.” If my banker refused to give back my money, they might end up in jail. Perhaps they could room with the political welchers.

Finally, some people less fortunate than myself are probably getting more out of the government programs than they put in. I have no problem with that, having been moved by the Sermon on the Mount early in life. Caring about one another seemed like a good idea then and it still does.

EARL BABBIE

Hot Springs Village