History Lesson for our Leaders

As the semester has progressed, the term "entitlement" has progressively been incorporated into socialist terminology. There has been more mention of entitlement in recent weeks than I would have ever imagined at the beginning of the semester. Surely, our country is searching for reasonable solutions to the fraying economy and unstable future. Perhaps turning to lessons learned from history can inspire our leaders to reach great heights. The following clip is a concise historical perspective of the role of government.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DioQooFIcgE

Can we learn from history or is our unprecedented situation too far removed from any historical lesson?

Tea Parties

On April 15, 2009, tea parties protesting government spending and taxation were held across the United States. The issue of entitlement spending became part of the protests. As part of this historic protest, news reporters took various stands on the tea parties. Bill O'Reilly from Fox News gave the following commentary including his thoughts on entitlement spending.

">Bill O'Reilly Talking Point click on April 15, 2009

Can we blame big government spending on entitlement? Should all entitlement spending be grouped together with corporate bailouts? Will needed entitlement spending be dumped into the sea with bailout spend-a -thon?

Uncle Sam's Plantation

I love the following report, not only because it brings attention to the issue that entitlement mentality is quickly turning into socialist style policies, but also because it shows the courage of the author to publicly share her personal story which led her from an upbringing in an entitlement situation into what she believes is the freedom of capitalism.

Back on Uncle Sam's plantation

Star Parker - Syndicated Columnist

Six years ago I wrote a book called Uncle Sam's Plantation. I wrote the book to tell my own story of what I saw living inside the welfare state and my own transformation out of it.I said in that book that indeed there are two Americas -- a poor America on socialism and a wealthy America on capitalism.I talked about government programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training (JOBS), Emergency Assistance to Needy Families with Children (EANF), Section 8 Housing, and Food Stamps.A vast sea of perhaps well-intentioned government programs, all initially set into motion in the 1960s, that were going to lift the nation's poor out of poverty.A benevolent Uncle Sam welcomed mostly poor black Americans onto the government plantation. Those who accepted the invitation switched mindsets from "How do I take care of myself?" to "What do I have to do to stay on the plantation?"Instead of solving economic problems, government welfare socialism created monstrous moral and spiritual problems -- the kind of problems that are inevitable when individuals turn responsibility for their lives over to others.The legacy of American socialism is our blighted inner cities, dysfunctional inner city schools, and broken black families.Through God's grace, I found my way out. It was then that I understood what freedom meant and how great this country is.I had the privilege of working on welfare reform in 1996, passed by a Republican Congress and signed 50 percent.I thought we were on the road to moving socialism out of our poor black communities and replacing it with wealth-producing American capitalism.But, incredibly, we are going in the opposite direction.Instead of poor America on socialism becoming more like rich American on capitalism, rich America on capitalism is becoming like poor America on socialism.Uncle Sam has welcomed our banks onto the plantation and they have said, "Thank you, Suh."Now, instead of thinking about what creative things need to be done to serve customers, they are thinking about what they have to tell Massah in order to get their cash.There is some kind of irony that this is all happening under our first black president on the 200th anniversary of the birthday of Abraham Lincoln.Worse, socialism seems to be the element of our new young president. And maybe even more troubling, our corporate executives seem happy to move onto the plantation.In an op-ed on the opinion page of the Washington Post, Mr. Obama is clear that the goal of his trillion dollar spending plan is much more than short term economic stimulus."This plan is more than a prescription for short-term spending -- it's a strategy for America 's long-term growth and opportunity in areas such as renewable energy, healthcare, and education."Perhaps more incredibly, Obama seems to think that government taking over an economy is a new idea. Or that massive growth in government can take place "with unprecedented transparency and accountability."Yes, sir, we heard it from Jimmy Carter when he created the Department of Energy, the Synfuels Corporation, and the Department of Education.Or how about the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 -- The War on Poverty -- which President Johnson said "...does not merely expand old programs or improve what is already being done. It charts a new course. It strikes at the causes, not just the consequences of poverty."Trillions of dollars later, black poverty is the same. But black families are not, with triple the incidence of single-parent homes and out-of-wedlock births.It's not complicated. Americans can accept Barack Obama's invitation to move onto the plantation. Or they can choose personal responsibility and freedom.Does anyone really need to think about what the choice should be?"The trouble with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money."

Could Entitlement Lead to Socialism?

With the ever-changing political atmosphere our country currently is experiencing, could the entitlement mentality lead us closer to socialism? If the majority, most convincing, or loudest group of individuals promote entitlement through social policy or a wide-spread way of thinking, our government could and seems to be incorporating socialist policies. This simple analogy shows a perspective of the ramifications of a socialism:

A Simple Analogy


An economics professor at Texas Tech said he had never failed a single student before but had, once, failed an entire class. That class had insisted that socialism worked and that no one would be poor and no one would be rich, a great equalizer. The professor then said ok, we will have an experiment in this class on socialism.

All grades would be averaged and everyone would receive the same grade so no one would fail and no one would receive an A. After the first test the grades were averaged and everyone got a B. The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy.

But, as the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too; so they studied little.. The second test average was a D! No one was happy. When the 3rd test rolled around the average was an F.
The scores never increased as bickering, blame, name calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else. All failed, to their great surprise, and the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately fail because when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great; but when government takes all the reward away; no one will try or want to succeed.

Could not be any simpler than that....

Do you agree? If we feel entitled, are we actually giving away our power to others leading us to socialism? Or, is it better for those in charge to create an equal atmosphere where individuals all experience life the same...the same economic status, the same education, the same health, the same lifestyle?

Back By Popular Demand

Back by popular demand is another satirical approach to the increasingly common sentiment that entitlement to what we think we deserve versus what we can afford is corrupting this nation.

http://consumerist.com/consumer/clips/snl-skit-dont-buy-stuff-you-cant-afford-252491.php

Is the entitlement mentality really just a product of tunnel vision? Have we come to a place where members of our society are incapable of seeing beyond their immediate wants? How do we teach a "work before buy" mentality?

Perhaps comedic clips such as this one will speak to the hearts of some who truly have never understood an "earn it" mentality. While I still believe some entitlement policy is necessary for various populations, clearly there are many in this country that could use some enlightenment on entitlement.

"In the know" on entitlement

With our country's crazy economic times, one fascinating and perhaps positive response from the public is surfacing. Individuals are finding themselves "in the know" or increasingly aware of government's management of their tax dollars. With this heightened awareness of government spending, entitlement policies are thoroughly scrutinized with opinions and suggestions cropping up like green grass after spring's first rainfall. Stuart M. Butler Ph.D, of Heritage Foundation makes several suggestions for the future of entitlement policies emphasizing the need to remember our future generations:

"In this vision of the future, therefore, social insurance programs would no longer be entitle ments without limits. Nor would they have an auto matic preemption of resources over the needs of other features of our social contract, such as educa tion and housing. And no longer would the finan cial interests of today's active and retired generations automatically take precedence over the financial interests of our grandchildren."

With so many people "in the know" regarding suggestions for policy making and in this case entitlement policy, can our leaders actually adopt some of these suggestions? Or, are they too enmeshed in the system of "i'll scratch your back if you loan me a billion dollars?"

Comedic Response to Entitlement

One way to approach the entitlement mentality is through comedy. This clip on youtube does just that....reduces our ever-changing perspectives to absurb levels. I've mentioned before that media outlets are a great way to produce change in public opinion and consequent public policies. Differing approaches that promote ideas can be a good thing. This time, it's a comedian on the soap box....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoGYx35ypus

Do you think comedy is capable of producing change?

Extra Entitlement "Read All About It"

Headlines everywhere are smitten with phrases like, "Obama's Entitlement Plans"..... Entitlement issues are intertwined with the failing economy and the bailout bonanza we are currently seeing permeate our news. Debated money woes are the news of this generation. It may be interesting for some of you to know that predictions of our current situation cried a warning of disaster, pointing the finger to an entitlement policy-led government. While most would agree our current situation is more complicated than just an entitlement issue, we can benefit from seeing several sides to the entitlement predicament. One year ago this month, Jonathan Hoenig wrote an article for the Wall Street Journal titled, "Entitlement Mentality is Wrecking Economy." He stresses it is a "bad philosophy" to believe "that the government is responsible for our lives" ending his article by stating:

"It's more than evident that a government "safety net" is anything but safe. Instead of the altruist philosophy that only the needy matter, our country desperately needs to return to the notion of rugged individualism under which we are each responsible for and capable of achieving our own security without the immoral coercion of publicity-seeking politicians. Any alternative leads to dependency, stagnation and economic despair."

Currently, most corporations and citizens are responding to the economic crisis with a reliance on governmental assistance. Clearly the entitlement mentality is alive and kicking. Where do you think people should turn during this time of need?

What can we do?

If we have concerns about an entitlement mentality, what can we do to alleviate the problem? Does it really help those who truly feel they are entitled to something simply to say they are wrong? Beverly Smallwood, a psychologist, gives some basic advice for entitlement adherees:

THE WORLD DOESN'T OWE YOU; YOU OWE THE WORLD"The world owes me" is a false premise. We have so many life-giving, life-enhancing resources and opportunities at our disposal. These are gifts. They deserve our gratitude, not our indifference. What better way to show our gratitude than to give back? I believe that we are each called and personally equipped to make a difference in this world.
Rather than complaining, let's live the words of Mohandas Gandhi: "We must be the change we wish to see in the world."

When looking into the purvasive problem of an entitlement mentality amongst our youth, I came across this interesting video clip that apparently won 2nd place in a contest titled "u @ 50". It's short and worth a look: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42E2fAWM6rA

It is helpful to see hope emmanating from our younger generations. I am an advocate of exposing inspiring stories to our youth and minimizing the broadcast of bad examples. Any ideas of ways to reach beyond entitlement to empowerment?

Entitlement Backlash

Entitlement policies were established to help various needy populations in this country such as: physically and mentally disabled, impoverished families, veterans, and immigrants. Most would agree our country needs policies intact to contribute to the well-being of those in need. However, a wave of dissolutionment regarding entitlement policies is swelling throughout our nation. In various ways, people are expressing hositility towards recipients taking advantage of entitlement policies. One worker shares his story:


Urine Test

I work, they pay me. I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit. In order to earn that pay check, I work on a rig site for a Fort Mac construction project. I am required to pass a random urine test, with which I have no problem. What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who don't have to pass a urine test. Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare check because I have to pass one to earn it for them?
Please understand that I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet. I do on the other hand have a problem with helping someone sit on their ___ drinking beer and smoking dope while I work..Could you imagine how much money the states would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance cheque?

Where is the balance for entitlement policies? If we agree we need to have such policies, how can these policies remain free from a hostile public? Perhaps more effort needs to be put in public awareness of entitlement expenditures and pride in our country's value of helping others. On the other hand, perhaps we need tighter limits for those who are capable of working. Any suggestions?

Legislating Entitlement?

"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it." Dr. Adrian Rogers, 1931-2005

Do we as a society perpetuate the entitlement mentality through legislation?

What is Entitlement?

According to Wikipedia, "Entitlement is a guarantee of access to benefits because of rights, or by agreement through law. It also refers, in a more casual sense to someone's belief that one is deserving of some particular reward or benefit.[1] It is often used as a pejorative term in popular parlance (i.e. a 'sense of entitlement').

As our nation's uncertain economic situation unravels, entitlement discussions are becoming commonplace when considering the future direction of social and economic policies. Entitlement concerns have existed for years with expressions such as "the entitlement generation" being assigned to the 20th century's young workforce. Policies affecting families may feel the backlash of this entitlement controversy. Who is entitled to government aid? Why do some feel entitled to assistance? How are families affected by an entitlement mentality?

The following article is a great place for families to explore some negative effects of an entitlement mentality within their families and possible solutions to the problem.

How to keep the 'entitlement epidemic' from infecting your family
Jonathan Burton
Dec 21, 2007
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SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- At a time when the coolest electronic gadgets are branded with a self-centered "i," it's no wonder that so many kids and adults believe they're entitled to the best, latest, hippest, greatest -- and to have it first.
Fortunately for material girls and boys, discouraging words like "no" are seldom heard in families nowadays. So it shouldn't be surprising when "iWhine" procures an iPhone or "iWant" produces an iPod.
Nathan Dungan, a financial adviser in Minneapolis, thinks he has an antidote to this so-called "entitlement epidemic" that he and like-minded financial experts, sociologists and psychologists see sweeping America.
Dungan is promoting a program he launched several years ago called "Share Save Spend," an initiative aimed at changing how families think about money whether they're wealthy or not. The goal: for parents and children to open up about what money means to them and to teach ways to use money without abusing it.
"Our habits and values can get out of alignment," Dungan says. "We need to step back and make sure we don't get defined by the hyperconsumer culture, and that the choices we're making with our money are also about our values."
Wanting it all now, materialism, and the popular notion that happiness can be bought, keeps people of all backgrounds and income levels from thinking realistically about money -- and themselves. Dungan is encouraging them to reconnect.
"Spending is important, but what about sharing and saving?" Dungan asks. "If that's important, do you want to make sure that's embedded into your decisions?"
Dungan, 42, speaks quickly and earnestly, squeezing a stream of thoughts and opinions into conversation. His missionary zeal becomes clear when you learn that he's the youngest of four children of a financial-services executive mother and a Lutheran pastor father who counseled people with chemical dependency.
"With the blessing of the money comes the curse of the money," Dungan says, "and the lack of planning can have some really harmful effects."
The harshest medicine to combat entitlement, of course, is a disciplined "no." But it's tough to deny others when we also overspend and live beyond our means. Refusing to buy junior a video game to teach a life lesson about money rings flat if you bring home a new set of golf clubs.
Indeed, perhaps the most lasting way to eradicate entitlement is showing gratitude. Appreciating what you have opens the door to more saving and sharing. In truth, this isn't such a simple task, so to counter your family's entitlement epidemic, or to keep the bug at bay, Dungan offers these tips:
1. Be smart shoppers
Stores are great classrooms for teaching about money.
Before you fill the cart, talk about how you got here in the first place, Dungan says. Relate an early memory about earning money. If you patronize businesses that are charitable or support community activities, point that out to your kids. In the check-out line, check out your purchases and make sure they reflect your values.
What if the mall is a family battleground? Suppose you're facing full-court pestering to buy more stuff. Saying "yes" to kids -- provided they use their own money -- can be extremely effective.
Shift responsibility and accountability, Dungan says, and "the level of importance of that purchase drops exponentially."
2. Money doesn't make you
Society tells us how to dress, what to drive, where to go, who's important and who isn't. The password? Money.
Being a conscientious consumer is fine to a point. It's when money consumes you that petty behavior and anxiety surfaces. Dungan cites the research of Timothy Kasser, a psychology professor at Knox College in Galesburg, Ill., which shows that when people focus less on materialism and more on frugality and generosity, they're happier and healthier.
Tell kids that what they have doesn't define who they are, Dungan says. "It's beyond saying 'No,'" he adds. "It's really about boundaries."
Establish those boundaries by talking with your children, in as neutral a way as possible, about pressure to measure up to peers and feelings of inadequacy if they don't. Ask why they want something so badly. Does it fill a void elsewhere? Be honest about your own flashes of envy and wishes for more.
Promote delayed gratification; it might make your kids happier. In a famous Stanford University experiment, preschool children were told they could have one marshmallow immediately or two if they waited. Patient kids developed greater self-esteem as adults.
3. 'Share Save Spend'
Practically, Dungan's "Share Save Spend" program divides household income between charity, investing and buying. For instance, many families, Dungan says, earmark 25% to sharing, 25% to savings, and 50% to spending.
On another level, "Share Save Spend" deals with much more than money.
"Share" isn't just about charity and community service; it's sharing within your family and placing the highest value on communication and honesty. "Save" teaches long-range thinking and drawing a road map to reach your goals. With those two supports firmly in place, "Spend" becomes more about people, places and experiences, and less about trophies.
"It's not about perfection, it's about periodic rebalancing," Dungan says. "We talk about rebalancing portfolios. I also talk about rebalancing financial habits and values."