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A Sense of Entitlement
Author: BobR
Date: 12/04/2009 13:43:26
I know I'm not the first person to say it, but there is a growing sense of entitlement among Americans. We normally ascribe this to the "next generation", who want their cellphones and iPods, and all of the other things we never had when we were young (and we liked it!). That pompous sense of self and what we deserve seems to have permeated the older generations as well.
The most obvious current example of course is the "gate crashers" of the State Dinner. Their psychopathic hubris was at such a level that they felt they deserved to be at a event to which they were not invited. After successfully breaching the perimeter, they showed their complete disconnection with reality by posting pictures of their exploits online. This is not the first time for the couple - the missus has crashed a Washington Redskins Cheerleaders exhibition, posing as a former cheerleader. They feel they deserve to be a part of whatever they want, without having earned (or been given) the right to do so.
The press and - by extension - the viewing public seems to feel they have the right to access the private lives of public people. The papparazzi industry is based on that, but this sense of a "right to know" extends into every facet of a public person's life. Tiger Woods' recent accident is a perfect example of a public person deciding to keep a private incident private, and the indignant clamoring for details by the public. Where details were not forthcoming, speculation of the most lurid and debase rushed to fill the void. It's true he makes millions by his skill and his celebrity, but by buying his product, do we also deserve that which is not for sale?
An article in today's WaPo describes fundraisers for Obama who are miffed that they don't have access to him:
I was under the impression that a person donated and/or raised money for a politician's campaign because the wanted that person to win, not to get an entitlement like a sleepover in the Lincoln bedroom. I take this as a good sign that Obama is not "bought".
Of course - the Republicans in office seem to think they still have the entitlement of leading Congress. They complain every time they don't get their way, without a hint of irony. Being in charge of proceedings in the past does not entitle you to always have that power. The voters ultimately have the say in who is in charge of Congress, and the voters chose Democrats.
As Americans, we feel entitled to drive cars that pollute the atmosphere that everyone else breathes, to buy cheap products made (or harvested) by destitute workers earning slave wages, and to buy whatever we fancy using easily available credit. We feel we have a right to spend a certain amount of the day at work surfing the internet instead of working.
When did this shift happen, and what should we do about it? How do we get back to a place where we (the collective We) feel grateful for what we have, let others live their lives, and try to make this world a better place by occasionally sacrificing our desires for the common good?
The most obvious current example of course is the "gate crashers" of the State Dinner. Their psychopathic hubris was at such a level that they felt they deserved to be at a event to which they were not invited. After successfully breaching the perimeter, they showed their complete disconnection with reality by posting pictures of their exploits online. This is not the first time for the couple - the missus has crashed a Washington Redskins Cheerleaders exhibition, posing as a former cheerleader. They feel they deserve to be a part of whatever they want, without having earned (or been given) the right to do so.
The press and - by extension - the viewing public seems to feel they have the right to access the private lives of public people. The papparazzi industry is based on that, but this sense of a "right to know" extends into every facet of a public person's life. Tiger Woods' recent accident is a perfect example of a public person deciding to keep a private incident private, and the indignant clamoring for details by the public. Where details were not forthcoming, speculation of the most lurid and debase rushed to fill the void. It's true he makes millions by his skill and his celebrity, but by buying his product, do we also deserve that which is not for sale?
An article in today's WaPo describes fundraisers for Obama who are miffed that they don't have access to him:
"I've had almost no communication with the White House," said Chris Korge, a top supporter of Hillary Rodham Clinton from Miami who later collected $5.5 million for Obama, making him one of the president's biggest fundraisers.
Korge said his only visit to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. was a St. Patrick's Day event. He complained in a recent interview that the administration has done little to reward the president's donors or tap into their experience and wisdom.
"There is no connection between the administration and money people," he said. "If they do have any connection . . . it is very limited as far as the fun stuff is concerned."
I was under the impression that a person donated and/or raised money for a politician's campaign because the wanted that person to win, not to get an entitlement like a sleepover in the Lincoln bedroom. I take this as a good sign that Obama is not "bought".
Of course - the Republicans in office seem to think they still have the entitlement of leading Congress. They complain every time they don't get their way, without a hint of irony. Being in charge of proceedings in the past does not entitle you to always have that power. The voters ultimately have the say in who is in charge of Congress, and the voters chose Democrats.
As Americans, we feel entitled to drive cars that pollute the atmosphere that everyone else breathes, to buy cheap products made (or harvested) by destitute workers earning slave wages, and to buy whatever we fancy using easily available credit. We feel we have a right to spend a certain amount of the day at work surfing the internet instead of working.
When did this shift happen, and what should we do about it? How do we get back to a place where we (the collective We) feel grateful for what we have, let others live their lives, and try to make this world a better place by occasionally sacrificing our desires for the common good?
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
wickedpam on 12/04/2009 14:02:09
wickedpam on 12/04/2009 14:02:09
Morning 
I feel guilty now for my mutlitasking of fun and work
I feel guilty now for my mutlitasking of fun and work
Comment by 
Raine on 12/04/2009 14:15:44
TMI so early in the morning!
Raine on 12/04/2009 14:15:44
TMI so early in the morning!
Comment by Raine on 12/04/2009 14:16:13
Why is that?
Raine on 12/04/2009 14:16:13
Quote by wickedpam:
Morning
I feel guilty now for my mutlitasking of fun and work
Why is that?
Comment by wickedpam on 12/04/2009 14:39:46
being at work and being online doing things other then work - that's all
wickedpam on 12/04/2009 14:39:46
Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
Morning
I feel guilty now for my mutlitasking of fun and work
Why is that?
being at work and being online doing things other then work - that's all
Comment by 
Scoopster on 12/04/2009 14:57:12
Scoopster on 12/04/2009 14:57:12
Morning all & Happy Fridee! 
Not a moment too soon either.. I'm achy all over today, particularly the knees. Owza!
Not a moment too soon either.. I'm achy all over today, particularly the knees. Owza!
Comment by Raine on 12/04/2009 14:59:44
Raine on 12/04/2009 14:59:44
ok that little dog next door is just way too effing barky... It's been an hour now, and the parents aren't home.
Comment by wickedpam on 12/04/2009 15:13:53
is it inside or outside? think you can call the animal cops about that
wickedpam on 12/04/2009 15:13:53
Quote by Raine:
ok that little dog next door is just way too effing barky... It's been an hour now, and the parents aren't home.
is it inside or outside? think you can call the animal cops about that
Comment by Raine on 12/04/2009 15:28:40
Raine on 12/04/2009 15:28:40
Media Matters asking Andrew Sullivan "What took you So long?' regarding his abandonment of the conservative movement.
Comment by Raine on 12/04/2009 15:31:49
Raine on 12/04/2009 15:31:49
and speaking of Beck's movie the Christmas Sweater... Quite the opening there...
--- they said it did a little better in Rural areas which doesn't come as a surprise, but it goes to a larger point, you cannot succeed being a radical element in this nation (politically or otherwise) without support from Urban and Suburban areas...
In New York, Beck sold 17 tickets. In Boston, another 17. And in Washington, D.C., the hotbed of political activism, his tearful film drew only 30.
--- they said it did a little better in Rural areas which doesn't come as a surprise, but it goes to a larger point, you cannot succeed being a radical element in this nation (politically or otherwise) without support from Urban and Suburban areas...
Comment by Raine on 12/04/2009 15:33:51
It's outside, but I really don't want to make a call like that. Usually the dog is inside. Besdies I am pretty new here. Maybe another neighbor will. This is really crazy. I can handle dogs barking but non stop for over 1.5 hours is driving me nuts.
Raine on 12/04/2009 15:33:51
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
ok that little dog next door is just way too effing barky... It's been an hour now, and the parents aren't home.
is it inside or outside? think you can call the animal cops about that
It's outside, but I really don't want to make a call like that. Usually the dog is inside. Besdies I am pretty new here. Maybe another neighbor will. This is really crazy. I can handle dogs barking but non stop for over 1.5 hours is driving me nuts.
Comment by 
Random on 12/04/2009 16:05:10
Random on 12/04/2009 16:05:10
*sneaks in and steals bagels*
Comment by Raine on 12/04/2009 16:08:10
I thought I heard the floorboards squeaking.
Raine on 12/04/2009 16:08:10
Quote by Random:
*sneaks in and steals bagels*
I thought I heard the floorboards squeaking.
Comment by wickedpam on 12/04/2009 16:16:43
had a neighbor like that and it just came to a point that i had to call the cops - they would leave it outside for days when they were away with only a neighbor checking on it in the middle of summer, they would leave it out all night and it would bark from like 9pm until 2 or 3am and I couldn't sleep.
I hate to make those calls to, but it is disturbing the peace. Do you know when they come home?
wickedpam on 12/04/2009 16:16:43
Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
ok that little dog next door is just way too effing barky... It's been an hour now, and the parents aren't home.
is it inside or outside? think you can call the animal cops about that
It's outside, but I really don't want to make a call like that. Usually the dog is inside. Besdies I am pretty new here. Maybe another neighbor will. This is really crazy. I can handle dogs barking but non stop for over 1.5 hours is driving me nuts.
had a neighbor like that and it just came to a point that i had to call the cops - they would leave it outside for days when they were away with only a neighbor checking on it in the middle of summer, they would leave it out all night and it would bark from like 9pm until 2 or 3am and I couldn't sleep.
I hate to make those calls to, but it is disturbing the peace. Do you know when they come home?
Comment by wickedpam on 12/04/2009 16:18:44
wickedpam on 12/04/2009 16:18:44
2 phases I hate with a passion
"what not" and "it is what it is"
"what not" and "it is what it is"
Comment by 
livingonli on 12/04/2009 16:29:56
livingonli on 12/04/2009 16:29:56
Good morning everyone.
That guy in today's blog sounded like he wanted to be able to sleep over in the White House like those people who slept in the Lincoln Bedroom during Poppy Bush's administration (like Rush the drug addict). As for those Beck screenings, I know Rude Pundit went to one of the screenings to observe the people.. It led to some nice snark on his facebook status.
That guy in today's blog sounded like he wanted to be able to sleep over in the White House like those people who slept in the Lincoln Bedroom during Poppy Bush's administration (like Rush the drug addict). As for those Beck screenings, I know Rude Pundit went to one of the screenings to observe the people.. It led to some nice snark on his facebook status.
Comment by Raine on 12/04/2009 16:36:29
She is a stay at home mom, and it seems as tho she usually just drops the hubby off in the morning and then comes back -- I suspect she is shopping and she forgot the dog is out there.
Raine on 12/04/2009 16:36:29
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
ok that little dog next door is just way too effing barky... It's been an hour now, and the parents aren't home.
is it inside or outside? think you can call the animal cops about that
It's outside, but I really don't want to make a call like that. Usually the dog is inside. Besdies I am pretty new here. Maybe another neighbor will. This is really crazy. I can handle dogs barking but non stop for over 1.5 hours is driving me nuts.
had a neighbor like that and it just came to a point that i had to call the cops - they would leave it outside for days when they were away with only a neighbor checking on it in the middle of summer, they would leave it out all night and it would bark from like 9pm until 2 or 3am and I couldn't sleep.
I hate to make those calls to, but it is disturbing the peace. Do you know when they come home?
She is a stay at home mom, and it seems as tho she usually just drops the hubby off in the morning and then comes back -- I suspect she is shopping and she forgot the dog is out there.
Comment by Random on 12/04/2009 16:45:12
what? *half a bagel in my mouth*
Random on 12/04/2009 16:45:12
Quote by Raine:Quote by Random:
*sneaks in and steals bagels*
I thought I heard the floorboards squeaking.
what? *half a bagel in my mouth*
Comment by livingonli on 12/04/2009 16:47:19
livingonli on 12/04/2009 16:47:19
In a little bit I am heading off to get the car inspected. If only I didn't work so late, I would have gotten up earlier to do it.
Comment by livingonli on 12/04/2009 16:51:33
livingonli on 12/04/2009 16:51:33
Who is the insane person who agreed to be Rush's 4th wife? We should ask the previous 3 wives or Daryn Kagan what he was really like especially in the end.
Comment by wickedpam on 12/04/2009 16:57:10
I get that, maybe it was an accident then. Maybe let it go this time, next time or two talk to her , third time police
some times you have to call, I always hate to do it but its neccessary sometimes
wickedpam on 12/04/2009 16:57:10
Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
ok that little dog next door is just way too effing barky... It's been an hour now, and the parents aren't home.
is it inside or outside? think you can call the animal cops about that
It's outside, but I really don't want to make a call like that. Usually the dog is inside. Besdies I am pretty new here. Maybe another neighbor will. This is really crazy. I can handle dogs barking but non stop for over 1.5 hours is driving me nuts.
had a neighbor like that and it just came to a point that i had to call the cops - they would leave it outside for days when they were away with only a neighbor checking on it in the middle of summer, they would leave it out all night and it would bark from like 9pm until 2 or 3am and I couldn't sleep.
I hate to make those calls to, but it is disturbing the peace. Do you know when they come home?
She is a stay at home mom, and it seems as tho she usually just drops the hubby off in the morning and then comes back -- I suspect she is shopping and she forgot the dog is out there.
I get that, maybe it was an accident then. Maybe let it go this time, next time or two talk to her , third time police
some times you have to call, I always hate to do it but its neccessary sometimes
Comment by Raine on 12/04/2009 17:05:37
I wasn't going to say anything.. but since you brought it up...
Raine on 12/04/2009 17:05:37
Quote by Random:Quote by Raine:Quote by Random:
*sneaks in and steals bagels*
I thought I heard the floorboards squeaking.
what? *half a bagel in my mouth*
I wasn't going to say anything.. but since you brought it up...
Comment by 
TriSec on 12/04/2009 17:27:15
<-- sprints past blog
TriSec on 12/04/2009 17:27:15
<-- sprints past blog
Comment by wickedpam on 12/04/2009 18:41:16
wickedpam on 12/04/2009 18:41:16
who was that masked man?
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 12/04/2009 19:01:18
Squeaking floorboards? Here? Firstly we have hand carved Italian tile. Each of them loving engraved with blog logo. Secondly they were laid in a cunningly engineered that is light years ahead of any other flooring system. So the chances of squeaking floorboards is about zero. How soon they forget.
Mondobubba on 12/04/2009 19:01:18
Quote by Raine:Quote by Random:
*sneaks in and steals bagels*
I thought I heard the floorboards squeaking.
Squeaking floorboards? Here? Firstly we have hand carved Italian tile. Each of them loving engraved with blog logo. Secondly they were laid in a cunningly engineered that is light years ahead of any other flooring system. So the chances of squeaking floorboards is about zero. How soon they forget.
Comment by Random on 12/04/2009 19:36:56
Yeah...what he said.
Oh, Random just finished so...Who wants Christmas cookies! (Red and green cookies with opposite colored M&Ms)
Random on 12/04/2009 19:36:56
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Quote by Random:
*sneaks in and steals bagels*
I thought I heard the floorboards squeaking.
Squeaking floorboards? Here? Firstly we have hand carved Italian tile. Each of them loving engraved with blog logo. Secondly they were laid in a cunningly engineered that is light years ahead of any other flooring system. So the chances of squeaking floorboards is about zero. How soon they forget.
Yeah...what he said.
Oh, Random just finished so...Who wants Christmas cookies! (Red and green cookies with opposite colored M&Ms)
Comment by wickedpam on 12/04/2009 19:47:58
wickedpam on 12/04/2009 19:47:58
mmmmm cookies.....
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/04/2009 19:51:21
Oh fancy, Random! Counter-changed colors.
Mondobubba on 12/04/2009 19:51:21
Quote by Random:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Quote by Random:
*sneaks in and steals bagels*
I thought I heard the floorboards squeaking.
Squeaking floorboards? Here? Firstly we have hand carved Italian tile. Each of them loving engraved with blog logo. Secondly they were laid in a cunningly engineered that is light years ahead of any other flooring system. So the chances of squeaking floorboards is about zero. How soon they forget.
Yeah...what he said.
Oh, Random just finished so...Who wants Christmas cookies! (Red and green cookies with opposite colored M&Ms)
Oh fancy, Random! Counter-changed colors.
Comment by Random on 12/04/2009 19:52:57
Random on 12/04/2009 19:52:57
Beautiful strange cookies
Comment by Raine on 12/04/2009 20:09:26
It's Friday, Ya bastahds!
Bounce!
Raine on 12/04/2009 20:09:26
Bounce!
Comment by livingonli on 12/04/2009 23:49:39
livingonli on 12/04/2009 23:49:39
Mmmm....cookies. 