When someone takes up two parking spaces with their car they have to be thinking this is something they are entitled to. I mean what else would be the reason?
But when 'entitlement' is used to describe Social Security Benefits I get a little bristly. I think that word has a posture to it where you can almost see in looking down at you over its nose.
Most people work all of their lives, some a portion of their lives and each paycheck they receive has an amount withheld by the employer that is sent on to the government along with the employer's share. These monies are suppose to be held in trust by the government until such time as they are paid out. The government actually ends up "borrowing' from this trust and spends the money on other things. Hmm...
The percentage that is withheld has varied over the years, but in 2010 for social security 6.2% was withheld on the first $106,800 of earnings, with an additional 1.45% for medicare with no salary cap. The employer is required to pay an equal amount, making a total of 15.3% for 2010.
If the government takes a percentage of the money you earn and 'holds" it for you until you retire - of course you are entitled to it - it's your money to begin with. But somewhere along the way the Republicans have manage to turn that word 'entitlement' into a dirty word. Once again the elitist party of the 'job creators' looks down its nose at you - the worker.
You nailed this. Every time I find myself almost repeating that phrase it sticks in my craw and I find better words.
ReplyDeleteIt's like "special rights" or even "special interests," such a sneering put down.