What this is ultimately about is the same thing it's always been about: entitlements.
The fiscal-cliff drama will likely end without any grand bargain on revenues and entitlements.
The Democrats have always been hostile toward the military and prefer cutting defense spending to entitlements.
Now, entitlements need reform and savings, no doubt about that.
To accept any changes in entitlements, Obama will need Republicans to expose a larger chunk of people to higher taxes.
Well, from now on that's whut it better be and don't you fail to call me by them entitlements either.
We must also confront the larger challenge of mandatory spending, or entitlements.
And, finally, to keep this economy strong we must take on the challenge of entitlements.
Now, could you make out the monstrosity's entitlements a little clearer, if you please, Thomas?'
Ef 'Nervy Ann hear talk 'bout my name an' entitlements bein' in de paper, she'll quit me sho.
Federal programs, such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, that disburse money according to fixed formulas to citizens who fall into designated categories. Because entitlements do not require annual congressional appropriations, their cost tends to rise steadily and, in the view of some, out of control.
