The random political thoughts thread (Part Deux)

[Alex]

I'm not saying tax breaks are the same thing as entitlements. I am saying that they become entrenched in the same way (and for the same reasons) as entitlements. As a generalization the right resists creation of new entitlements because they know once it is in place it will be very difficult to remove (though for certain types of entitlement programs the opposition/support switches parties) and the left resists new tax breaks and loopholes because they know that once they are in place they will be very difficult to remove (though for certain types of tax breaks eh opposition/support switches parties).

(Though your definition of an entitlement is somewhat off since it has nothing to do with whether you self fund your return on the program. An entitlement is something you are statutorily required to receive simply by meeting qualifications. Food stamps are an entitlement program. VA benefits are an entitlement program. a lot of crop subsidies are entitlement programs, none of those are programs that the recipients are entitled to because of the money they first put into the program.)

[innerSpaceman]

Originally Posted by Alex

Though your definition of an entitlement is somewhat off since it has nothing to do with whether you self fund your return on the program. An entitlement is something you are statutorily required to receive simply by meeting qualifications.

Yes, we are using different definitions. I'm using English, you're using governmental jargon. Sorry for any confusion.