Republicans have framed “entitlements” as something evil

[Cyrano]

Let’s stop using the word.

An entitlement is something that is earned through previous payments (such as Social Security or Medicare), or a benefit (such as food stamps) that is granted to needy people by law.

However, Republicans have framed the term “entitlement” as something for "freeloaders and takers." They sneer out the word “entitlements” like it’s something they stepped in and are wiping off their shoes. Their attitude is “screw those who have paid for benefits and are collecting them, and screw those who are receiving aid so they can eat.”

How come we never hear them bitch about their own “entitlements?” Many of the uber rich and powerful feel they are “entitled” to take everything from everyone else. And they also feel "entitled" to not pay taxes.

So how about if we drop the Republican frame of “entitlements?” Let’s say “earned benefits” when speaking of Social Security and Medicare, and “government grants” when speaking about food stamps.

It’s time we stop letting the GOP define something good as something bad. And it’s past time that we start treating them as the barbarians they are.

[slackmaster]

1. We should not be ashamed to refer to things by their proper names

VAGINA!

PENIS!!

ENTITLEMENT!!!

[annabanana]

2. same thing they did to "liberal". . .. . n/t

[Cyrano]

4. Yep. That's why the term "progressives" came into use

[slackmaster]

5. They've already done the same thing to the term "progressive"

There will never be an end to it.

[PDJane]

3. I agree, thank you.

This is an entitlement; something you earned, at least in the case of pension and medicare. The fact that they've dipped into the fund for other things since VietNam and accelerated it under Reagan, doesn't mean you aren't entitled to it. It does mean that they have no intention of paying it if they can avoid it.

[Cyrano]

8. Their intention is to

privatize everything.

Privatizing Medicare gives big bucks to the insurance companies.

Privatizing Social Security makes big bucks for Wall Street.

What we get is screwed.

[Permanut]

6. Great point, Cyrano..

They've done this many times with language manipulation, and the thumpers are equally adept. My wife and I were discussing this morning how we have never met anyone who is "pro abortion". They twist meanings and attach labels, and they have clearly decided to put the word "entitlements" through this twisting process.

[liberal N proud]

7. Just like they did liberal and socialism

They push the propaganda to feed their agenda and demonize that which does not provide a profit for someone.

[woo me with science]

9. Democrats are preparing to cut Social Security.

We KNOW Republicans will gut SS and Medicare. Democrats are the only ones who can possibly stand between Americans and these cuts, yet our President announced in the debate that he agrees with Mitt Romney on Social Security.

Call, write, protest, and make sure our candidates are confronted about this now, because it is our only chance to stop this theft and assault on the fundamental safety net that millions of Americans depend upon.

Obama, Biden, and congressional Democrats have run this campaign on a theme of being the defenders of the 99 percent. If they turn around and sign on to a chained CPI or other assault on Social Security benefits, it will be the most cynical, outrageous betrayal of voters in recent history.

We must stop the theft of Social Security, and stopping it depends on DEMOCRATS.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=1445641

[Matariki]

10. Because they are, or they work for, robbers who want that pile of money we've accumulated

[AzSweet]

11. I think they've attempted, but haven't been very successful with it this time. nt