What are the different views concerning entitlements?

Answer 1

The persons being taxed:
I don't want to pay for someone else's expenses.
I want my rich neighbor to pay for my poor neighbor's expenses.

The person receiving entitlements:
Woohoo! Free money [goods/services]!
I don't need to better myself, I can live as a government dependent.
These [free goods and services] are my RIGHT, why are they such low quality?!?!?

Answer 2

First of all, they are not entitlements. No one is entitled to ANYTHING except the right to live.

I think that most people in America will agree that it is proper to have a safety-net program for when people fall on hard times... it can happen to pretty much anyone at anytime. However, there needs to be a time limit, a kid limit, and a drug policy involved. There should also be some strict finding work rules.

The only people who view welfare as entitlements are those who think that the government (thus, everyone else in the country) owes them something. This just isn't true. No one owes anyone anything. It is not up to me to support your five kids or to support your *** because you don't want to work. or to support your company because no one likes your product.

The entire system should be abolished and we should let charities and churches do the work they are supposed to be doing.

Answer 3

I assume you're talking about what people leave to their families when they die. Currently, the main issue is estate tax, or basically, if your relative has more than $500,000 (This number might be different) when he or she dies, the government currently collects about 50% of this amount, and the rest is dispersed to the family or parties identified in the will.

The view for the estate tax is since these people are already rich, the family will already get plenty of the inheritance. Besides, these people are most likely in the upper percentage of incomes in this country. People typically argue that this serves the common good.

The view against estate tax is the issue of why the governement should get your money when you die. Besides, there is no assurances that the government will spend it on something helpful, that you would support, or if it's to bomb some country for reasons you might disagree with. Also, keep in mind that money is already taxed, from income taxes.

My view is that although this only affects the richer segment of the population, it's not an excuse to literally rob one person to give to others. It's not the government's money, and you have earned it for you and your family. The fact that the government would look at your death as an opportunity is representative of the sad state of our times.