Avi K,
Joseph, they are called entitlement programs because the leftists have so defined them.
Originally programs like Social Security and Medicare were called entitlements because the recipients had paid into the system via payroll taxes over the course of their careers, and thus were “entitled” to the benefits. Calling programs like Medicaid and SNAP entitlements can be viewed as derogatory, implying that the recipients feel a false sense of entitlement. So no, I don’t think they are called entitlement programs because leftists have defined them. I think “leftists” would prefer to call them a social safety net.
However, according to Judaism the highest form of tzedaka is to create productive jobs.
To give the poor person a productive job.
Thus the real social heroes are the entrepreneurs.
If entrepreneurship lifts poor people out of poverty through employment, then I agree with you here.