There were 3.2 million job openings on the last business day of May 2010. See US Bureau of Labor Jul. 13, 2010. There were 14.6 million unemployed persons as of June 2010 (6.8 million of those are long-term unemployed). See US Bureau of Labor June 2010. Thus, even if every job was filled, there would still be 11.4 million unemployed persons. Even if only the long-term unemployed took all the available jobs, there would still be over 3.6 million long-term unemployed left without a job opening.
The argument that deficit spending is dangerously getting out of hand is valid. But to argue that permitting the expenditure of $34 billion to assist the unemployed should not be permitted unless we cut spending elsewhere is disingenuous. We do not have the same standard for spending argued when considering the defense budget, or when the extension of the Bush tax-cuts is/was considered. I would venture to argue that the reason is that those in favor of defense spending and tax-cuts do not utilize unemployment benefits – that’s great for you. But just because it’s not important to you, doesn’t mean it’s not important or needed for others. I’m just saying, maybe we should be empathetic to the plight of others, especially during this financially difficult time. Besides, the legislators that voted no could leverage their vote in exchange for other bills they hope to pass later on. But unfortunately, it seems the naysayers are simply content to do nothing, let everyone not financially solvent sink to the depths, and then in 2012 claim victory for their inaction. This political ploy seems undeservedly harsh to those in-need right now.
This is not a hand-out, but temporary assistance. It does not benefit undocumented workers because to receive such benefits, one must prove citizenship. It doesn’t keep people from looking for work because it’s temporary assistance and barely enough to feed and house the family with.
The passage of this extension is needed not only to provide the unemployed and there families with needed financial support, but as the article points out, the extension is a direct injection of cash into our economy as all, or nearly all, of the money given as unemployment benefits is immediately spent on goods or services. As such, not only do the unemployed get the assistance they need to keep afloat, but subsidiary businesses also reap the benefit of increased consumer spending.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100714/us_nm/us_usa_economy_unemployment
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Comments: 46
Look at Arnold in CA he forgoes a salary.
So why are we not calling on Congress to take a pay cut? Wil took a cut to keep his job in the library.
The world economy would collapse because America would be history.
Exactly why do you think people should work for free? If so, do you work for free?
The world economy would collapse because America would be history
I disagree. I think much like Congress they can be replaced with people who are there to do a good job and not just collect a outrageous salary and negotiate their golden parachutes.
Congress is full of millionaires. Most of them have side jobs and charge to speak before groups. They have spouses that are employed. Now would be a great time for them to stand up for the American people.
And if there are no jobs left for the working folks, where the hell is the money going to come from to support the rich bitches at the top anyway?
Virgina is a PERFECT example of what we should do federally. 4.8 Billion deficit turned into a 220 million asset in a year or so WITHOUT increasing taxes!! Sure, we will have to take the hickey and deal with it but it is mandatory in order to get through this.
The monies we GIVE to foreign countries could be redirected to US for a change. That would employ everyone out of work...for years. Lets focus on our problems first...then try to fix the world...huh?
~M
THAT is management!!!! We have to learn from that. We have to stop spending and that includes the 800 billion Defense budget...time to pull our troops back home.
~M
My unemployment did finally run out though. It's OK. We're going to make it.
I'd rather have a job, especially now that we've learned what we can get by on. Three or four years of my working would allow us to save some money.
This was a good article.
Thanks for bringing that much needed and long overdo point to the discussion Jimmy Carter...
Your comment is on the verge of getting deleted..something I have never done before.
should be on HERE
If you are unemployed for over a year, you belong on welfare. Yes welfare is means tested and you will have to sell off some things before you qualify for it. Just remember that next time you vote for hope and change form a street thug.
Couple problems there Jeff. You can get cash assistance when you have qualifying children if you do not the best you can hope for is food stamps. Doesnt pay the house payment or utilities or gas to look for a job.
Julia well said.
I think that might help the economy and job growth.
On our overall defense spending -- If we were to spend 25% more than the next largest defense spending nation in the world, we would have about three-quarters of a trillion dollars EVERY YEAR to utilize for economic growth, health care, or whatever other useful purpose.
My boyfriend is a sales manager and he gets at least 20 job applications turned into him every day.
Except that it IS important to EVERYONE and here's why...
the extension is a direct injection of cash into our economy as all, or nearly all, of the money given as unemployment benefits is immediately spent on goods or services
Give the "wealthy" more money, and they'll put it "away". Give money to the "poor" and they'll put it into the economy.
We all know there are abusers from Wall Street on down but the idea that the majority of Americans are abusers says more about those making the charge than those who may be in need of assistance one time or another in their lives.
I would totally agree that there is much that those who have not been impacted by this economic crisis could do -- starting with temporarily lowering salaries and temporarily discontinuing social security and medicare.
During the time of the Iraqi and Afghanistan Wars, I believe it is the first time no American (accept for our voluntary military) has ever been asked to sacrifice a thing perhaps it's time they were since it was the cost of 2 unpaid for wars, coupled with unpaid for tax cuts for the rich and unregulated greed that got us here.
The world is over populated and not enough jobs to feed everyone.
The rich will not learn anything until the poor will do anything to survive.
I question is it wrong to steal bread to feed a family?
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