‘Entitlement’ label in error

Why in the world do some people continue to call Social Security an “entitlement”? Don’t they work and pay taxes on their earnings?

When FDR began Social Security, it was with the idea that government would invest those taxes for the working class, and at retirement age those citizens could draw on it to live on or use as supplemental income. It wasn’t meant to be an open loan department for politicians.

Democrats were the first to “borrow” from the funds, with no intention of repayment. Republicans said, “Geez, if they can, we can.” And a vicious cycle began.

If those parties repaid all their “loans,” Social Security would be healthy. The same applies to Medicare. We paid into it and it’s a paid premium that we collect, not an “entitlement.”

If you’re unhappy that the funds are going by the wayside, fight the politicians for repayment. Do not try to make seniors look like freeloaders for something they spent their working years paying for to ease the cost of retirement. Health forced me into retirement two years ago, at 701/2. It wasn’t wanted.

M.J. Brazington

Deer Park