Stop the Bullshit: Social Security is not an Entitlement

Republicans are wrong about nearly everything in the 21^st century. The biggest pile of bullshit they try to feed the American people is the lie about Social Security and Medicare: they are not entitlements. There are several definitions of the term, none of which apply to the programs Social Security and Medicare.

[The right to receive a benefit or privilege, often granted by law or contract. For example, you have a legal entitlement to speak to a lawyer if you are arrested.]

[The feeling that you deserve to receive something, without having to work for it or earn it. For example, "celebrities who have an arrogant sense of entitlement"]

[A program that provides benefits to a specific group of people. For example, medical aid for the elderly and poor.]

Fact: Social Security was originally entirely funded by the employer and employee through payroll deductions. Medicare was similar, although the percentage of deductions were smaller, and there was no way to anticipate the ridiculously high cost of healthcare in America today. Ours is the worst and most expensive healthcare system in the world.

Fact: ambitious politicians added programs to Social Security which literally embezzled money from what was a perfect retirement fund for all.

Fact: I cannot find a single case where a Social Security recipient received the total sum contributed by an employee and his or her employer before he or she expired. So, where did all the excess money go?

Most Americans are aware that the amount a new Social Security recipient receives is decided by the years worked in jobs where Social Security deductions are included, and the average of wages earned. For example; my brother is two-and-one-half years younger than me. I worked more years than him. He receives the maximum amount, I do not. The reason is simple: he was constantly employed in positions where Social Security was deducted. I was self-employed for a number of years.

Passed in 1935, and signed by “the People’s President,” Franklin Roosevelt, Social Security may be the only great law ever passed by the legislative branch. So, why do Republicans continue attempts to end the program?

The truth: Our nation is around 40 trillion dollars in debt. The primary reason is undeniable: the wealthy and large corporations do not pay their fair share of taxes. If Social Security and Medicare did not exist, Republicans would continue their policy of insuring that the outrageous profits of our country’s biggest industries would continue to receive huge tax breaks. Right-wing politicians are owned by plutocrats.

Removing Social Security and Medicare would fall in line with the right-wing’s plan to end democracy and establish a fascist regime. The current plutocracy cannot exist for long in a free and democratic society.

Op-ed by James Turnage

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