Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - What does the word "entitlement" mean to you?

Ratman · 06-11-2005, 10:10 AM

Zen_Tom:

Your argument that the "right" to an attorney proves my point: It is something you get regardless of tax-paying status, or by your existence alone. Unless you are an enemy combatant at Guantanamo, of course.

You are almost correct that my constitutional rights as guaranteed by the Constition of The United States are forfeit due to my foreign residence. I have to abide by the laws of this country, period. I am not a diplomat "entitled" to immunity based on this status. However, I still vote in EVERY election, as is my RIGHT in the good ol' USuvAY, by absentee balllot. None of my rights are violable as long as my foot is on US soil, regardless of whether I pay taxes or not on that same ground. As long as I meet certain minimal but important reqirements, I am covered by the Constitution.

I assert that the right to vote is priceless. I don't think that the bestowing of a title has any signifigance whatsoever in the United States. A non-naturalized citezen, or even a convicted felon in the US, does not have this right. Even a tax-paying convicted felon. However that same person is entitled to a lawyer if arrested simply because they are a person accused of a crime. I can own a gun if I am in the US (illegal here) as long as I am not a convicted felon. Again, a right not an entitlement. I can say that the president is a douchebag if I want, that right is guaranteed, not an entitlement.

You can not put a price on your rights, and maybe you don't appreciate them until you are in a situation where you wish you had them (like being arrested in a foriegn country). I currently do not pay Social Security tases on my income. I can only expect a payment based on my contribution, therefore Social Security is not an entitlement.

Agian I assert that a right is something guaranteed by the Constitution based on citizenship (and residence). An entitlement is something that has value and can be gained regardless of citizenship or services rendered.

06-11-2005, 10:10 AM	#31 (permalink)
Ratman Addict Location: Somewhere... Across the sea...	Zen_Tom: Your argument that the "right" to an attorney proves my point: It is something you get regardless of tax-paying status, or by your existence alone. Unless you are an enemy combatant at Guantanamo, of course. You are almost correct that my constitutional rights as guaranteed by the Constition of The United States are forfeit due to my foreign residence. I have to abide by the laws of this country, period. I am not a diplomat "entitled" to immunity based on this status. However, I still vote in EVERY election, as is my RIGHT in the good ol' USuvAY, by absentee balllot. None of my rights are violable as long as my foot is on US soil, regardless of whether I pay taxes or not on that same ground. As long as I meet certain minimal but important reqirements, I am covered by the Constitution. I assert that the right to vote is priceless. I don't think that the bestowing of a title has any signifigance whatsoever in the United States. A non-naturalized citezen, or even a convicted felon in the US, does not have this right. Even a tax-paying convicted felon. However that same person is entitled to a lawyer if arrested simply because they are a person accused of a crime. I can own a gun if I am in the US (illegal here) as long as I am not a convicted felon. Again, a right not an entitlement. I can say that the president is a douchebag if I want, that right is guaranteed, not an entitlement. You can not put a price on your rights, and maybe you don't appreciate them until you are in a situation where you wish you had them (like being arrested in a foriegn country). I currently do not pay Social Security tases on my income. I can only expect a payment based on my contribution, therefore Social Security is not an entitlement. Agian I assert that a right is something guaranteed by the Constitution based on citizenship (and residence). An entitlement is something that has value and can be gained regardless of citizenship or services rendered. __________________ The difference between theory and reality is that in theory there is no difference. "God made man, but he used the monkey to do it." DEVO