Federal "entitlement" programs come in many forms, and are known by a number of names like Social Security, "welfare", food stamps, Medicare, Medicaid, child nutrition, agricultural subsidies, etc. Soon, they may be known by a few more names like "universal healthcare", "prescription drug benefits", and "tax cuts for the working poor" (translation: "welfare lite"). Nevertheless, socialism by any other name is still socialism. Its "feel good" policies, utopian promises, and disastrous results mimic the rhetoric of your friendly neighborhood street-corner "pharmacist". Its wealth redistribution mechanisms are replete with subsidies that conceal failure, unearned income that replaces frugality and planning, and policies that discourage self-sufficiency.
Despite a plethora of history showing the rapaciousness of "entitlement" programs, millions refuse to kick the "habit", and continue to beg Congress (read, the "pusherman") for more money to satiate their appetite for dependency. Of course, Congress is unfailingly willing to comply, since supplying these "entitlements" satisfies the demand for dependency, and ensures an uninterrupted career in Washington. To further inculcate the notion that the word "entitlement" is apropos for the socialistic policies it encompasses, the federal government categorizes the spending for these programs as "mandatory". Yet, it considers military spending, an essential function of the federal government, to be "discretionary". Go figure
http://accesswdun.com/article/2003/6/176928