I have an issue with one question on the OWS poll on ATS.

Not sure where to post this so I'll try here.

I believe the question on entitlements is misleading and should be removed from the poll.

"I believe that entitlements for those in need should be a basic right of citizenship."

For instance, the way the question reads I had to strongly disagree that entitlement programs should be a basic right for the needy.

I feel instead that a truly free capitalist market with a SOUND currency will end the need for entitlements all together.

I feel that entitlement programs are a symptom of the disease. The fact that TOO MANY people need entitlements today is a symptom of a diseased economy and not really something that we should say is needed.

the polled question will make people who feel like me look like an asshole as the question is a leading question for socialism, rather than a question that will truly tell how people feel.

Because while I strongly disagree that entitlements should be a basic right, there are many on this site that will strongly disagree because they think these people should starve. I feel many people will strongly disagree for a completely different reason.


I believe entitlements are currently necessary, but problems have to be fixed first before the entitlements can go. This question, in this poll, should distinguish these two thought patterns better.

reply to post by no time


I kind of felt the same.. I see a good reason for entitlements for those who simply cannot work...(crippled with no family or with families who cannot afford to help, etc.)... but I agree that a "healthy" economic system would not necessarilly need entitlements to the level we have.

Regardless, I chose neutral on the question. I could not have a valuable opinion because the question was not worded in a way I could honestly answer.

"Entitlements" is code for plunder. The question is: Do you believe that the needy should be able to legally plunder those better off than they?