We Really Are In An Age Of Entitlement

by Stephen
(United States)

(Editor's note: We recently received this note from Stephen. We appreciate his message. It is also timely as two of our editors have been working on a new page and Stephen's insight serves as a nice lead-in to that page. We are grateful for that. Look for it in a day or so.)

I've been thinking about this idea of the age of entitlement. I think I disagree with your assessment that we are not in any bigger hole now than in past years. It seems like there is a deeper divide between those who are willing to work hard and those who would rather get by on someone else paying their way.

The simple word, "entitlement" has been twisted around for sure. If I was over 60 years old, I would be concerned with not getting my share of money paid into the trust fund through Social Security withholding.

Maybe I should be thinking more about it right now? But it would be political suicide to tinker too much with that fund, as well as totally corrupt. The political fallout would have more effect on most legislators than any concern about corruption.

The new meaning of entitlement in my opinion is something owed to someone even if they didn't do a thing to deserve it. That might seem mean-spirited and it doesn't include taking care of people who are actually in need and can't help themselves.

A bigger issue in my mind is this new meaning of the word has been something younger people have grown up with and could be the accepted belief. They've heard it all their lives and seen it over and over. It's like they are missing an important part of being an adult in an adult world. It isn't their fault because they haven't been taught anything better.

This might be a broad statement and isn't meant to discount the young adults who do understand the way adults should know better. There seems to be an education gap in some important areas. That gap makes it easy to hear the pitch from candidates to let the government take care of them and make all decisions for them.

I'm sure you are correct that this problem has been around for years, but I believe it has gotten to a new low where this period is an age of entitlement that we have not been part of before.

Just my thoughts. Thanks for providing this spot to respond.

Something to Think About

"People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily."

Zig Ziglar