Entitlement programs are usually painted in the minds of our society as mandated programs benefiting welfare people. In the past, these people have been the scapegoat of political parties for the economic woes and the disintegrating values of our society. While many were focused on their neighbors economic status, or lack of, regaling others with stories of people getting rich on the dole, the real thieves went unknown despite flagrant and, at times, ostentatious violations. With few moral qualms, in fact, with a real sense of pride and entitlement they have bankrupted Medicare and with insurance companies impeded any national health care, Social Security, and impacted other social benefits with undetermined future results.
The senior citizen with an annual income of $100,000 who boasts at noon that he has to go over to the senior high rise, for his $1 lunch, knowing full well that the cost of the meal to the government is between $3-$5, and is offset by a freewill giving by the participants. The refusal of the seniors when Medicare was proposed to help underwrite medical services for the poor, including the elderly poor, unless it also was provided to all seniors irrespective of their income. The result is that we ended up with a program that allows millionaire seniors who can afford private insurance, to first have medical bills submitted to Medicare and then the insurance company. What a great deal for insurance carriers, and what a poor deal for the American Taxpayer! Or how about the senior that goes to a nonprofit, thrift store with fingers laden with several karats of diamonds, and asks if they have a senior discount? And I ask you, do the millionaire seniors need to double dip into Social Security along with their pensions, investments, annuities? Well, perhaps now given our present economic environment. The effects of self-serving legislation has meant the bankrupting of social programs meant to provide a safety net for the least among us and have eroded our ability to initiate programs to provide for the public welfare at the same time impeding other efforts that have long range consequences for our national security.
But As For Me…
Make no mistake about where these concerns are coming from. I am not a youthful member of this society who will face the problems of paying for these programs in the future. I, too, am standing on the threshold of being a member of the senior class. However, we must all look to the precepts of why this nation was founded, and our role as part of that legacy. The only entitlement that is given legitimately to all of us by the Constitution is an equal footing to succeed in this country with success being individually defined. We must not squander any resources by believing that by reaching a chronological age, we are entitled to “more.” Age should be venerated for its’ sagacious decisions and support to do the right thing and in these times, making the equitable sacrifice. Respect must be earned–it is not an entitlement!
