How do you define entitlement?

The problem with the word entitlement is that it has a couple of
meanings and many inferences.
The dictionary defines an entitlement as something for which
someone has a rightful claim, provided to them by law and contract.
Like Medicare. But it’s also come to imply an unreasonable
expectation of special treatment or privileges.
When you mix up the two uses of the word, which politicians
often do, it creates a lot of confusion.
That is why many who receive Medicare and believe in the
government program, object to it being called an entitlement.
Because while Medicare is an entitlement in the sense of a lawful
claim, it is not an entitlement in the sense of “Who do you think
you are?” special privilege case.
I am entitled to Medicare not because I am a money moocher but
because by mutual agreement, between me and my government, I put in
money through my working years, in order to receive
government-provided health insurance at 65. But that doesn’t make
me a senior slacker expecting a handout from a nanny state.
Just because I want what is owed me does not mean I am asking
for special treatment. Do not confuse me with someone who has a
“sense of entitlement,” in the manner of someone born with a silver
spoon in her mouth.
I’ve been paying for Medicare for the more than 40 years I
received a paycheck. And I’m still paying for it in premiums.
But I don’t expect something for nothing because I’ve had a
bunch of birthdays. Frankly, I could personally survive without a
special senior ticket at the movies. I don’t need to get 10 percent
off at the hardware store on Wednesdays or a discount every
Thursday at the department store. The senior ski passes are a
pretty good savings, however. And it is all very generous of people
who want to give customers in their 60s a break. But it’s not
necessary. If the airport shuttle was losing money on giving me $2
off my ride to San Francisco International I’d be willing to pony
up and pay full price.
However, I do expect to receive what my government promised me.
I’ve had money taken from my paycheck since 1966 and am now old
enough to collect on my investment. That includes Social Security,
too, another entitlement caught in the name game.
And if someone tries to take them away, Medicare or Social
Security, or to suggest I’d be better off to let the banks and
insurance companies do it for me, I feel very entitled to scream
bloody murder. Or at least – liar, liar, pants on fire.
Besides, Medicare is no freebie. I pay around $90 a month to the
government for Medicare in case I need to go to the hospital. And
another $90 to Kaiser so I can go to a doctor and get the pills I
need.
Maybe there are people who don’t feel entitled to Medicare and
don’t need it. Maybe they’d choose to buy the best platinum
insurance coverage they can get. Maybe they could all pool their
unneeded Medicare allowance – even though it is their legal
entitlement – and donate it back to the government. That might help
the old federal budget.
Now, if you want to consider someone with a sense of entitlement
how about the very wealthy? Some of them seem to feel entitled to
team up with their banker and Wall Street pals and send the country
over a cliff and then ask for a bail-out, tax breaks and obscene
bonuses. Talk about an undeserving bunch wanting special
treatment.
Susan Swartz is an author and local journalist. You can also
read her at www.juicytomatoes.com and hear
her Another Voice commentary on KRCB-FM radio on Fridays. Email is
[email protected].