The problem is not that homeownership and other tax entitlements are unjustified, or that tax cuts are a bad way to stimulate economic growth, or that the tax system should be used to redistribute income more efficiently. These are legitimate matters for debate. But they are not being debated. Instead the tax debate in this campaign focuses on which symbolic tax cuts should be given to the symbolic middle class in the symbolic drive to balance the symbolic budget. At least three of them have to do with entitlements.
All entitlements are social programs.
Many go to business, particularly if we include tax entitlements. Most entitlements go to the poor and minorities. Not even close to true. Social Security, federal retirement, and Medicare, all of which go mostly to the middle class, account for 70 percent of total social entitlements. Social Security shouldn't be considered a social program because individuals pay for themselves with their contributions.