Entitlements

Can we please, for the love of god, STOP calling them "entitlements" and use some proper terminology here?  They are "safety nets" not "entitlement programs."

I understand why the Republican'ts use the term.  It makes Medicare and Social Security sound like luxury programs that Americans feel "entitled" to and therefore don't really need or deserve.

What I can't understand is why the Democrats have wholeheartedly jumped on board with this Frank Luntzian language.  It's like we always dive head first into the conservative traps without thinking at all.

I have a job where I have to deal with Medicare billing quite frequently, and believe me, it's not some sort of free for all giveaway for old people.  Anyone who deals with Medicare knows that their standards and anti-fraud measures are very stringent, and it's actually pretty hard to make sure something gets covered under Medicare.  You really have to have all of your i's dotted and t's crossed. 

The idea that we're just throwing money at these programs for no reason is laughable.  People need a safety net, especially elderly people whose savings have been plundered by Wall Street.

What kind of country are we when we view taking care of our most vulnerable citizens through the same lens as spoiled rich kids receiving an inheritance?  Not a very Christian one I would say.