[SkyPilot]

First, the definition of "entitlement program" appears to be widely misunderstood; second, many also don't understand the math behind Social Security and Medicare. On the first point: While "entitlement program" has become a pejorative phrase in some circles, with the insinuation that people are getting something they didn't earn, it's really just a term for any government program guaranteeing certain benefits to a segment of the population. In short, it has nothing to do with whether recipients are deserving, nor it is linked to a cost-benefit analysis on taxes paid versus benefits received. That bring us to the second point: Social Security and Medicare are not just entitlement programs, they also are very much an example of redistribution. Sure, American workers pay a specific tax to fund the Social Security and Medicare systems, and Social Security benefits are correlated to work history and earnings. But especially when Medicare is taken into account, most senior citizens end up receiving more in Social Security and Medicare benefits than they paid into the system during their working years.

I absolutely empathize with the difference of morality on this issue. To wit - there is a vast moral distinction between Social Security benefits earned by those who paid payroll taxes during their working years vs. those Social Security Disability, direct welfare payments, EBT Food Stamps, Section 8 Housing, Aid to Families With Dependent Children, etc.

However, that does not negate the fact that Social Security is still an entitlement by both definition and by law.

[lentulusgracchus]

To wit - there is a vast moral distinction .....[h]owever, that does not negate the fact that Social Security is still an entitlement by both definition and by law.

Franklin Roosevelt lied reflexively (so Gen. MacArthur told us) to the American People to talk them into things that were against their interest, and of benefit primarily to FDR and the Democratic Party. One of the biggest was about the nature of Social Security and its real purpose.

It is a Ponzi scheme created to elect Democrats.

FDR chose a moment when his People were in an agony of want and doubt, to knife them with a poisoned blade. His monument should be a 50-foot-high dagger.