Originally Posted by bkcunningham1

cologal, we both agree the article Donna linked is an opinion piece. Let's also both agree, for the purpose of this discussion, that the information like the statistics stated as facts in the article are true.

Other parts of the op/ed, like the statement, "The truth is that middle-class entitlements are the unsustainable tumor which fills the beds of Hospice America," are written figuratively. We both agree the writer isn't saying people are somehow anatomically or physically transforming into sick, dying tumors or that people are actually lying in hospital beds.

No. Since the writer is writing an opinion editorial, the statement uses metaphors and other figures of speech to make emphasis. Like saying the Rocky Mountains are the spine of the country. Or love is a rose. We both know the Rockies aren't a spinal column with vertebrae. Or that a rose has emotions like love. They are figures of speech.

The reason the middle class was being targeted or looked at in the piece is a warning to middle class about what is happening.

As we allow the government more and more control and more and more taxes are heaped upon us, it is only natural that we try to hold onto our money. The IRS doesn't' sit with a gun at someones head while they prepare their tax returns and force them to take the tax credits given by the government.

Of course not. But as times get tougher, people naturally want to keep their money. Taking advantage of every opportunity to hold onto your money isn't a bad thing or the point of the article. It's the reason behind why people are doing this. The article is suppose to make you think and try to reason about why middle class America (the backbone of America) is even being offered these tax rebates or entitlements and what happens when we keep taking them.

The article is saying that as the government keeps putting us in a position to make us claim iour right to certain things, things like tax advantages; when we give up our money and our dependency on the government (for tax breaks, etc.) keeps growing stronger, we become weaker and sicker and our way of life eventually dies. I used a figure of speech to try to get a point across here. Because of this cycle, when we keep getting weaker and sicker (figuratively) and we don't take medicine to make us better or find doctors to cure us it becomes terminal. The writer uses the metaphor of a hospice to invoke emotion. It worked. Hospices, we all know, are for end of life care.

I hope that made sense. I love this country. I am proud of the things that Americans have done to build this country into the strongest, most generous, productive people on earth.

But never forget that it was the people, not the government who has done this. I don't think the government should collect taxes to bail anyone out. I think the government getting involved in banking, Wall Street, American labor and corporate business has done exactly what the writer of the article was warning will happen to the working middle class. I think we can agree on one thing, the government's involvement and the tax breaks and entitlements the allow in banking, Wall Street, American labor and corporate business has made moochers of them.