Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Brad Kelley, Lebanon Tn — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:19:20 GMT

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

tina, ar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:20:00 GMT

Of course the Republican's do, they would rather spend the money on bridge's to no where, or on a couple more wars.

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Uday Cusay — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:20:07 GMT

And Americans poked fun at France for being socialist.

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Carol, Long Valley NJ — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:21:13 GMT

The Republican party, the party for rich, white men to protect their wealth. A party of the corporations, by the corporations and for the corporations.

It's time for a change.

It's time to come together for our country. Bush/Cheney have created a fascist state with corporations running our government. The Republican Congress has "borrowed and spent" us into an inresponsibly huge deficit, with the paper being held by the Chinese and some oil rich states in the Middle East, and McCain is willing to borrow even more.

It's time to join together to work towards electing a Democratic President with a workable Democratic majority in both the House and the Senate.

This time do something smart and vote for your wallet, vote for the economy, vote for the environment, vote for jobs, vote for America!

Vote for the smartest candidate in the race, a real leader (and no that's not McCain -- not by a long shot)

Vote Democratic 2008 -- don't let the corporations and their Republican stooges win again.

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Gary Preston — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:22:01 GMT

I thought unemployemtn benefits went to the men and women who lost their jobs in order to survive until they could find new jobs. What difference does it make what the percentage of unemployment is for a state? If they are American workers they should get American paid for benefits, i.e. unemployment benefits. The benefits are already paid for by the government (both feds and state from our taxes we pay) and the employers (who figure the cost into what they pay the worker and still reap a profit. Give the poor working amn and woman a break they deserve for a change!

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Cherie Kansas City MO — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:22:33 GMT

Good going Dems! Now the people will see who the Republicans are who vote against help for people in this time of financial crisis! We already know about Bush!!

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Sally T., Littleton CO — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:25:00 GMT

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

LeStone Williams III, Chicago — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:27:52 GMT

That's what I like about my government. They take money from the people that produce, and give it to the people that don't. And when the money runs out, they just do it again.

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Brodrick Cheney, Casper WY — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:32:36 GMT

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Just Wanna Know — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:36:15 GMT

So this is our government "helping people"? How does it help the people that have their money taken away to pay for it?

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

DV, CA — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:36:56 GMT

People complain about unemployment until they need it.

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

New Independent — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:37:25 GMT

I think we should unemploy many of those in Congress. But then they get full benefits don't they?

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Throw out all republicans — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:39:42 GMT

Isn't this lack of sympathy just incredible since the Senate just voted a payraise for themselves? Amazing! Something is mighty wrong in our Congress!

Vote Obama to clean it up!

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

OneOleMan, Seattle, WA — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:39:55 GMT

I can't help but wonder how many of those opposed to extending the benefits have been unemployed for six or more months with little or no savings in the bank. Perhaps they should try walking in an unemployed persons shoes for a couple of months.

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Throw out all republicans — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:39:58 GMT

Isn't this lack of sympathy just incredible since the Senate just voted a payraise for themselves? Amazing! Something is mighty wrong in our Congress!

Vote Obama to clean it up!

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Ron White, Atlanta Ga — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:40:15 GMT

So let me see if I have this straight. The goverment will give me money for free, and I can stay home and watch Oprah, and the poor schmuck that has to pay for it all has to work all day? Sign me up!

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Gary Preston — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:41:40 GMT

Sorry Cheney. Corporations don't pay taxes. they set up off shore accounts and dummy sites with becies of lawyers to avaoid paying their fair share. Only schmucks like you (I'm assuming you work and pay taxes) and me work and pay taxes, like all the hard working American men and women. Can anyone honestly tell me that we are all better off today than we were 7 or 8 years ago. I'm a republican and I know things are tougher for most Americans today. All you have to do is open your eyes and ears. We can have differences of opinion (it's the American way) but at least let's be honest.

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Todd, NC — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:41:52 GMT

Carol: Vote Democratic 2008 -- don't let the corporations and their Republican stooges win again

Carol, you, or perhaps many of your family and friends are employed by corporations. It would be too bad if we increased the corporations taxes and you or your family/friends lost their job. Of course then you'd have 39 weeks of unemployment, so who really cares, right?
Brodrick Cheney, Casper WY (Sent Thursday, June 12, 2008 12:32 PM)
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Brodrick Cheney.. news flash people are still loosing their jobs at a nauseating pace buddy even with corporations getting all these great tax breaks

You must be a child of a Republican with that as we call it "old money". Because only people like you talk like that...

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

thats a fact jack — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:45:12 GMT

give the rich a tax break, send American jobs overseas, lay-off Americans then deny unemployment insureance(which are paid for thru Americans taxes) then deny Americans there benefits cause hey they are lazy and it is their fault the rich get tax breaks and it is their fault their jobs are sent overseas and it is their own fault they got laid off SO VOTE FOR MCCANT AND REPUBS AND CONTINUE THIS GREAT IDEA.

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Javier Q, NY — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:45:47 GMT

But you fools want a Gas Tax Holiday? it always about me me me me me, What about the people most effected, You know how hard it has been for my wife to try to get back on her feet? Jobs are not there! I have a good job and have been holding us afloat, but our savings are gone now and it has gotten tough, inflation is real. But sure $30 bucks is better than helping those who have no hope!

Sad that people rather be so awful to others in need! Than to understand these are tough times, even for the middleclass.

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Rachel — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:47:23 GMT

you don't get unemployment benefits unless you have enough working credits to do so. If someone has worked long enough to get credit and pay into the system, they are entitled. Since the oil brothers (Bush & Cheney) will be collecting life long benefits soon for virtually destroying the U.S, repbublicans can't say diddly.

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Broderick Cheney, Casper WY — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:54:05 GMT

Brodrick Cheney.. news flash people are still loosing their jobs at a nauseating pace buddy even with corporations getting all these great tax breaks

You must be a child of a Republican with that as we call it "old money". Because only people like you talk like that...
Todd, NC (Sent Thursday, June 12, 2008 12:41 PM)

*****

That argument is using the same logic as taxing the Big Bad Oil Companies. What do you think Todd, if we tax the oil companies to death, how will that bring down the price at the pump? Then if we tax the corporations to death, do you think they'll hire more people?

I guess logic doesn't apply in Liberal Land.

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

R.T. Cincinnati Ohio — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:54:07 GMT

Elect Obama and we can crank up the welfare state again to the early 1990's goofiness.

How to pay for it all? Tax hikes galore. America = France

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Larry j Clearwater FL — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:59:51 GMT

Gary, you obviously do not know who pays the taxes in this country. Corporation pay the most by far (around 37.5% federal), then the rich , then the middleclass. Look it up. Obama will have to raise taxes on everyone that pays. Im sure that wil send a big boost to the economy. Repubs pay far more than the Dims. Hard to look it up because its politically incorrect. "Hope and change " isnt free.

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Rick, NC — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:02:44 GMT

LMAO...the same ones who complain about unemployment are the first to go crawling down to the office and sign up for it when they lose their jobs...I know

I canned a die hard bushie dufus months ago and he is still collecting it...I don't understand why he doesn't get off his lazy white christian butt and get a job...sheeesh what is it with these republicans, they say one thing and do another

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:04:35 GMT

The reason why unemployment benefits were created in the first place was so that those that didn't have a job could buy the things they needed and put money back into the economy. This was done by FDR during the Great Depression! The benefits should be extended to keep people from losing their house and keep them fed.

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

MI Chick — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:04:44 GMT

Well said, Javier.

I agree with DV - no one complains about this until they need it.

Not everyone collecting benefits are slackers. Have any of you haters been down and out? Michigan's economy absolutely sucks and so does our labor dept (IMHO). It is hard as heck to get jobs here. What do you expect people to do - starve so YOU don't have to pay anymore?

Grow up.

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Mark,Seattle — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:04:59 GMT

Where is Obama putting out his populist, and vote buying, message when you need him? One question Barack, how you going to pay for all this?

"Change is what American people will have in their pockets when I'm President" - Barack H. Obama 2008
******************************************************
Ahhh another pointless, Misguided and uninformed attack. It's funny to see people freak out about spending when we are paying billions a week on the war in Iraq. How is George Bush paying for that? By borrowing from China and the Middle East. Is that fiscally responsible Sally? What would be your solution to a repression driven by a senseless war, outsourcing of american jobs and tax cuts for the wealthiest 1% of our country? Please enlighten us all Sally. What would you say to the thousands of men and women who can't keep a job because they are caring for there children while there spouses go on endless tours of duty in the middle east? What would you say to the father in michigan who lost his job of 20 years because it is cheaper to pay someone in China or India to do the work?
Stop your mindless mud slinging and think before you speak.

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

No Silas Marner — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:06:33 GMT

For those who are posting nasty comments about those who receive unemployment: I pray that you never have to deal with having your job pulled out from under you and having to swallow YOUR pride to ask for help, be given an amount that won't even cover the basics and then be ridiculed by others like yourself!
May God forgive your lack of compassion and your pettiness.

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

tina, ar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:12:35 GMT

Hey repub's maybe if you rich dudes were creating more jobs here in America instead of shipping them overseas to sweatshops you wouldn't need unemployment. I almost hope all of you lose your companies and go bankrupt so you can experience a little bit of real life.

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Blah, blah, blah — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:14:01 GMT

That argument is using the same logic as taxing the Big Bad Oil Companies. What do you think Todd, if we tax the oil companies to death, how will that bring down the price at the pump? Then if we tax the corporations to death, do you think they'll hire more people?

I guess logic doesn't apply in Liberal Land.
Broderick Cheney, Casper WY (Sent Thursday, June 12, 2008 12:54 PM)
**************************************8

Giving tax breaks and waivers to companies that make billions in profits is not logical. Rewarding companies with lower taxes that take jobs off American soil and ship them elsewhere is not logical.
What are you smokin' up there?

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

MK,MO — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:15:18 GMT

the corporations have abandoned the american worker and the country, they enjoy foreign slave labor and use the obscene profits to expand operations outside the u.s., I say tax the hell out of them, they don't intend to employ any american citizens anyway so make it uncomfortable for the slime to send our jobs overseas, and unprofitable. You can sure tell who the wealthy repubs are on this blog, sorry boys the parties over, time to start kicking in your fair share, you may feel a little pressure

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

CD/PA — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:16:14 GMT

I am very much in favor of the unemployment extension. Jobs are hard to find right now with this messed up economy and for those of you that are complaining about it, must be nice to feel that you are secure at your job. I agree with DV,CA everybody complains about unemployment until THEY NEED IT. Nothing is secure.

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Heather, WA — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:16:42 GMT

The Republicans have had 75 Filibusters this year already...everything from S-CHIP to ending corporate welfare, to the tune of $17 Billion dollars of OUR tax dollars. It's about damn time the American people get some of those hard earned tax dollars back. Its a paultry amount compared to the record breaking profits and corporate welfare that some companies have and will receive this year. We, as compassionate human beings, don't blame the victims of a robbery or an assault but folks will blame the unemployed for losing their jobs, incredible!

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Supporting my family with one job — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:19:39 GMT

The unemployment numbers are skewed because they don't count the people that already have run out of benefits. Some people just don't realize that, in the last few years, it's getting harder and harder to find a decent job. Good luck finding one that will keep up with the basic cost of living.

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

JoAnn, Moundsville, WV — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:19:44 GMT

What is wrong with helping people when they are down and out? Most people would rather work than live on unemployment. Only a cynical few would think otherwise. You only get unemployment if you have worked and lost your job through no fault of your own.

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

skylark — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:24:02 GMT

Bring back the CCC. Put people to work. Roosevelt had it right. Those people built half the sidewalks in my old neighborhood. They built dams and bridges. They worked in Forestry, repaired highways and were proud to do it. They were contributing.Not begging or mooching.
And what about workfare? If you can work and aren't disabled then work for your welfare. There are plenty of jobs that need doing and aren't getting done. Too proud to get your hands dirty? No welfare.
As for unemployment, yes. Extend it. The job market sux. Blame Nafta and the outsourcing of mfg. jobs to third world countries, lining the pockets of the rich corporations and starving out the middle class and the poor. Charity begins at home.

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

enough — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:26:10 GMT

"Sad that people rather be so awful to others in need! Than to understand these are tough times, even for the middle class."

Javier Q, NY (Sent Thursday, June 12, 2008 12:45 PM)

You my man are 100% right! I'm in the same situation. My wife has been effectively out of work for almost 6 months, no savings, we are living paycheck to paycheck. We have gone without paying certain bills and our credit rating has suffered for it! We've had to pick and chose which ones to pay and how much of those we chose to pay!! Extending this is the LEAST that they can do!

These Repukes have GOT to go! There is no other choice! Even if you don't like black people does that hate really matter when you are about to get evicted, or lose your job, can't find one, no health care, 7th tour of duty????!!!

The Republicans are Mostly responsible for the mess we're in now!!! For Christs sake people, prejudices will land you in the poor house, on the street blown up in Baghdad, sick with no recourse!!!

Why are you idiots on here still debating this???!!

OUR COUNTRY IS IN SERIOUS JEOPARDY!

And by the way for those of you who say that congress isn't doing anything? That the Dems got in and promised this and that and now can't deliver? One word:

FILIBUSTER

That is what the Repubs have been doing and then have the nerve to say, you people on here eat it up, wheres the change you promised to bring. "The Dems are all talk!" The House is not where the problem lies, it is the Senate where we hold a very slim 1 vote majority(counting Lieberman). But with Lieberman for the last year or so increasingly aligning himself with the GOP hardly any veto-proof legislation gets through!

So people the choice is a no-brainer: Vote Democratic!

You'll rue the day if you don't!!!

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Jack T., Salida CO — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:33:35 GMT

I wonder why no one has commented on the fact that while Pres. Bush's approval ratings stand at 28%, Congress (yes, run by your friends Reid and Pelosi) has an approval rating of 13%. Does anyone on this site have anything to say about that? Or, like everything else wrong in this country, including potholes in your city, is that Bush's fault as well? I'm amazed that people dismiss the low approval ratings of Congress. I'm not defending Bush, he's been a disastrous President. But Congress bears some culpability too for our country's problems.

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Jim, Mesa, AZ — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:33:36 GMT

Elect Obama and we can crank up the welfare state again to the early 1990's goofiness.

How to pay for it all? Tax hikes galore. America = France
R.T. Cincinnati Ohio (Sent Thursday, June 12, 2008 12:54 PM)

----------------------------------------------

Seems to me the 90's were pretty beneficial to the country as a whole! So what was your point here?

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Jo Para, Hayward, CA — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:38:21 GMT

U guys stop arguing about who is good.. That's is why I don't vote because they are all the same.. When Dem was in the White house, scandal, Rep in the white house, war, same thing, we all American's will never win. but they will

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Erin, MI — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:47:00 GMT

Coming from a family owned business who fires people when they steal from us, and then has to pay that same thief unemployment, I find this a little ridiculous.

Yes, if we ever needed unemployment, it'd be great, but it's those thiefs who are creating the horrible stereotype. Oh, or the people who come into our grocery store with a shirt on that says "Thanks for working so I don't have to...". Yeah, true story!

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Lyn, KCMO — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:48:18 GMT

As one whose job was eliminated last year, the unemployment I received was a life saver! I'd like to see any one of the lawmakers against it, try to live on $250 a week... It's not easy - trust me...

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Joe Tackspaier, Irvine, CA — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:49:52 GMT

In response to: <<...they (Republican's) would rather spend the money on bridge's to no where, or on a couple more wars.>>

Wrong! You don't inact wasteful 'revenge' spending just because the gov't spends money on something you don't agree with.

The fact is, 5.5% unemployment rate is under normal averages, so there's no labor crisis. What's the reasoning behind extending the benefits? Nothing but socialism.

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

lisa - sunnyvale, CA — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:50:45 GMT

this is my take - I'd rather be working and not collecting unemployment. Unemployment benefits, are so small that you cannot survive, but if you cannot find a job then this unemployment benefits will certainly help, and certainly not lazy as some people are thinking.

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

jerry/corpus christi texas — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:53:18 GMT

The Democratic controlled congress, the WORST congress in history trying to spend more and more everyday. Now liberals want free money from the governement so people can sit on their butts all day and don't do a lick of work. If you lose your job, that's a shame. Time to pick yourself off your butt and get with the program. If no jobs available, move somewhere else. Don't be sitting on the couch watching the price is right and being stupid, get out there and hustle! Be a Man or woman!

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Class Warrior, D.C. — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:09:21 GMT

The RePIGlicants just don't want a visible reminder of just how badly they've screwed up the economy. To extend unemployment is an admission that the economy is in such sad shape it takes forever now to get work. The ones responsible for that don't want people to be reminded of that fact.

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

JR, Rochester, MN — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:15:59 GMT

As a 46 year old white male whose position was eliminated at the end of 2007, I welcome extended benefits. Thanks to corporate greed and the need of upper level management to feather their own nests, I will never be able to achieve the salary I was being paid before I was released. That after not having an increase for the past 3 years. My fellow Americans, our country is fowled up beyond the comprehension of most citizens. For those of you lucky enough to be employed at a decent rate of pay, please do not tell me to get off the government dole with such malice. I want to work. I do not want to have to work at the Quicky Mart one shift followed by a shift of stocking aisles at Big Mart when I'm done there in order to make 60% of my former salary. I suspect that you would not want to do that either. While there are always some who will take advantage of the system, please don't penalize those who genuinely need and deserve the assistance due to no fault of their own.

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Cindy Lou, TX — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:20:59 GMT

What is wrong with the Republicans? Americans are suffering and their response is, essentially, "let them eat cake."

I'd rather pay a few more dollars in taxes to help people who've lost their jobs or are about to lose their homes than do absolutely nothing. If we leave the Republicans in charge, America will look like something out of a Dickens novel.

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Peter, CT — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:34:33 GMT

Umm, Congress is controlled by your party the Democrats so you really can't blame the Republicans on that one. The Dems are always doing things to spend more and making laws that they say are good for us. They preach and think they know what is best but to tell you the truth thats called socialism. God help us if Obama wins.

Isn't this lack of sympathy just incredible since the Senate just voted a payraise for themselves? Amazing! Something is mighty wrong in our Congress!

Vote Obama to clean it up!
Throw out all republicans (Sent Thursday, June 12, 2008 12:39 PM)

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

OBwan, In — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:39:48 GMT

Sure, just keep giving it away. Pretty soon no one will want to work, and why bother, Mama Government will take care of you. Just need to tax the producers in this country in the 90% range to pay for all the give away goodies.

Brad Kelley, Lebanon Tn (Sent Thursday, June 12, 2008 12:19 PM)
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Yep! Those 26 weeks of unemployment insurance benefits - really make me not to work.
You want to buy a house, so I can move to a better job market.
BTW the extension is for an additional 13 weeks and yes, I even get to pay federal taxes since it is considered income.

Unemployment benefits to be extended?

Becareful what you look down upon — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:40:00 GMT

Many of you are up in arms about this news, some of you are even stating percentages like Joe Tackspaier in Califorina. First of all Joe looking at 5.5% and saying that its under normal averages does not take into the fact that the population is growing so that 5.5% is larger this year than 4 years ago in raw numbers.

But, as they say those that complain only complain when they are on the long end of the stick. Trust me your job is not safe either, take a long look at how many companies that are laying people off or going overseas all together.

When you are in that line, and one day you will be if things keep going on the path that we are on. Just tell the person at the counter that you decline to accept any unemployment assistance. Tell them that you and your family will make do just fine on your own,...oh my bad, I guess you wouldn't be in the line if you could make it on your own.