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Subscribe to RSSAn extension of unemployment benefits failed in the House this afternoon.
The measure got a vote of 258-154, but the L.A. Times points out that that margin is "ordinarily sufficient to pass legislation. But Democrats brought the measure to the floor using a legislative tactic that required approval from two-thirds of the House."
AP writes: "Republicans in the House Thursday blocked a bill that would have extended jobless benefits for the long-term unemployed beyond the holiday season. An extension of jobless benefits enacted this summer expires Dec. 1, and unless they are renewed, two million people will lose benefits averaging $310 a week nationwide by the end of December. The failed measure would have extended jobless benefits through the end of February at a cost of adding $12.5 billion to the nation's debt. Republicans opposing the legislation said the measure should be paid for by cutting unspent money from last year's economic stimulus bill. The White House criticized Congress for voting to cut off unemployment benefits with the holiday break approaching."
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GOP polit's being their usual winner-selves...inexcusable. To go into public service without compassion is like showing up for a NASCAR race without the gas pedal attached. (How's that...a NASCAR analogy, for Republican's; didn't even reveal my own total ignorance of the subject by using the word "Goal" or "Touchdown" !!!)
That said...Dem's need to do it out of the stimulus, if that's the only way. (Why can't they just bring it up for a 50-50?)
JonboGreen
That said...Dem's need to do it out of the stimulus, if that's the only way. (Why can't they just bring it up for a 50-50?)
Democrats may attempt to attach a reauthorization of the extended benefits to a broader bill, such as a measure reauthorizing some of the Bush-era tax cuts set to expire at the end of the yea per huffington post.
Interesting that you would blame republicans for this.... I mean it was the Majority Dems who brought this to the floor requiring a two thirds vote instead of a simple majority know full well that it would get voted down.
Why not use the simple majority then and just get it done? So they can lay the blame on republicans....
I'm no mastermind politician, but if I was in control of the House Republicans right now I would have attached an amendment for something I wanted to this and voted yes. Nothing big, maybe something to increase border security.... But make it something that dems just would not vote for unless they were held against the the wall.
Because in the end the unemployment benefits will get extended, the "Pay for it with stimulous money" line was tried before and the extension went through anyway. So they may as well have gotten something out of it this time, some type of concession....
They brought it up for a vote under suspension so that you couldn't add an amendment to it. DUH!
How many extensions can these people get. They have had a Holiday for a long time now. I see help wanted signs up all over. Even if the job is below your last position, take it, you never know who you will meet when your out there. More than you will sitting on your couch. I don't care if you are a Doctor go work in Burger King if you have to. There's no shame in feeding your family.
The job at Burger King may pay them less than they are getting from Unemployment Insurance. If they take the job, they can't make their mortgage payment. If they stay on UI they stay in their home. What you are advocating is people allowing themselves to be turned into slaves. The workers in this country had little to nothing to do with the outsourcing of the middle class jobs. They are the victims of Macroeconomic policies overwhich they were told they could and should neither have control or question the benefits of. The people who are willing to blame the victims are brazen enough to write these kinds of things on the internet. Luckily for us, there is a permanent record of who these heartless bastards are.
Yeah, but does anyone notice how anxious McConnell, Boehner, and Company are to extend tax cuts for the wealthy?
Burger King and other lower payings jobs don't want to hire older people.
bklynj
"How many extensions can these people get."
answer - as many as it takes to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. I am one of "those people" that will be SOL if I loose my benefits next month. I am 43 and have worked since my early teens, this is the first time I have ever needed to use unemployment insurance and trust me it is no Holiday like you imagine it is. Luckily my wife works so we are able to barely make it after cancelling the gym membership, cable subscription, selling one car, cutting our bill payments to minimum payments on the credit cards. I was making $46 per hour now I collect about $15 an hour on unemployment. I am looking at anything that will pay at least what I get on unemployment, if I take your advice and work at Burger King for minimum wage I cant pay my bills. we didn't fall into the mortgage trap like most Americans did by using their homes as an ATM machine and we don't carry a lot of consumer debt, we pay our bills on time and are responsible stewards of our money.
Before you send anonymous ignorant comments and corral everyone that has to survive on unemployment payments into one group that is, according to you, lazy, taking a free holiday, sits on the couch all day and is ashamed to feed their families you should at least be familiar with the impact it has on people.
Thanks Troy---couldn't have said it better myself!
people are such suckers these people are just mooching off of us i know at least 10 people right off the top off my head that are just loving being unemployed dont even llok for a job BECAUSE THEY DONT HAVE TOO!!!!! If i lost my job on monday would have a new job by friday i love going to the store on fridays and watching all these people there pay no cash using their EBT cards perfectly fine to work but are laughing the whole time because i'm the only idiot working two jobs so they can sit on their butts and collect unemployment we need to force them to work or starve i dont care but 99 weeks of unemployment is ridicoulous!!
I was laid off from a well paying management position at age 62, 42 years after I started to work full time. My 401k is my only retirement package and that took the same 33% hit as everyone elses when the economy went south. There is no work in my field of expertise because most of it was outsourced to China and India during the Bush administration. I have been looking for anything that I am qualified for since the end of October 2009. After more than 50 interviews I am still looking.
As for Burger King, I would be happy to flip burgers at any hour of the day or night 7 days per week. The truth is they won't hire anyone with my experience for any job they may have open, I know, I've tried. Part time, full time, temporary, stocking shelves, being a greeter, you name it and I've applied. The last temporary job I interviewed for at Costco had 200 applicants for 2 positions. The waiting list at one of the major supermarket chains is more than 1,000 people. the same is true for all of the home improvement stores.
So Mr. bklynj don't tell people to bury their pride and take one of the many jobs that are out there just waiting to be had. You obviously haven't been on my side of the fence or you would have some understanding of how dire things are. By the way, last month approximately 150,000 new jobs were created while there are still more than 6 million people on the unemployment roles. This doesn't count the people that have exhausted their unemployment benefits or are just now trying to get into the job market for the first time. You do the math. The official unemployment rate is 9.6% while the true rate is probably close to twice that much.
Here's hoping you get the opportunity to test out your little theory!
Stimulus money or not what is the difference neither are paid for. The money is in the same pot. The issue is to extend the jobless benefits through the holidays. The GOP again spin their supporters as if the money comes from a different accounts that's paid for..ITS NOT Why doesn't the GOP dig in their pockets and pay the jobless since they are the party responsible for the economy clasp. The GOP admit to it by saying "The American People Gave Us another Chance" ...That is a statement of a guilty party.
Heads up: Per Greg Sargent
Dems will vote on just middle class tax cuts, Hoyer says
Steny Hoyer, the number two in the House Dem leadership, told Democrats at a caucus meeting this morning (Thursday) that they would get to vote this year on just extending the Bush tax cuts for the middle class, a senior Dem aide tells me, signaling support for a confrontational move towards the GOP that liberals have been pushing.
____
We'll see. Other than that, not surprised at the GOP's move.
Thanks for the heads up Pat!
I hope it comes to fruition...
Heads up per DailyKos:
In a show of resolve, a baker’s dozen of Democratic senators, led by Joseph I. Lieberman, the Connecticut independent who is a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, held a news conference to proclaim that they had secured the votes to authorize repeal of the military’s "don’t ask, don’t tell" policy regarding gay soldiers.
You are very welcome Feisty. Keep positive. DADT repealed? I can hardly believe it.
Hey Carville! What did Bill Clinton do exactly about gays in the military? Why he came up with DADT - a despicable policy. Despicable.
Keep em coming Pat!
More GREAT news on DADT...
Who would of thought that McCains BFF would break ranks with the cranky old coot and do what's right for a change!
PS: As much as I love the FR crew... it's a sad commentary that you're the one with the breaking news! ;0)
If this happens do I have to like Joe Lieberman?
Steeler Fan-380417
If this happens do I have to like Joe Lieberman?
Only when's he's not a traitor.
Oh don't get me wrong...
I still dislike and don't trust the traitor... rest assured there is something to be gained for him...
But I don't care as long as there are enough votes to get this passed!
Heads Up - Per Domenico
GOP Blocks Unemployment Extension.
Lol.
LMAO!
Never saw that headline coming! It practically wrote itself!
Do you think Domenico had it saved from a previous thread? ;0))))
Dang. If Obama hadnt Wasted 3 Trillion Dollars we might actually have money to Extend the Benefits..
I am not sure why all you liberals dont go and Give 90 percent of your income to the Govt so you can continue to provide Unemployment Benefits to those you want to have them..
I'm sure that you don't either! Before the Reagan tax cuts, their rate was 70% . . . this made them invest in money to shelter it, now they gamble on Wall Street and nobody wins but them and the Wall Street Guru's.
Talk about the Grinch who stole Christmas . . . they can't extend unemployment compensation for those who cannot find jobs, but it's OK to keep $760 Billion in the pockets of the rich by extending the Bush tax cuts that will add trillions to the deficit over 10 years! I wonder how many of those unemployed are veterans who have come back and can't find job. Good Job Republicans . . . we are all watching you!
Well of course they blocked it! THEY aren't the ones who NEED it! I hope you all know, this is just the *beginning* of the crap they are going to pull! How is it some Americans(?) lose their minds en masse every couple of years?
i see every day right here ion msnbc that different businesses are hiring. are those jobs beneath the unemployed. are they more comfortable drawing my tax dollars. i am retired onn fixed income, it cant last too long at the rate the dems are spending it.
More important is those jobs beneath you since you can't last long. I'm tired of people being ignorantto the fact that the unemployed paid into the unemployment benefits with each pay check. Just as you did with your retirement plan. So wake up and smell the coffee. Read your paystub if you have one and then think about what you are saying.
I'm also tired of the media and people who act as if everyone is stupid, Obama did not cause the recession nor the mess we are in. Obama took office in Jan 2009 and the country was already messed up before that happen. Your state may not have felt the recession until after that time, but it hit Illinois in 2006 (quite details that no one is talking about ) because it would imply that Bush and his friends had something to do with it. If you are retired you should know this or is your head in the sand too.
You need to wake up and get educated. The PEOPLE do not pay into the unemployment fund. Businesses pay a percentage into the fund for each person they employ. It is insurance paid by the business on behalf of the workers. The more workers they fire or lay off, the higher the percentage they pay for everyone so there is a bit of an incentive to keep from doing just so. Some unemployed workers have been receiving the unemployment benefits for over two years because they can get more on benefits that if they took a lower paying job than they had. Some truly need it but some are just lazy looking for a free ride. Educate yourself before you speak.
Actually your incorrect. I have always seen on my paystub a deduction for Unemployment Insurance.
This is in addition to what you said regarding employers also contributing to the fund.
Rvote, You are incorrect. Only the Employer pays . for Federal Unemployment ins...
both employer and Employee pay to State unemployment ins..
As an employer, I can tell you both that my company pays 100% of both state and federal unemployment insurance, as mandated by law. The federal rate is calculated as a percentage of the state rate. Rvote, I would love to see a copy of your paystub to verify that you are paying UI as an employee. I will concede that it is possible that your state does things differently.
Domenico - SERIOUSLY...why do they need any such tactic with 258-154 ?!?
Maybe they just want to get the Repub's on record against it, and then they'll pass it next week the old fashioned way - with a huge majority!
Why would any Republican vote for this? There's nothing in it for the rich.
Social programs are bad until you need them.
because people are sick and tired of paying for this S***!!!
Boo. Both to the Dems for using the tactic and to Republicans for voting it down. If you're worried about spending there are plenty of ways to cut 12.5B that don't require cutting off jobless citizens.
Anon Monster!
Boo. Both to the Dems for using the tactic and to Republicans for voting it down. If you're worried about spending there are plenty of ways to cut 12.5B that don't require cutting off jobless citizens.
Twenty-one Republicans voted in favor and 11 Democrats voted nay.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/18/unemployment-extension-de_n_785566.html
I am so sick of weak kneed Democrats.
How is this listening to the people DINOs and Republicans? People want jobs without money for transportation there won't be any jobs.
Be proud of your corporate badges.
I would like to think that the Dems that voted against/Republicans that voted for did so by thinking logically and independently and voted based on what they thought was right. I strongly dislike calling people DINOs or RINOs - representatives that prove to be somewhat independent are an asset to our nation. I may not agree with them, but I disagree more with blindly following a party line.
Unfortunately, many of those that bucked their parties probably did so with an eye toward the next election.
why don't they cut out farm substities for congressmen it is in millions and they surely don't need it when they are in Washington
Sounds about right. Congress goes on break (again), and the unemployed get in soup lines.
There is that compassionate conservative mindset again.
Repubs theme is 'I got mine,...my government job, and I will see that you never get yours'!
you hit the nail on the head. I say we pay for the unemployment problem with the Bush Tax breaks they have been getting. The idiot that said for the Dem millionaires to pay for the unemployment is way off the rocker in understanding what is actually going on. This last election was bought and paid for by lobbyists so of course you aren't getting Republic votes to help the less needy. I get a kick out of their stance on Government so bad when they spent all that money just to get in the Govnmt so bad outlet so 'they can rule the day'. Makes me sick. I am a Liberal and damned proud of it, not like the Godless Hippocrits that I don't know who voted for.
The sick part of it is that people who got "screwed" out of their unemployment are the onse who voted the republicans in the House.....So,what now....I really hate America's stupid lies and policies.
Why not extend the benefits at least for the holiday????Is it so hard???
No.....All of the republicans are rich and have buckloads of money.....Forget about everybody else....It's like going back to kindergarden...."I got money and you don't......HAHAHA......Merry Christmas to about 30,000,000 people who have no other means for existance!!!
Instead of saying all the crap they did to get into the House,why not let people have those crumbs of their giant paychecks, that we will all hear about shortly????
Do people of America ask for a lot???Give them a job and then take away the unemployment.....But no....There are no jobs to get and now there will be no holidays for about 30,000,000 people,including Vets and their families....
Where is this country going to???
When will people (other that rich who will keep stuffing their pockets full of money) rise up and say.....We have had enough of this BS???Will this ever happen???No!!!Because we are all too scared to open our mouths,because that little that we do have will be taken away from us....Well, now when there is nothing else to take away,they can kiss my behind!!!I will speak "OPENLY" as MY CONSTITUTION allows me to...What more can they possibly do to me???I have lost my job,now I have lost my unemployment,what's next???my life???Well,I can't see my kid starve to death,can I?What do they force all of us (unemployed) to do????Nothing,but try to steal from the reach and wealthy....Mark my words,the crime rate in America is about to raise very significally!!!No jobs,no unemployment,no other choice but crime....
Sounds cruel,but that's going to happen!!!
What do poor people need????Just their job....Is it too much to ask???
all the republicans that want to kill healthcare should first drop their govt heathcare if you feel that strong about saving be willing to get in with the havenots and see what it is like if you have the guts to do it
Business as usual i can see cry baby John Boner is a poor choice... he embarrassed the Nation ! They are still playing it on U tube it in UK and lol at America !
Let's get rid of the military all together ..they cant seen to win anything !!! Close all the bases and the intelligence agency ! legalize drugs and tax them ...they cant win the drug war either ! Such a waste of the tax payers money
What I want to know from the right wingers who comment here: when did egalitarianism become socialism or communism?
They will reply after they check the dictionary.
Dear Salt Grass: Lol. Thanks for the laugh as I sign off. Til we meet again.
Real simple: when you believe that you are entitled to MY money and property. You are not. You do, however, have the same opportunities of which I took advantage, get up off your duff, and go out and earn for yourself that to which you believe you are entitled.
Now do you get it?
NJNB - there are currently about 5 unemployed people for every 1 job opening available, often not in the same industry. These people don't necessarily feel entitled to anything, but they could use a little help.
Do you believe these people are stealing from you with malice, or that they're all lazy?
I spent 11 months looking for a full time job after I got my Bachelor's in December 2007. Luckily I had some savings, few bills, and a part time job. After I did find a job in an unrelated field, I was able to immediately began obtaining education in a different field. What of people that aren't so lucky?
no joe, you make ASSumptions very well. I have a job as a fairly well paid engineer so take your 'get off your duff' comment and stick it where the sun don't shine (more on that later).
You also ASSume that everyone has the same opportunities and there is a level playing field out there. BLLLAAAAAT! Wrong again, fool. You evidently know nothing about economics history in this country (yes, I know that you claim to have a Masters in Economics but either that is a lie, you barely passed or you went to an extremely biased or shoddy school).
Even with a very good education and an excellent work ethic, in the last 30 years, just when I actually started to save for retirement, a Republican took the Presidency and I was subsequently laid off. That's right, ever since Reagan took office, I have been laid off 3 times, once under Reagan, once under GHW Bush and once under GW Bush with the longest out of work period being the last one in 2007. So take your right wing 'conservatives are the only ones that work' talking point BS and shove it up your a$$.
Matthew,
If you were not Mediocre at your job and have actually been the Best you would have never been laid off.. You choose the path you want. and you obviously didnt choose to to apply yourself as hard as you could..
Next they will tell you that they are hiring engineers in India and China. Steve couldn't do your job, but he's passing judgement on your work ethic. NICE.
It's called 'projection', Paul. God tells us to suffer fools for they know not of what they speak . . . or something like that. Click on Steve's name and check out his previous posts and you'll see why I have said this.
Paul,
Damn right i am judging him. No Employer would ever lay their best Employee off. Especially an Engineer.... But maybe he was a Domestic Engineer and his Wife didnt like the way he was doing the House work while she was at work.. So. She laid him off...
No Joe--I hope you are exaggerating you point and that you truly don't believe that we liberals feel we are entitled to your money and your property. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. What we liberals feel is that we live in the greatest country in the world but even the greatest country in the world (which we love every bit as much as you do) requires money to run it and needs the support of its citizens as taxpayers. And those citizens fortunate enough to earn above the average amounts do so mostly because of their skills and abilities but also because they live in the greatest country in the world and should be expected to support it---even more than those less fortunate than they. And we also believe that sometimes good, productive people hit times when they need help and those of us who are blessed with the ability to earn a good living ought to be glad to help out.
no joe, no bo, nj
Real simple: when you believe that you are entitled to MY money and property. You are not. You do, however, have the same opportunities of which I took advantage, get up off your duff, and go out and earn for yourself that to which you believe you are entitled.
Now do you get it?
Hey everybody this is from a person that is retired, collecting her SS and she is saying get off your duff, well no jo i hope the bipartican commission that says cut the SH*t of of SS i hope they do so you feel everybodys else plain, i never though i would say this to you but, No Jo your whats wrong in america, you have yours and don't give a SH*t about anybody else!!!!
shame on you, your really give a great example for your granddaughter to follow!!!!
Steeler fan- having the government steal my money to give it to you makes you less honest than the one who takes my money on his own. He, at least, eliminates the middleman.
Matthew, it is not my problem that you have trouble keeping a job. I do not, and I have serious health problems to deal with. I guess the difference between the two of us is that I do not use excuses, while you, obviously, need to have someone other than yourself to blame for your shortcomings.
In the stupid voices of Ailes, Beck, Hannity, The Drug Man and of course the ditsy Palen, Liberals are the only ones that are lazy. Of course none of them have Brains so take it with a grain of salt. I am worried about the rest of the idiots that voted these stupid people in office. Scary for sure and I am a proud Liberal and don't stomp on my Liberty!!!! I would rather be honest than hide behind a Bible while theyh reap the harvest of others. Such Hippocrits!!!
No Joe----I will regret engaging with you I'm sure but the government does not steal your money---it collects taxes that have been legally enacted and proceeds to spend those taxes as the representatives so direct. I am sorry that you are so unwilling to see any of your tax revenue help others. I would suggest you say a prayer that you and your loved ones never need the kind of help the government can provide.
Um, Jeff? I am not retired. I left the classroom, as you well know, to get my PhD.
And I am ashamed of yup for falling into the Fiesty trap of lying to discredit people. To think I once thought so well of you.
Oh, and Steeler Fan? Anyone who cannot find a job in 99 weeks is not looking very hard. There is a reason our unemployment rate is this high, while there are so many illegal immigrants working in this country. Nobody pays that much into unemployment insurance- it has become a way of life for some people, who are " too good" to do jobs available, while collecting what those us us who ARE paying taxes on our wages are providing.
All while vilifying us, I might add.
The truth is they are hiring engineers in China and India. When the plant closes and is relocated for slave wages abroad everybody gets laid off, even the best person in every department. One more thing, being the best often has little to do with who stays and who go's at lay off time. The bosses son in law might be an idiot, but he is not getting laid off, and leaving the daughter without a paycheck.
NJNB YOU of all people should get a fu**in grip! I have NEVER been busted on this blog for lying unlike YOU at least a half of dozen times! Need I remind you of being called out repeatedly by our gracious moderators?
And I CAN PROVE IT!
So save your FEISTY card will you! And Wanda Sykes (sp?) was right... about your kidneys failing!
You REALLY are a BITTER BITTER b!tch!
Sorry Feisty, 99 weeks IS TOO LONG!!! If that's what you're applying too. Really??? 99 weeks?? They should go back to Trade School...............
Paul=Florida
Going back to trade school is not a bad idea. Unfortunately there are no trade jobs right now and the family needs to eat. Affordable trade schools along with job opportunities are a great idea. Why don't you suggest it to your congressman or women. Or, if you are an employer, hire some one and that will get them off unemployment and they no longer will be what so many conservatives call freeloaders.
egalitarianism
Is this the new leftwing "buzzword" for socialism or progressivism?
Either way, it won't work on those of us with a brain!
Political
The framers of various modern governments made references to the Enlightenment principles of egalitarianism, "inalienable rights endowed by their Creator," in the moral principles by which they lived, and which formed the basis for their legacy.
SaltGrass....you cut & pasted that straight from the pages of.....drumroll please....Wikipedia!
Come on man, dig a little deeper than that.
Did you also notice where it said... as a social philosophy advocating the removal of economic inequalities among people or the decentralization of power
You mean "half a brain", don't you? Feed the rich, screw the poor...yeah you're a "True American" all right...
I had to use something the average Joe can understand.
But if want a deeper understanding then the below is for you:
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/egalitarianism/
Another, "Huh?" moment brought to you by TA. Thank you TA for showing the true colors of the right. At least you guys are consistent.
P.S. Thanks, SG for the backup.
Either Pat Boston is the premier reporter in America today or I'm all set up for huge disappointment. Separate vote on middle class tax cuts...and....abolish DADT! Almost too much to hope for. Now if we can get unemployment extended too, it'll be anything but a lame duck session. Dems must do their part on unemployment, whether a straight up majority vote or, if necessary use the stimulus money. This is way too important to use for political positioning and economists say that unemployment benefits are likely the most stimulative spending possible since these are folks w/ no choice but to turn over the funds into spending (unlike tax cut wealth for the rich which are just put into storage).
marv, huge disappointments. I hope not. I really hope not. I don't know what's going to happen to the tax cut extension for the wealthy. Hopefully they'll just die a fast death Dec. 31st. I shouldn't have put either story here. First Read is pretty good at getting to the heart of a story and I should have waited for their perspective. But any good news these days I welcome. However premature.
God I hope DADT doesn't get abolished...it is fine just the way it is.
so sorry dude - goin' down ... I'm reminded of the Repub. congressman (don't remember the name - they all look alike to me) who said on the House floor that, while he still held the same beliefs that he'd spent his whole career fighting for (anti-gay-marriage, pro-DADT, etc.), he wouldn't be spending any more time on those, because of what his teenage daughter had said that day over breakfast: "Y'all don't get it dad - you've already lost that argument; lost it long-term. My generation doesn't care about what goes on in a stranger's bedroom. Never will again..." So to those of you that DO care about what goes on in a stranger's (or hell, your brother's!) bedroom - I guess...keep on dyin'...(?)
unemployed....toasted. don't worry, teabagger GOP will fight and die for tax cuts for their pocket liner super rich friends so they can buy $85,000.00 s class Mercedes Benz......jack wagons.
Blame the Dems Pius...why on earth they would present this bill in such a fashion is beyond me. They have the votes to pass it, they just don't know where the money is going to come from. Pretty stupid if you ask me...trying to make the GOP look bad, but it actually makes them look bad.
What's wrong Pius Emeka Nabo...is your 99 weeks up?
John Boehner, Eric Cantor, Mitch McConnell, I have a question for all of you...
Where are the jobs?
You left out Roy Blunt the earmark king!
They have to sell some more earmarks for jobs.... jobs in China, India, Mexico and every other country that funds their campaigns.
McConnell should be put to pasture like the other old worthless horses from Kentucky.
Although the 3 of them could be on Dancing with the stars.
they killed them when they were in power for eight years running up the deficit now they want us to come up with answers to cover their loss of jobs and jobs shippment with their help
I am upset that the unemployment extension did not pass at this time. This is NOT a hand-out or a free ride and I can assure you that I am not LAZY. (I am so tired of hearing this statement from those who are lucky enough to be employed!). I have been unemployed for over a year and can prove to anyone all the jobs that I have applied for via the internet, by mail or by simply dropping off my resume anywhere I could think of! I am well dressed,well spoken and I have an extensive background in Customer Service in the medical field. I also worked for 42 YEARS and paid into the system before collecting unemployment benefits. I have had very good interviews,but unfortunately,I am also a product of my age (which is only 58 by the way) but employers look at long term and they assume that I am short term looking at retirement in 4-8 years. At this rate,that probably will not happen anyway! This is not a hand out, this is insurance that is needed to pay my bills and buy food. So for those of you who are lucky enough to have a job in this awful economy, be thankful at this time of year. I am thankful for the love of a good husband and a great family. I just wish I had a job as well. HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all!
Nancy,
I know how you feel. I am 59 and alone. I have worked ALL my life (since 14) and paid into a system that has left me to starve because I ran out of all unemployment and they refuse to even consider a Tier V. It's just like Social Security that hopes you die at 64 1/2 so they can keep all your money. That is also why the government really doesn't care about the illegal problem. They collect the employer paid taxes for all these illegal's and KNOW, there is no way they can ever file for a refund or benefits so, again they get to keep the money.
Seriously, what I am seeing in the work place are large companies that move jobs overseas and layoff older workers. So at your age, no one wants to hire you because you made to much have too much experience or any other reason to get around age discrimination. So people in their 50’s are left with no Job and in some cases they do hardship withdrawals on their 401K or retirement fund. Without any income, many will end up on the streets. So they take the Jobs and move them overseas and then do not want to pay for the unemployment benefits and medical benefits. It is a sad dad when the old are regarded as a Full Time Expense and laid off because they have benefits.
Come on, True American, make a comment on this. How about you, no joe? What have you got to say to this person?
The problem with America right now? People like you two who say, "I've got mine. Screw you."
Mathew, why did the Dems chose to bring this to the floor requiring two thirds of the votes. Thats the real question you should be asking...and why did they not include how it would be paid for? Use your head!
No, JFK, the question is how can anyone with any morals at all vote this down? Don't try to change the subject because you can't answer the challenge, JFK. That is a common tactic of the right and it just ain't going to fly.
Your comment about it being paid for just shows us your own lack of morals. Who cares how it's paid for?!?! People like Nancy are suffering and do not know where their next meal is coming from. You are another of the, "I've got mine. Screw you." crowd taking us toward that plutocracy the rich so desperately want.
So, JFK, what is your comment about this woman's situation? Anything?
Nancy----I am so sorry to hear of your troubles --how can any politician (or anyone else on this board) say that you are lazy? It just doesn't make sense to me. You are right that employers look at your age and that counts against you---they also figure that if they give you benefits it will cost more as well. I hope you are able to stay positive and that something good will happen for you. I am thankful for many blessings this year----one of them is courageous people like you.
How can anyone say this person is lazy? How bout this: after 99 weeks, no job? Meanwhile there are tens of millions of illegals working in this country? Tells me a lot- like, this person thinks he/she is "too good" to do jobs illegals are doing.
I have cleaned toilets. I have served burgers. I have done any job, any time I needed the money.
It would behoove some of the people currently running out of their ninety-ninth week of unemployment to do the same.
It is illegal to hire illegals right, these people won't hire the unemployed, they don't pay payroll taxes, or FICA, they are criminals who benefit from cheating on the government, the citizens, and the powerless people who they take advantage of. They won't hire legals, even if you were willing to work for the wages, they are making out like bandits by cheating the system in a variety of ways.
Amen!
no joe, you really SUCK at being a human being.
Matthew... Can you confirm she's human? I have my doubts!
The Republicians never cared about people going hungry or homeless or their children not having any Christmas. ALL they ever cared about is their rich friends and themselves. And, people were stupid enough to vote more of them in.
Okay, read the comments above and I again feel like I feel and that is Both Rep./Dem. are both at fault and still blaming each other and pointing fingers. At this time, I'm tired of the whole thing because I blame both sides, not just one. There are times when people say, I should have the right to say how I feel, and guess what! your right you all of the right to speak your mind. But, remember one thing when you do and someone makes a comment on it and you get mad or say your wrong or you have no right to say that. So you all tell me, when does it kick in for those people to speak their mind when you do. We all need to stick together and try to help each other, but no, you all seem to be making such big issues that I feel we have enough going on without us attacking each other. And for those the are working and have pay checks coming in, my feeling is that you shouldn't have nothing to say because you are working and are not out of a job, but if you were trust me you would probably be in our shoes, and be honest okay, you would. Denial is ugly.
They need this done, because the Government is going to give the benefits either in Unemployment or Welfare there is NO WORK, tell me whose hiring....
That's because the Bush crowd gave companies bonuses, tax breaks, etc. for offshoring and outsourcing jobs to countries like Red Communist China. Now who would ever think we would have to borrow money from a commie country to pay for a war?
I contend that it's not so much that republicans don't want to help people, its that we want to help people responsibly. This means passing every feel good piece of legislation put up by the democrats who never look for a way to pay for it first doesn't work so well for us. Why NOT use untapped stimulus funds to pay for this bill instead of passing more unfunded spending? We cannot continue to spend money like it grows on trees because there's a limit to how much tax payers can bear and still afford to live!
And while I appreciate those of you who've been unemployed and actively looking, for every one person I know like you, I know another who is waiting to start looking until the unemployment benefits run out. Where do you draw the line with benefits extensions in a case like that?
I read a statistic that said two thirds of those who lose their unemployment benefits find a job within two months. Imagine that...
Imagine this... until you provide some proof to that statement I'll consider nothing more than your usual
bullsh!t!
Sorry, couldn't find anything in the huffingtonpost or NYTimes for you Fisty Redbush.
Just making stuff up again JFK2112? Even if it were true, it doesn't say that they found a job which pays all the bills that have been stacking up for 99 weeks. Or even keeps the worker from falling farther behind.
It's about learning to be accepting of your new status as a debt slave to the Chinese.
I read a statistic that said two thirds of those who lose their unemployment benefits find a job within two months. Imagine that...
Imagine that all we have to do is cancel all unemployment benefits immediately, and in two months millions will have found work. Evidently canceling benefits creates jobs. Will repealing healthcare make everyone well. How about I cancel my car insurance will that that prevent accidents.
Do some research on your own. there is a ton of info out there on how many people gain jobs quickly after benefits end. Also, whoever is receiving benefits out there...get a part time job and collect partial unemployment benefits to help make up a little difference. your benefits should last longer while you work part time and get your foot in the door with agood company. And again the business pays into this fund not the individual. It is not a tax you pay, it is paid by the business to help those who need it. This is cosing our businesses money as well as the government because the money paid in has been depleted so most states are having to pick up the tab to keep the benefits going...supported by the government of course.
Unemployement benefits aren't suppose to last the rest of your life...they have to expire eventually, which means you have to get a job. Now it may not pay as well as your previous job, or may not even be in the same field, but get out and do it until you find something better. I change light bulbs on sky scrapers but because there are no openings I can't do anything else.
Well, Tea Partiers and GOPs, I believe that the ball is now in your court. The Democrats could have extended the unemployment funds without you. But since you want a say; and are so worried about the spending and the deficit and all, they wanted you to put in your two cents worth. And now that you have , there might be a lot of hungry, sad, unemployed people this Christmas. I hope that there are not too many Tea Party and GOP voters in that bunch. Once again, the GOP have shown that they are excellent at saying "NO". We are still waiting to see them fix a problem, though.
Republicans are just low lifes! They want to give tax breaks to the rich whom they have redistributed wealth to tirelessly for the last 10 years at the expense of the middle class. They are holding up STAR which I think amounts to treason. They have been bought and paid for by big business(anonymously) through the Chamber of Commerce thanks to SCOTUS. And they are called fiscally responsible? Not a single idea to save money or create jobs. Tax breaks to the rich do not create jobs. It is a bogus argument that has been proven so over the last 10 years. Everyone better show up to vote these thugs out of office in 2012.
How many jobs did Barry create, errrr, uummmmmm, saved I mean....LOL
Two thirds is way low.... I see way too many people dropping their kids off to school, meeting every morning at the coffee shop to chit chat. You see a little sweat on their foreheads for a few days until the next extension is passed and then you hear a loud "WHEEEEEW........" Some of these people are union and are not allowed to look for work or another job. What a joke!!
Sounds like a Reagan anecdote....................no truth to it but fun to hear.
Alghoud,
Sounds like you are one of those whom you speak of. Actually I think you are making things up but since you say that's what you see it is probably your reflection you are looking at.
You are a joke, no union can prevent somebody from looking for or taking any job they wish. You have no clue and just make it up as you go along as long.
Not passing the unemployment extension is a huge mistake. 12.5 billion is a drop in the bucket compared to the deficit. 2 million United States citizens arent going to be able to eat, have medical care, going to lose their places to live, their transportation, everything, if they havent already, and our Government won't bail them out. An extension needs to be passed. Anyone reading this with an ounce of compassion should understand the urgency of passing the unemployment extension. Not passing the extension is basicly throwing 2 million U.S. citizens in the street. Stop shipping jobs offshore. It shouldn't matter if you're a Democrat or Republican, work together to find a solution, an extension needs to be passed as we are all U.S. citizens. Compromise and do whatever it takes!!
Yes, blame it on the lazy, good for nothing, loafing-off-the governmnet unemployed. Only the richest 1% should get any kind of break from the government. Not old people on SS and Medicare. Not sick people without healthcare(whose fault is it that they need help anyhow?) After all, it's that 1% that's going to miraculously save us, ONCE we give them another tax cut, that is.
Did anybody think to ask "What else was in small print" on that bill?
I figure that DADT is just fine,if someone wants to serve then let them.If you're too afraid to let someone of "questionable sexual preferance" cover your back in a fire-fight,then you're probably afraid that the Black man or any woman who you have to depend on to support you,to support each other,to keep all of you alive won't be there when you need each other.It's competence that matters,not if someone sleeps with men,women,rubber blow-up dolls,or sheep.
Can anyone tell me if it is possible that an extension bill can be passed in the next 30 days? can the President do anything?
Is it possible? Yeah, it's inevitable...'cause we Dem's care about people other than ourselves!