Entitlement...What's yours in mine

There is a plethora of wonderful things about this country that I am truly thankful for and I would live in no other country on earth. But, there are plenty of idiots out there that don't have a clue, don't care to know, and are doing their damn best to suck the life out of you, me and everyone who thinks that you deserve what you can earn – by the sweat of your brow and the applied intellect of your mind.

This Little & Ives, Universal Unabridged Dictionary that sits on my desk defines 'entitle' as (2.) To give, carry, imply, a right or claim to.

This anti-noetic concept of self entitlement , coupled with a complete lack of accountability is absolutely ripping this country apart. The contract of success does not come with an enslavement clause, indenturing those who “can and do” to those who neither have the ambition nor drive to pick themselves up, seize an opportunity and hang on with steadfast tenacity until they too grasp the proverbial brass ring of prosperity.

Instead, like a 3 year old child, they lie in the middle of the street and scream obscenities at the misfortune that society has wrought upon them. They are unhappy in their job; they are not earning the wage they deserve; they don't have health care, a nice car, a better place to live; can't send their children to college and the list continues without end. They bewail success because in their twisted perception - who has any more right to have 'it' than any another.

Well, allow me to disabuse those of you who adhere to this outlook:

You are not entitled to a particular job or any salary you think you merit. In American society you are free to negotiate for your wages and benefits. If both parties can not come to an amicable agreement, you are free to go and attempt to negotiate with another prospective employer. You are not free to chain yourself to their desk until they hire you or call 20 or 30 of your friends to show up and lay siege to the workplace until someone relents to your demands.

You are not entitled a paycheck from the U.S. government because you are able to exchange oxygen for carbon dioxide and produce children at also, my expense.

You are not entitled to dictate the moral confines that society will adhere to.

You are entitled to say nearly anything you wish; you are not entitled to an audience.

You are not entitled to live free from offense.

The American ideal was never intended to turn the “land of opportunity” into the land of “subsidized existence”. True freedom is a hazardous prospect. An ideal where you are free to do as you choose, to make your own way as you see fit as long as it interferes with no other's pursuit of their version of happiness. If that course leaves you rich, hungry or anything in between - you reap the consequences of your actions. That is freedom!

If these pursuits leave you quivering, wet and appalled, if you would rather lie on your back and curse the Fates than drop shoulder and labor along with us, so be it – just lie there and expire quietly so those who would brave liberty's arena can step over you and drive on.

Whatever you do, keep your hands out of my pockets and your mouth off of my tit. And screw you Spock; the needs of the many do NOT outweigh the needs of the few. Charlatans on the "hill", I don't care if they did elect you, these aren't your rights to give and take away. Don't piss down my back and tell me its raining!