Why do some Americans believe that they are entitled to stuff? At first glance you might be thinking “Yeah! Why do poor people always think they are entitled to stuff?” Although there are some middle class, low-income, and poor citizens that embrace the philosophy of “something for nothing;” some of America’s wealthiest have also purchased a ticket to this rhetoric. We are not entitled to anything other than--in the words of Anthony “Tony” Soprano“ informing his wife, “You’re entitled to sh*t.”
1. Why does the GOP feel the wealthiest of Americans are entitled to a tax cut?
2. Why do some Americans believe that if they make $8,000,000 or more they should not have to pay any taxes?
3. Why does the GOP feel they are entitled to repeal the 14th, 16th, and 17th amendments to the U.S. Constitution?
4. Why does the GOP feel that the 9/11 first responder's bill is yet another “entitlement” bill aimed at helping lazy Americans?
5. Why does the GOP believe the only entitlements Americans need is to serve the banks?
6. Why does the GOP believe they are entitled to send American jobs oversees?
We have elected officials that believe that they are entitled to go on vacation without first addressing the issues that affect millions of citizens and even though many Americans are starving for the basic necessities—well, then they are entitled to their suffering.
As America’s public school system continues to fade further into oblivion, school administrators believe they are entitled to request and receive unlimited amounts of funding to fix the infinite amount of decaying infrastructure the schools face--despite the fact that they are already receiving huge amounts of tax dollars with minuscule academic and social results for the students. At the higher education level, some students believe they are entitled to receive a passing grade in their courses just for showing up to class. Huh?
Why do some middle class, working poor and poor Americans believe that the American government should take care of them instead of demanding that the government provide them with effective academic and economical resources in order to achieve economic prosperity for their families and the nation? America has now become the "entitlement country" of the world. When did the origin of this behavior arise? There is still the “can do spirit” in America and when given the opportunity, the citizenry has produced marvelously while others continue to wallow in self-pity and choose not to partake in the opportunities that are available to them.
The “entitlement toxin” is infecting the fabric of the nation, and only the injection of the antidote of self-motivation, self-worth, and the entrepreneur spirit can cure the Republic of this infection.
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Progressive
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
“I Don’t Think He’s Going to Do It.” Part II
I am a fan of President Lyndon Johnson partly because he was a masterful politician and for his vision of attempting to create a great society within the nation.
During the early stage of their Presidencies, LBJ and Obama immediately pursued massive social programs to aid 98% of Americans, but the GOP calls it massively expensive programs of “wealth redistribution” and “domestic entitlements.” For LBJ it was the “Great Society” programs, and for Obama the economic stimulus package and healthcare. It is true some of Johnson's programs did not live up to expectations, but the “Great Society” could have accomplished so much more. Unfortunately, many programs went underfunded. As for Mr. Obama, I believe his legislation, too, will meet the similar fate as LBJ’s.
Johnson’s "Great Society” policies provided tax cuts to the citizenry, which was his declaration of an unconditional war on poverty creating programs and training for the poor while it established various community action programs to provide the poor with a voice in housing, health, and education programs. In addition, through what I believe to be some of the greatest pieces of legislation: Medicare for the elderly, and Medicaid, health-care assistance for the poor came at a time when poor and the elderly were treated like second class citizens, or not citizens at all. Fast forward to 2010 and there is an unconditional war dedicated to eliminating these programs
In addition, LBJ would not seek reelection possibly because he was faced with the possible escalation in an effort to win the war in Vietnam with an enemy who seemed determined to fight and win no matter what the cost of life was. In 2010, it also appears equally important why I believe with the possibility of escalation of America’s military presence in Afghanistan, President Obama will not seek reelection in 2012. Mr. Obama must deal with the realities that like Johnson; he too is combating an enemy that is willing to sacrifice millions of lives to win this war.
President Obama’s recent compromise with the GOP for additional unemployment benefits for America has come with a hefty price tag. The wealthy will be granted a 2 year tax cut extension while millions of other Americans, i.e. the “99ers,” will be left out of those future unemployment benefits. President Obama has been vehemently criticized for the deal from political enemies, but some of his political allies are ready to burn him in effigy.
Conversely, LBJ grew tired of the never ending and growing death toll of American soldiers in Vietnam, the political back-stabbing, and the lack of intestinal fortitude from elected officials to do what was right for all Americans--and he was a political giant in Washington politics. In the end, the “Big Texan” had had enough and left, quite possibly, on his own terms. Fast forward to 2010, and President Obama is faced with many of the same issues. As many Americans look forward to the 2012 Presidential election, some are thinking will it be Palin, Romney, Pawlenty, Huckabee or Gingrich who will face President Obama. However, some us are thinking--will he even seek reelection?
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Progressive
During the early stage of their Presidencies, LBJ and Obama immediately pursued massive social programs to aid 98% of Americans, but the GOP calls it massively expensive programs of “wealth redistribution” and “domestic entitlements.” For LBJ it was the “Great Society” programs, and for Obama the economic stimulus package and healthcare. It is true some of Johnson's programs did not live up to expectations, but the “Great Society” could have accomplished so much more. Unfortunately, many programs went underfunded. As for Mr. Obama, I believe his legislation, too, will meet the similar fate as LBJ’s.
Johnson’s "Great Society” policies provided tax cuts to the citizenry, which was his declaration of an unconditional war on poverty creating programs and training for the poor while it established various community action programs to provide the poor with a voice in housing, health, and education programs. In addition, through what I believe to be some of the greatest pieces of legislation: Medicare for the elderly, and Medicaid, health-care assistance for the poor came at a time when poor and the elderly were treated like second class citizens, or not citizens at all. Fast forward to 2010 and there is an unconditional war dedicated to eliminating these programs
In addition, LBJ would not seek reelection possibly because he was faced with the possible escalation in an effort to win the war in Vietnam with an enemy who seemed determined to fight and win no matter what the cost of life was. In 2010, it also appears equally important why I believe with the possibility of escalation of America’s military presence in Afghanistan, President Obama will not seek reelection in 2012. Mr. Obama must deal with the realities that like Johnson; he too is combating an enemy that is willing to sacrifice millions of lives to win this war.
President Obama’s recent compromise with the GOP for additional unemployment benefits for America has come with a hefty price tag. The wealthy will be granted a 2 year tax cut extension while millions of other Americans, i.e. the “99ers,” will be left out of those future unemployment benefits. President Obama has been vehemently criticized for the deal from political enemies, but some of his political allies are ready to burn him in effigy.
Conversely, LBJ grew tired of the never ending and growing death toll of American soldiers in Vietnam, the political back-stabbing, and the lack of intestinal fortitude from elected officials to do what was right for all Americans--and he was a political giant in Washington politics. In the end, the “Big Texan” had had enough and left, quite possibly, on his own terms. Fast forward to 2010, and President Obama is faced with many of the same issues. As many Americans look forward to the 2012 Presidential election, some are thinking will it be Palin, Romney, Pawlenty, Huckabee or Gingrich who will face President Obama. However, some us are thinking--will he even seek reelection?
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Progressive
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