In the United States debt debate, the argument for protecting entitlements is the plight of the poor and elderly.

Americans are compassionate for both, but that compassion is exploited. Lack of means-testing for subsidy qualification leads to extravagance. Most families and individuals in poverty have air conditioning, automobiles, cell phones, DVD players, microwaves and cable or satellite televisions.

While homelessness is almost entirely voluntary; hunger and malnutrition are almost nonexistent. Health care is readily available and the elderly are no poorer than other Americans.

It seems that taxpayers are subsidizing the necessities of the poor who spend to fulfill their desires and wealthy elderly who leave their estates to heirs.

Chet Barber

Vicksburg