I just get tired of this whole 'right' vs. 'privilege' push. Even in healthcare. It isn't a human right to receive healthcare. It certainly isn't a right to receive a month and a half of paid vacation after having a child. Now none of this means that it isn't something we can't strive for as an industrialized, wealthy nation. But these things aren't RIGHTS. By attempting to redefine these things as rights, all Obama is doing is marginalizing any dissension, and labeling opposition as human rights violators. It isn't productive or correct in my opinion. I think we should strive for universal healthcare (I think it should be single payer base with the option to purchase additional insurance on top of a basic coverage for all), but that isn't because I believe it is a right. I don't know what to think about a mandatory 6 weeks paid leave after having a child, but I know it isn't a right. We are a society of entitlements (and I am not talking specifically about welfare although that is included. I am talking about the investment banker that DESERVES a tax break, or the farmer that DESERVES a subsidy as well). Everyone owes us something simply for being able to walk and chew gum at the same time. I just don't believe that is a good mentality to have as a nation, and I do everything in my power to teach my kids the opposite of that.
In some ways I agree with the Obama statement of 'you didn't build that'. Almost all we have is grace in this life. If we all look at how our lives have developed over time I think we can all see specific instances where if we made one different seemingly insignificant decision, that our life would be totally different. I think if we got over this idea of trying to secure everything as a 'right' and instead treated everything as privilege we would not only have much more meaningful discussion, but in my opinion better results.
[steps off soap box]