Entitlement Changes

I’m not referring to Social Security or Medicare. Both of these programs are trust funded for generations and we all pay into them consistently. We pay ‘premiums’ for future service, and take the benefits we earned accordingly. The trust fund is under the management of a board of directors consisting of 535 elected congressmen and senators. They are not all on the same page, nor do they make business decisions regarding the trust fund based on business logic; no they do so with political logic. Ahhh! Now there’s the rub!

I’m thinking of different entitlements: those that people believe they have a right to because of ideology, religious beliefs, or wealth protection and defense. They seem to think entitled to make others believe as they do, or at least live according to their tenets. Else they have been discriminated against. Not!

Here are some quotes to illustrate my thinking:

“No, Republicans – Harry Reid didn't suddenly turn into a bully. He and the Senate Democrats finally got sick and tired of being bullied for no reason other than vindictiveness.” ~Author Unknown

“Millions of Americans now have new healthcare, healthcare costs rising at the lowest rate in 50 years; DOW Industrial Average doubles since 2008; closes over 16,000; Deficits cut in half since 2008; unemployment rate below 2008 levels. This is the Obama Economy.”       ~Anonymous

“There’s something wrong with them…

-Passed health care reform

-Passed the stimulus plan

-Passed Wall Street reform

-Ended the Iraq War

-Drawdown on the Afghanistan War

-Eliminated Osama Bin Laden

-Toppled Moammar Gaddafi

-Saved the US auto industry

-Saved the US banking industry

-Saved the US economy from a depression

-Improved America’s image abroad

-Boosted fuel efficiency standards

-Dramatically cut oil imports

-Invested heavily in renewable energy technology

-Increased support for veterans

-Passed credit card reform

-Improved food safety system

-Improved school nutrition

-Expanded hate crimes protections

-Advanced women’s rights

-Got an agreement with Iran on nuclear weapons

-Got an agreement with Syria on Chemical weapons

-Avoided going to war

-Cut the deficit

And his presidency isn't over…but the republicans say it’s a ‘failed presidency”…
Aren't you tired of the republicans yet?”

                                                ~Anonymous

            “Let’s get real

             When President Obama took office in 2009 amidst economic freefall, Republicans resolved to obstruct everything in Washington and prevent any effort to fix the economy, hoping to turn all of that anxiety into victory against the Democrats in 2010 and President Obama in 2012.

Even today they continue to impede our nation’s economic recovery, hoping that Americans will blame President Obama in 2014 and 2016.

            Don’t let them get away with it. Vote them out in 2014!

                                                            ~www.occupydemocrats.com

“When Obama first took office and the DOW Jones was under 8000 points and gas hit $4 per gallon, that was all his fault and he should’ve been impeached.

But now that the DOW has hit 16,000 for the first time in history, literally doubled under his presidency, and gas prices have plummeted to $3.20 a gallon, when are republicans going to credit him with saving our economy?

            Don’t hold your breath.                     ~www.occupydemocrats.com

The entitlement I’m nailing is that of ideology, political gamesmanship, religious tomfoolery, that sort of thinking. Just because someone can create chaos is not a reason to actually do so.

No. The politicians in Washington DC should be working toward similar goals that benefit the nation and all of its citizens. They need to do this because it is their responsibility to do so. It is their constitutional obligation to do so. To impede in any way progress common to the nation and its well-being borders on treasonous behavior. Political party ought not to have this much sway in the commonwealth of our people!

            “Hey Republicans!

When the Obamacare website allows the worst terrorist attack in American history, starts two misguided, mismanaged, and unfunded wars, presides over an economic collapse, and shuts down the government, then it might approach your standards for ‘train wreck.’ Until then, why not try helping the American people instead of obstructing every effort to make things better?”

                                    ~RealAmericanLiberal.blogspot.com

Andy Borowitz provides us with some perspective with this simple thought:

“We may not like waiting online for health insurance, but we’ll risk death for a flat screen.”

We need to label things as they are. Abortion foes need to understand that they can and should live their lives as they believe; just don’t force others to live by your beliefs. Taking care of people less fortunate is not just a religious value; it is also a logical means of protecting people and society to survive for another time. It preserves our well spring of ideas, labor, and creativity!

The pendulum of public policy is constantly in motion. It is a natural phenomenon. Just don’t let it swing too far or do too much damage before we bring it back in another direction!

After all, I’m entitled to my ideas whether you agree with them or not! And I am entitled to a secure healthy present. Aren't you?

December 6, 2013