Two - Entitlement

I have been doing a little bit of research. I was inspired to do so because I am a little concerned about the fact that there seems to be a large number of Americans that believe they are owed something, other than 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness'.

It seems if things don't go well or if someone is having a hard time the first response is to blame the government. Not a political party or a specific politician, just the government in general. For instance, if an individual is out of work, or in many cases, simply doesn't like what they do, they find a way to, as my grandfather used to say, "Go on the dole." Whether it be unemployment, some type of disability, or Welfare, there seems to be a large percentage of people who are acutely aware of these means.

This is not to say that there is never a reason to take advantage of these things, because I know that there are, but should it become a lifestyle rather than a temporary fix until one is back on one's feet?

The research I eluded to earlier was into the word 'entitlement'. It is not the same as the word 'entitled'. Entitled is a 14th century late Latin word that means to give a title, like sir or lord. It has more modern meanings like the bearer of this ticket is entitled entrance to the movie. As in I bought something and expect something in return.

The word entitlement means something else, and has only been used since 1942. It seems that was when Mr. Roosevelt was in office and began to create all the wonderful government programs that were supposed to get America back on her feet. Well, either she never recovered, or people became dependant on the government for their well being.

I would say the country did recover, not that there have not been ups and downs, but we left the Great Depression before I was born.

I am almost fifty years old and I first entered the work force in 1974. I became dependant on having a job in 1978 and have been gainfully employed ever since. Not to say I have had the same job, but I have had a job and when I was without work, I found another job.

I will do anything to see that the needs of my family are met, and do not look at certain jobs as beneath me and refuse to take them.

I think that entitlement needs to become extinct. We are only entitled to what we earn, or are able to purchase. We should not feel entitled to our government as that will, and has, create economic insecurity.

I hear teens say they will not take a job at a fast food restaurant because they want something better. When I worked at a fast food restaurant my mom wanted to take pictures of me in my uniform. Having my car smell like a french fry was a rite of passage. And I was able to put gas in it and buy Aerosmith's latest album.

I know this can be fixed and we can become the country we once were, but are we really entitled to it based on the condition we have allowed it to become?