Entitlement attitude growing

A large segment of society’s profession is to procure government (taxpayer) funds. During 17 years as a food bank coordinator, I saw the demographics of clientele change from occasional use by most, to year-round by the majority.

Very aware that numerous circumstances can place people in need, the change in attitude is the big difference I see. Instead of looking for the thrifty way, they choose the easy way. The I-am-entitled attitude is rampant. Cigarettes, cell phones, TV, Internet, dining out, movies and alcohol are luxuries, things we can do without, nice but not entitlements.

During the 1970s and 1980s, food banks I worked in could share information with neighboring food banks to prevent double dipping. That can’t be done now because of confidentiality rules. The sad reality of government (taxpayer-funded) programs and grants: People who really need help, who truly physically or mentally can’t earn a living, barely scrape by while professional dole-takers get more than they need, hopping from program to program to keep the taxpayers’ money rolling into their pockets.

Laura Estes

Odessa, Wash.