Entitlements are earned and bought

Re: “Entitlement reform — Biden vs. Trump: Social Security and Medicare are on the ballot,” March 16 commentary

Why is Social Security seen as an entitlement program?

It is termed that, but people misconstrue entitlement as a handout — not a reward for action.

You are eligible for Social Security in retirement if you have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a minimum of 10 years.

I have paid Social Security taxes for 49 years. Yes, I receive Social Security — but what would it be worth today if I had invested that money?

I’m glad I paid the taxes, and I’m grateful to be rewarded as I age. I do not consider this “entitlement program” a handout. I and many others earned the income.

I wonder if Donald Trump is “entitled” to Social Security.

The point here is this debate can easily degrade the work that seniors have done — and the reward for having worked hard all those years.

It coincides with the current negative reference to age — as being a disability and not a product of many years of insight and experience. Instead, we can view the sincere effort of selected seniors to share this extensive insight and experience appropriately in the position that one earns.

Maybe the years of experience plus other characteristics of rationality, empathy and determination allow our leaders to act in the best interests of the position they are elected to and provide the appropriate service to constituents. This is the opposite of being focused on self-grandeur and random comments and actions to get publicity and “votes.”

— Melinda Widener, Morrison

One definition of entitlement is “deserving of special treatment or privileges.” I worked from the age of 16 to 63.

Every single one of my paychecks had deductions for Social Security and Medicare benefits. Will someone please explain to me why they are considered entitlements?

— Ellen Haverl, Denver