Dear Editor:

At the beginning of the last 40 years, use of the word “entitlement” was one of respect and awe. We were a proud hard-working nation who believed that what we gave in our work efforts helped our economy and our country. We deserved every entitlement we earned. We never hesitated signing contracts that contained a number of entitlements — entitlements of the bank and entitlements of the individuals.

There were good reasons for that pride leading everyone to place entitlements into the economy and the country grew in economic strength. So who stole that rich and full meaning of “entitlement”? Did it disappear? Did its loss cause the crash, or was its abuse in demeaning and negative tones hiding its beauty?

Repeat after me: “entitlement” is a beautiful word. If you allow others to destroy its beauty, you will have lost a beautiful meaning and potentially destroy the very foundations of this country. Where do we find entitlement in the fabric of our country?

If I pay too much to the IRS, I am entitled to a refund. Marriage brings entitlements in tax benefits, estate planning (Social Security, Medicare, and disability benefits for spouses) medical insurance benefits, hospital visitation rights, death benefits, family benefits — all of these are entitlements in the law including consumer benefits in warranty entitlements. Other legal entitlements include due process of life, liberty and property, public use rights on public owned property, and voting rights for citizens. Voting rights are an American entitlement.

The Constitution — our firm foundation — talks about "entitlements." Remember everyone is entitled to a fair and speedy trial, a writ of Habeas Corpus (what charges are against the accused), and more. All of these constitutional "entitlements" protect the freedom of U.S. citizens.

The next time you hear entitlement, stand tall, be proud for that is the cornerstone of American freedom. Don’t let anyone take that away. Yes, Social Security is an entitlement and is a legal document honoring American freedoms. Entitlement stands tall and proud, and is the statute of liberty for all.

Jarryl Larson

Edgecomb