Kentucky's Bunning again blocks jobless benefits

This is NOT the bill to push PayGo. You know it, I know it, Bunning in his dementia is the only one.

STOP TAKING Air force 1 around the world for photo ops!!!!

And how about we never hear this crap again from anyone?

Bunning proposes to pay for the extension with unspent money from last year's massive economic recovery package, but Reid objected.

This is invaluable information from my POV. It simply shows politicians--once again--trying to use a controversial senatorial event to make points against the other side. Bunning in likely no angel (for sureeeee) but I see the principle behind his controversial act and it makes those who want to demonize him suspect.

If the money is in the coffer why not spend it Mr Reid?!!!!!!!

Collins said 500 people from her state would lose their unemployment benefits this week, while doctors will soon have to absorb a 21 percent cuts in their Medicare reimbursements.

If it is critical to pass the bill why not spend the money in the coffer Sue???!!!!

Who is willing to side with Bunning that TARP money should be used to help the people of this country not assure against the corrupt bankers and wall street whores. We should be holding out BIG ASS STICKS TO KEEP THEM IN LINE!!!

American politics really SUCK!!!! We could be going the way of old Rome

btco, dream on. If Obama did stop taking the trips that are a necessary part of his job, the same people screeching about the cost of AF1 would be screeching at him for neglecting his duties. You know how the game is played. If he goes to Copenhagen like the other heads of state of countries in the running for the Olympics to make his pitch, they ridicule him, and gloat when Chicago loses its bid. If he hadn't gone, they would have blamed him for losing the American Olympic bid by not going. 100% absolutely certainly positively guaranteed.

How about pulling out of Iraq?

How about shutting down all of the extraneous military bases we have around the world, the private golf courses for senior military officers, the fleet of luxury Gulfstream jets assigned to transport generals, admirals and the other priviledged elites, closing down tax benefits for corporations and so forth? Please read Chalmers Johnson's "Nemesis."

How about pullig out of Afganistan ? go one further, How about pulling out of the Middle east and sending a message to the Mullas there that if another attack happens on American soil we will turn your lands into Glass !!

From what I have heard, Bunning was for the bloated jobs bill that had huge tax breaks for corporations in it. He wasn't worried about paygo then.

I have already posted on this issue several times. To summarize, I would give Bunning the benefit of the doubt on the Pay as you Go rationalization for his vote. However, he voted against PayGo, he gave Bush a total pass on tax cuts for the rich - which involved alot more money than involved here. Bush doubled the national debt when you add in the expenditures passed during his last year and inherited by Obama. Bunning was a hardcore Republican voting for all of the expensive Bush era legislation, including the Medicare Drug Benefits. Republicans gave us their estimate of the cost - then the non partisan Government Accountability Office gave us their expert opinion, $17 trillion longterm dollars that may bankrupt Medicare.

Hypocrisy?

Bunning had NO issue with this Bush health care service related bill, Bush tax cuts to the rich or Bush doubling the national debt. However, suddenly he is a PayGo and a disciplined spending enthusiast. The hypocrisy makes you want to gag.

My guess is that after Bunning announced his retirement and plan to not seek re election after his low polls and his party wanted to run someone else, he was volunteered to be the Republican fall guy for obstructing bills. He is expendable and the new GOP candidate has most likely been selected already for the election.

He is from Kentucky, most likely one of the states with the most tea partyers. I can only hope the unemployment issue hits Kentucky hard enough to get alienated with both Bunning and the Republican Party. This may be a 2010 election and I hope Kentuckyians have the good sense to vote Republicans out after many suffer from Bunning's obstructionism.

btco... as long as it's my tax dollars being burned, I have every right to watch how it is spent and voice my opposition if I feel it is wasted.

Maybe you are one of the privileged who don't pay taxes, maybe you make enough not to care, or maybe you're just a sheep following the party lie. I don't know... don't care.

I work hard for my money and would prefer to have my tax dollars spent as wisely as the few they let me keep.

mountainmike-1199289

Kentucky has had its fair share of poverty in the nation's history, don't you think? Why should it matter what state it is - all are American that will be affected by his decision. A hungry United States citizen is just that - still a United States citizen. Do you care? Or are we going to now start pitting state against state?

How irresponsible to say such a thing.

A Sergeant's Mom: So I ask you, at what point is enough enough? Give me a number? When do we stop paying for people to not have jobs above and beyond the social safety nets already in place?

Where the @!$%# were all of these hypocritical @!$%#s when they were passing huge unfunded taxcuts for the rich? Where the @!$%# were all of these hypocritical @!$%#s when they were passing huge unfunded mandates for Medicare Part D and NCLB? Where the @!$%# were all of these hypocritical @!$%#s when they decided to go to war for no good reason and not pay for it?

A good point? Are you insane? I have @!$%#ing $15 left on my unemployment card to pay my $230 gas bill for February. You want to play politics, do it with your own @!$%#. You don't see your paragon of virtue giving back all of the earmarks he inserted for Kentucky. You don't see him despondent over his failure as a senator to control ANYTHING. Give me a @!$%#ing break - he's a showboating @!$%#tard @!$%# who needs to be thrown out of the Baseball HoF amongst other justified endings. Where the hell is a Preston Brooks when we need one?

Guess what - I pay taxes too - just because you want to spend it all to kill brown skinned people for their oil isn't my @!$%#ing problem. I worked hard, got laid off because a bunch of greedy self-centered GNoPers decided it would be cool to rape and pillage Wall Street, and I damn well deserve my UE benefits. If the sheeple in America would wake the @!$%# up to the ass raping they are getting from the 1%ers we might have a chance, but instead we are surrounded by quislings who think it is better to reduce all of the middle class to third world status so a very few can get obscenely rich.

Will you are so correct. One extension which was not pay-as-you had already been done. The house should have found funding for the second extention. the Demos are playing games by pushing the second extension through with paying for it. There is stimulus money available use it.

actually, this is the third time they've had to vote on an extension, mainly because they extend it for such short timeframes. Looks like they are going to go for the yearlong extension which Bunning won't be able to play games with.

Excuse me, but wasn't the stimulus suppose to pay for the unemployment benefits? We haven't even used all of THAT money and that is partly what it was allocated for - so, dang, use it! Or is it because they want to continue to use that money as the slush fund and keep increasing spending like they have been doing all along (i.e. 900 million just yesterday to keep kids interested in school and from dropping out? - just another useless waste of money that will do nothing. Sounds good, but it won't do a blame thing for the problem)- paygo be blanked?

http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2010/03/01/3964113-obama-seeks-money-interventions-to-stem-dropouts

Bunning is just being a shining example of why the system does not work; a senior who grew old without growing up throwing a temper tant5rum

The money he is talking about has already been budgeted and likely spent but not yet paid out (for example people are filing for the other 1/3 rd of a tax cut that started last year but was spread over 2 years - that money has not been "spent" yet)

All the ignorant childish comments above about pay-go just aren't paying attention to the process - read the article. It takes a week in procedures to bypass this one senator - no one else has this problem

Excuse me, but wasn't the stimulus suppose to pay for the unemployment benefits?

Nope. There is a $25/week stim payment in the UI checks above the weekly claim amount. That extra $100/month keeps the lights on and keeps me fed.

ust another useless waste of money that will do nothing. Sounds good, but it won't do a blame thing for the problem)

Tell those of us who depend on the money to keep us off the streets that it is "useless." Tell those businesses that see UI money coming in that it is "useless."

Given the hours you are here, I have to ask--are you stealing time from your employer or are you out of work?

Apples,

Your name sounds like a good place to start - share! Sometimes the best remedies are the most simple. Do readers honestly believe that unemployed persons would remain that way given a choice? No, they would not. As I have stated several times on this web site - Americans are not lazy. I have NEVER seen a lazy United States citzen in my 49 years.

Here's an idea...hold a telethon!

I'm very serious. This situation is only going to increase. Do you believe Americans should pick and choose who gets to live and who does not? Frankly this is where the direction of the country is headed. Sorry to spoil the happy feelings of those who got a raise today. But, each of us live in a nation where we all have benefitted at some point and time from the government even if it is from tax returns - I know it was our money to start - but in other governments - you wouldn't have gotten that money back!

So, what do we do? We share. We start in our own community. No one person has to share all that he or she has. But, it is really a very simple solution and a very easy thing to do.

Yes, United States citizens are the most benevolent in the world. However, we have been more benevolent to citizens of foreign nations than to our own.

America throws more food away daily than many countries do in a year. So - take an extra step, wrap it up and give it to someone you know is hungry. If you can't find them, ask the police where homeless persons live. Find them. Help them. Help the families that are struggling to survive right in your own neighborhood. Find out who they are and help.

Why wouldn't you? Homelessness, hunger, medical care, all draw down the financial reserve for the entire nation. It is fiscally more responsible to care for each other. It is morally upright to take action in helping one another.

We have appropriate concern for those suffering devastating loss during disaster but what about those within our own communities who suffered devastation - maybe years ago - but no one cared and this person has been living out of garbage cans for years, maybe decades. Why? Why has no American helped these people?

So, instead of approaching this matter with the attitude that we are "...paying for people...," we should take the moral perspective that how can we help them survive. How can we save lives?

So, allow me to throw a question back to you.

Why wouldn't fellow United States citizens help each other?

I have to ask--are you stealing time from your employer or are you out of work?

No, you don't have to ask, Jonesy, because it is rude, for one thing, but that is beside the point. In answer to your question, I don't steal, from anyone, I can tell you that. Thanks to our lovely economy, yes, I am out of work (full time anyway with benefits and retirement) and working part time jobs to stay afloat.

Nope. There is a $25/week stim payment in the UI checks above the weekly claim amount.

Ah, ok, thanks. I may have misread that somewhere...Hmm, I will have to look into that some more, but I DO know as well as you, Jonesy, that every little bit helps. Unfortunately, I was unable to get UB because of a lot of red tape between states and I finally just gave up while they batted it back and forth like a volleyball, and figured I'd live off my saving and just find piecemeal jobs (I now have 3-4 that work out pretty well schedule wise). But anyway, what about the other part of the stimulus that hasn't been spent? Why not reallocate it, instead of increasing more debt spending?

ust another useless waste of money that will do nothing. Sounds good, but it won't do a blame thing for the problem)

Jonesy, I was talking about the 900 million for the drop out program, that Obama proposed. Go back and reread that - it wasn't directed at you. I know all too well about living on the brink, trust me on that.

Take care.

I think it is only fair of the liberal media to tell the part of the story that Bunning is vying for the uses of TARP money to pay these entitlements instead of pointing at him as being the only holdout and responsible for 400,000 Americans not receiving UI checks they rightly deserve.

It not just our politicians that stink--it's also the biased spin-doctors and their irresponsible attention grabbing sound bites (NPR)

I think a big chunk of that TARP money is insurance for the rich!

Why did he not pull this crap when it comes to pay raises for the senate? He would never do this if he was going to run again, because he would never get re-elected.

Why did he not do this on every other spending bill that we have had in the last few years?

This is just like the governments saying that if they do not raise taxes, they are going to have to cut programs that have high visibility and help the people that really need it. They say, they will need to cut fire and police. When there is plenty of other fat they could cut, but if they said that they would have to cut it if they did not get a tax raise, people would tell them to cut away. Instead they pick something that affects people more to put on the chopping block.

Here's an idea...hold a telethon!

Or instead PayGo and take money allocated to the rich and spend it on the UI. I never said Americans are lazy. I never said people out of work don't want/ need/ look for a job. I simply said that we cannot continue to extend benefits in perpetuity without a plan to pay for them.

The telethon idea isn't half bad either.. let's have it in China. That's where we would get the money to extend UI benefits without Bunning's dissent, right?

I have a question that's been bugging me for awhile. Why does OUR Govt set aside Money, in the Billions, For GRANTS? Then say they have to spend this Money this way. Isn't this TAXPAYER MONEY, Just going to WASTE?

Why couldn't some of this Money Fund UE? If they have to give it away,Hell let me have some of it. Maybe it wouldn't be so hard to pay Med Bills then...LOL.

MYSTIC1,

A great deal of federal money is set aside for specific grant use. Quite a bit of it is unused. Many citizens do not write grants requesting to use the money because often he or she is not aware of the availability of it. Grants are not a common issue of discussion in certain circles. This is an excellent point of debate.

madvargr Dead on post. Man I know your post had some heat to it, but you dead on.

And as far as the boneheaded comments about Obama taking trips.Take a look. All presidents take trips. Obama is not out of line with our last presidents on trips, but I don't recall the righteous wingers complaining about it. And as far as photo ops. Maybe Bush shouldn't have been sitting on his thumbs for a photo op on 911!! Ever thought about that??

http://mediamatters.org/research/200906010027

madvargr

Quite the rant. While I won't address each point I disagree with, I would like to address one thing. You act as though the Government OWES you this money. They don't. Your employer pays the state and feds for your insurance. In exchange, you are guaranteed 26 weeks of payments.

If you cannot find work in 26 weeks, lower your standards. I had to. I'm doing short term temp work for nearly half of what I used to make.

If you still can't find a job, there are dozens of social programs to help you. Food stamps, welfare, etc.

It's not the Governments job to take care of you. It IS their job to protect you from attack (military), aggression (courts) and to protect your rights.

madvarger -

What you say in our first paragraph is fairly accurate. Few Americans, however, have not had to lower their standard of living.

There are NOT dozens of social programs out there in this democracy. Unless you have a child or a disabled person living with you, often as an adult citizen, you qualify for very little. Food stamps do not apply until your bank account is nearly depleted or you are so destitute you have little option. And even then, the government agencies make it extremely difficult to access these resources. Believe it or not, some are forcing hungry people to take "classes" in order to receive their food cards. I find this irresponsible and cruel.

But, the point is that Senator Bunning intentionally is withholding earned income credits for unemployment - that is where the problem lies -

an extension means you still have remaining allowances owed to you from your earned income that he is blocking. It is YOUR money.

And, my friend, it is not the government's job to take care of you. It IS the government's job to represent me at Capitol Hill, where I asked them to. If they do NOT fairly represent me, then it is their job to either step down or permit me to elect someone in who does represent me.

When a nation is facing and suffering such hard times, trust that I will protect my rights.

An extension is not earned... it is a gift. If I buy insurance that promises me $100 if something happens... and I spend that $100 and come back with my hand out.. any "additional" (extended) money they give me is a gift. They are going above and beyond the agreed contract. The Unemployment "contract" says 26 weeks. If it was earned, it would not be a problem... it would would come from a stash of money that existed somewhere and we would not be having this conversation.

The money is coming from the tax payers. It will be borrowed, increasing the debt... or printed, devaluing the dollar.

And what Constitution are you reading that its the Government's job to take care of your every need? That's socialist talk there, Lass.

No gift.

It must be returned after you begin receiving regular paychecks once again. Speak with your local unemployment agency. If it is unlikely that you will be employed for some time again, you might not qualify for an extension. Local employment agencies, DHS, and more are tightening parameters on qualifications as we type - making it even more difficult to access.

"And what Constitution are you reading that its the Government's job to take care of your every need? That's socialist talk there, Lass."

Hope that comment is not directed at me. Because, I do not believe it is the "...Government's job to take care of your every need..." but I do feel strongly as did the Founding Father's that in order to remain a nation during times of strife, we must go above and beyond the call of duty to save American lives. There is no one that will convince me that those collecting unemployment benefits today have been doing so for long periods of time - simply because policy would not permit it. It is a violation of the law.

The same can be said for welfare recipients that many disparage here at Newsvine and on other posting boards. Certain requisites are applied in order for someone to be eligible for welfare. There are no citizens simply "sucking" off the government teat, so to speak. United States citizens elected officials that wrote legislation governing these programs. It is not "easy" to make it through the interview process when applying for welfare or government assistance. The system is intentionally structured to discourage government support.

In fact, anyone who has worked with disabled persons knows well that often citizens who truly need supplemental income assistance or disability assistance are often denied.

There are more homeless persons out there wandering our nation's corridors than I believe most Americans wish to admit or care enough to notice. It is a shocking reality that many cannot accept. We are adding to the burden of many families pushing them into this direction by ignoring the problem rather than addressing it head on - as we should if we are a nation of moral, decent people.

There are no lazy Americans. There are no Americans who devalue the American dollar.

The only law I subscribe to remains sovereign above all others, including state law - The Constitution of the United States -

http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/bill_of_rights.html

- Ladd

A Sergeant's Mom

but I do feel strongly as did the Founding Father's that in order to remain a nation during times of strife, we must go above and beyond the call of duty to save American lives.

I agree. I disagree though that the government should play a role. If individual Americans don't volunteer their own time and resources to help others in need, our goose is cooked.

There are no Americans who devalue the American dollar.

I can name one off the top of my head: Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke.

I need to make a correction. It was "madvargr" that made the statement that the Government should take care of us. Not A Sergeants Mom.

I am a stric believer in the Constitution, along with the Federalist Papers, which do a very good job of explaining the intent behind the Constitution. The Government was never supposed to be the Nanny. Have you ever read the story about David Crockett?

You can read it here.

http://www.theadvocates.org/library/christian-crockett.html

And a Lass is a young woman. I'm so old, everyone is young to me. I even call Friends Ladd even though they are older than me.

rickace at #1.31 -

Traitor!

(am joking.)

Thanks for agreeing -

The kind of stubborn, in your face tenacity that made Bunning a great pitcher doesn't serve his constituents well in a position that calls for the art of compromise.

Or perhaps that's exactly what his position needs: someone willing to stand up to the out-of-control spending in DC that is putting us further and further in debt. Someone not willing to compromise if it means doing the wrong thing.

BTW, this affects my family, as my husband's unemployment runs out in June, although he's not done with his schooling (TAA program), which means he needs to find a job while he's trying to go to school full time.

Bunning is not against unemployed, he just wants them to use the money from Obamas re-election 500 billion dollar slush fund !!!

bigboyj; I agree with you and Bunning on this one. The money that has already been approved, but still unspent should help those without jobs. Watch it dissappear the nearer we get to November. It will be in the campaign funds for all those Democratic buddies of his. Not all the democrats....just those that kiss his arsse! However, I'm unsure about continuing to fund the unemployed? That too could now be abused by people not willing to take part-time jobs or jobs they are over qualified for. I was out of a job for eight months, and had to take a job I'm over qualified for and at less money than I've been earning for several years now. But, it was a job...and I'm thankful for it everyday.

Or perhaps that's exactly what his position needs: someone willing to stand up to the out-of-control spending in DC that is putting us further and further in debt.

What we need is another hypocritical @!$%#? Seriously? The guy voted against paygo just last month, but suddenly he's a paragon of virtue now? If he was serious about deficit reduction, he wouldn't have voted for Bush's tax cuts a half dozen times. Those are directly responsible for 1/3 of the current deficit. Another 1/3 is the Iraq war - did Bunning vote against that because we couldn't afford it, or is it only care for actual American Citizens that he doesn't give a @!$%# about?

madvargr: So instead of fixing the problem we should continue with business as usual?

Business as usual being the GOP playing petty political games?

You want to fix the deficit, fine - eliminate the Bush Taxcuts, cut the DoD budget in half, raise the capital gains tax to the same rate as income, eliminate the billions in foreign military aid...

How about we start with Kentucky's earmarks, road construction, and discretionary spending?

The GOP has NO legitimacy on this issue - they are responsible for $10 trillion in national debt and have never submitted a balanced budget. There have been 2 in my lifetime and they were both thanks to Democratic Presidents. We are in the midst of a borderline depression and now is not the damn time to become a deficit hawk - Bunning had his chance for years and did nothing. Now he wants to force several hundred thousand middle class Americans into bankruptcy for some cheap political stunt.

First off, I'm all for Defense cut spending, along with social spending cuts. Why aren't you?

Second, just because someone sucked in the past, doesn't mean they are wrong at present.

We should take the money from the banks not even being used by banks (unless you count the hundreds of millions in bonuses) and give that to the UE. But to further increase spending, without some kind of limit or cap, is killing us as a nation. That is the kind of crap that has allowed this stupid war to nearly bankrupt us, and you would perpetuate it. Spending is spending. I frankly don't care if we are spending it on guns or butter, we can't afford it!

This is why I hate Dems and Repubs. You want to vote lock-step with your masters instead of voting for what's right.

great post, Apple.

Apples #2.7 If I could send ten votes for your post I would.

Madvargr, I appreciate your frustration and my heart goes out to you and the tens of thousands in your position. Keep it cool...peace friend

The health care bill PER THE CBO could pay for 10 to 15 of these over the next decade.

How's about that?

Greg, go explain that to your friends who were laid off through no fault of their own and can't find another job even though they're sending out resumes by the ream every single week. I suggest you start by explaining it to my stepson. I warn you, however, he's a very muscular 250 lb. guy.

trex-138069- I'll be happy to explain it to your stepson. Your stepson's previous employer paid insurance so if your stepson ever lost his job involuntarily and through no fault of his own, he would receive a portion of his pay while trying to find another job. Those insurance benefits have run out. Now your stepson wants to force the government to continue to pay for him, out of pocket, while he looks for a job. I understand finding a job is difficult. I sympathize with his plight; but, he should be screaming for TARP money, not MORE taxpayer dollars.

...he should be screaming for TARP money, not MORE taxpayer dollars.

Ummm, I thought TARP money was taxpayer dollars. Did I miss a page here??

I sympathize with his plight; but, he should be screaming for TARP money, not MORE taxpayer dollars.

Tarp money is taxpayer dollars. It all comes from the same source. He didn't propose using TARP money anyway he wants to use unspent ARRA funds. The trouble with using them is that takes money away from someone else who needs it. How about a tax increase if we need money?

Tarp money is taxpayer dollars.

That's why I said not MORE taxpayer dollars... i.e. we are already using taxpayer dollars sitting there in TARP. Use those first.

How about a tax increase if we need money?

How about instead we cut more defense and social entitlement programs?

How about a tax increase if we need money?

How about cutting wastefull spending if we need money?

Oh My God... cut spending, you didnt say that... Liberals are freaking out right, someone said cut spending, I cant believe you said that !!

@ trex:

I'm close to that boat of a layoff and I own my own company, but I'm still fighting. I need a bailout, but I'm not crying about it, I'm just working.

Walmart's hiring and so is McDonalds. There are a bunch of dirty jobs hiring also. You take what you can get in these times. A jobs a job.

The Problem with Un-employment benefits, "Un-employment benefits pay more than most jobs".

@ btco:

The Health Care bill won't pay for anything without income from us. As long as un-employment rises, the government tax base shrinks, which means they'll be coming after you, to make up for the lose!

Could it be that Bunning Finally read the Bill and said The reason he doesn't like it is , because it contains raises for those on Capitol Hill instead of JUST a Health Reform Bill.

Sorry Posted on wrong Subject. My Bad..

btco; do you believe everything you read or hear? Just because the CBO says so, doesn't make it a fact. Use some common sense here. You can't spend your way out, not when the spending is coming from the pockets of the American people. The very people these bills are suppose to be helping. How can you help me....if I'm paying for it anyway. Those of us now holding on to the jobs we have can't afford any more taxes....we're tapped out.

Why is it that it's OK to spend billion$ on wars that aren't paid for? Those wars are doing nothing to improve our security. To the contrary, they're putting us in the position of being occupying armies & inflaming the nationalism of people who want to die a martyr's death.

Those unpaid for wars are creating more enemies/terrorists for us to fight against in perpetuity.

I guess Bunning and his cronies never waited in an UI office in a long line, fill out the paperwork weekly and show you tried to get at least 3 jobs the previous week, (for every week). I did a long time ago. I was embarrassed as hell, but what could I do? No jobs were available, I was too qualified!

This incident shows the Repubs have absolute no connection to the American worker and and dont give a crap about them!! How can anyone in their right mind vote for them?

greg-709692

Good for him.

Finally, someone saying, "If you can't pay for it", Stop!

If the administration wants to get rid of the Health Care tax bill and get out of the faux Cap and Tax, That would pay for what's needed now.

Amen. Too much damned spending since the Bush bailouts began. Everyone crying "gimme health care, gimme unemployment, gimme a job gimme, gimme, gimme". I've been out of full-time work since 2000 and my part-time work since has earned me around $10,000 total. My solution: live as frugally as possible. I rarely buy clothing, and my TV set is a homebrew job built from a DirecTV receiver, a computer monitor, a set of computer speakers, and some cables from Radio Shack. I drive a Honda Accord, not an SUV, and I use it two or three times a week.

These people just want to @!$%#ing leech off people like you and me. @!$%# 'em. Go Jim Bunning!

trex-138069

Greg, go explain that to your friends who were laid off through no fault of their own and can't find another job even though they're sending out resumes by the ream every single week. I suggest you start by explaining it to my stepson. I warn you, however, he's a very muscular 250 lb. guy.

So you're going to threaten someone with physical violence? That's the progressive solution? Did your stepson march in these protests perhaps?

Tell stepson welcome to the club. There's no guarantee of anything in life. He has to deal with the mess like everyone else. Whining about it doesn't fix it. If he can't get a job, it's his tough @!$%#, period. If he's a big bruiser he can take care of himself. I'm 55 years old and not muscular. If I can do it, so can he.

@ rickace:

What's really funny, The Left has been out on the podiums claiming Pay/Go is their way, but if a Republican says it, they're a nut!

Why do we need a 15 billion dollar jobs bill when there is 500 billion left from the second stimulus pkg ?

GOOD ? bigboyj.

bigboy, you have it so right. There is still something over $400b left in the stimulus funding and then there is money left in the TARP funding. Instead of giving fannie mae the billions that they just asked for again use it for unemployment.

Why is it wingnuts are still doing delusional math

NO there is no money left over unbudgeted from the stimulus bill; all that is budgeted just not paid out yet

Much of it (40%) went to tax cuts; some went to unemployment extensions, some to cities, counties, states governments, much went to schools - less than 1/2 of this is paid out but it is all to be paid out; it is all being spent

Much of the TARP money was put out and is being paid back but - wingnuts pay attention - the pay back is already earmarked to pay down the debt so it can not be used here without making big changes, and no one wants to open that can of worms as TARP was BUSH

Might be a wing nut, but Im not a blind wing nut and yes there is over 515 billion left from the second, oh my god if we dont pass this one america will cease to exist, stimulus pkg !!! Rohmbo said it best, never pass up a good disaster !!!

Dear Senator Bunning,

Why are you trying to kill me?

Damn it, Sir! Extending Unemployment Benefits is about keeping the nation's unemployed constituents ALIVE, and with a ROOF OVER THEIR heads until they can find a job!!!

My husband's UI extension -- a "whole" $192/week -- ran out last week. Nevertheless, that pittance had kept us in our home. Now we are trying to sell our car to pay our rent. I almost died in August because of an abcess which turned into a flesh-killing disease called necrotizing fascitis. Thankfully, Medicaid paid for the medical treatment that saved my life. But now I have developed another abcess which is threatening my life again.

Will you kill me me by holding up the UI extension and put us out on the street, with me sick and in pain?

I demand that you stop hindering passage of the new UI extension. I demand that you do all that you can to save my life. That's why you're a Senator. That's your job.

If G-D forbid someone died in your family and their life insurance policy was worth $50k, but they had 50k in debt, would you ask the government to step in and pay you extra for the insurance policy? No! Unemployment is insurance paid by your/husband's previous employer. The benefit amounts have run out. Additional funds will come directly from taxpayer dollars, which we currently only seem to have a surplus of in the already allocated, but not used, TARP funds. Why aren't you screaming at your Representatives to take care of YOU and YOUR family over BANKS? Instead you want to blame Benning for not wanting to further bankrupt the rest of our country.

I honestly don't care about Benning's motives in the past. I think PayGo makes sense when we are in a deep recession and running trillion dollar deficits. Someone needs to draw the line someplace. If you get cut by it, well that's unfortunate, but spending needs to be reigned in for the good of all Americans, not just a handful.

Midge, great letter. Email it to his office. He'll use it for toilet paper, but send it anyway. My deepest sympathies for your plight. I'd love to say help is on the way, but the Blanche Lincoln's of the world might not change their votes fast enough as they see their political futures whiz by their eyes at warp speed.

I hope your situation improves. I'll be thinking affirmative thoughts.

I honestly don't care about Benning's motives in the past.

Uh, Apples, just so we're not comparing you to oranges here, it's Bunning, not Benning.

And, if we have enough to fight wars all over the freaking globe, don't we have a few bucks for Americans? You know, the one's that have paid for these wars? That Reps like Bunning were cheerleading for? Just askin'...

And, if we have enough to fight wars all over the freaking globe, don't we have a few bucks for Americans? You know, the one's that have paid for these wars? That Reps like Bunning were cheerleading for? Just askin'...

Actually, I've always been against the war and voted for Obama to pull us out of it. Unfortunately, he did not.

That being said, you cannot cut the deficit without cutting BOTH defense and social spending. Repubs want to keep the defense budget, but Dems want to do the same with Social spending. I notice that you don't seem willing to cut both either- why is that?

The regrettable truth is, we don't have the money to just continuously extend unemployment, and the purpose of unemployment is not to provide checks forever until someone finds a job. I say pull from TARP. We give those bankers money and all they do is @!$%# on us with excessively high bonuses. F-them. Take the money already "spent" and allocated for Banks and give that to the unemployed. But continuing to increase the already bloated deficit, with ever more and more spending, is not the answer!

Apples while you and I disagree on many things, we agree on this subject. There is money that has already been figured into the deficit that is available. Use it and then cut spending in all areas. cut back to 2001 spending levels.

Thank you Beckyal. I knew we would see eye to eye on something one day! ;)

Beckyal

I'll agree to go back to 2001 spending levels and tax rates, then we'll have a better shot at balancing the budget, reducing the interest that we pay on the Nat' debt & eventually, when we can afford it, cutting taxes for all, not just the investing class.

Couldn't agree more, Apples, in principle, but you didn't mention defense cuts in your post.

Now, try to visualize for just a second Obama wanting to cut the defense budget by say, 10%. The right would move to have him tried for treason and shot! Hell, they managed to spend 2 years of valuable time better served solving problems when they impeached a guy for a BJ. You see the problem here. I like Tucsonan's ideas though. Never happen with this Congress, but I like 'em.

I think most of our defense spending is wasteful and I want nothing more than to get out of the wars I never agreed with in the first place. I still shake my head in wonder at how Congress believed their were WMDs in Iraq when the general American populace never did (at least I didn't!).

I agree that even a 10% cut in the defense budget would likely get all their panties in a bunch. Did you hear the screaming from both sides when BO said they had to cut the spending on the F16s or whatever?

I agree that even a 10% cut in the defense budget would likely get all their panties in a bunch. Did you hear the screaming from both sides when BO said they had to cut the spending on the F16s or whatever?

I hear ya. They would crucify him. We have enough firepower to destroy the earth a million times over, but of course that's not even the point. The point is, the military/industrial complex Ike warned us about 50 years ago now controls everything. We're basically screwed. But in the meantime, American citizens deserve better than this Bunning moron. The money is somewhere, Hell, just print more for now. This is a problem not seen in my lifetime, and I'm nearly 60.

The money is somewhere, Hell, just print more for now.

If you print more though, the value decreases so that you might as well have wiped your ass with the UI check than cash it.

American citizens deserve better than this Bunning moron.

I don't believe that he's a good person, but in this one instance, he's right. We should find that money from some other project and use it to pay for extending UI benefits. You don't have to like a person or believe they are anything other than a selfish SOB to respect that sometimes even a blind squirrel can find an acorn (of truth).

Yeah, he may be an unlikable guy, but I like his stance today. Why should we extend these benefits? Is the federal government willing to deny school choice to poor D.C. students and not deny anyone anything else? No one on Capitol Hill appears to have any concept of money. It's limitless spending on almost everything.

@RainDream: well for one, how do you square his obstructionist behavior with his recent votes against attempts to rein in debt and spending? And, while I see your point, why now? The reality is both sides pass through programs all the time we can't pay for, so why all of a sudden would he take a stand when it really truly will hurt many, many folks who are unemployed right now? Just seems like a lot of political posturing from a cranky, crazy, stubborn old man...

LMSLMS: Why would Congress pass PayGo and have no intention of using it? Did you notice that in this bill is the reversal of Medicare cuts to doctors? That's right, they vote on spending cuts to Drs, then vote to rescind them in a later bill. While I sympathize with the UE, what's the point of having bills if you're simply going to do whatever you want, whenever it's politically best?

so why all of a sudden would he take a stand when it really truly will hurt many, many folks who are unemployed right now?

The people who are unemployed right now already knew their benefits would be running out soon (after already receiving an extension). How is this "really truly" hurting them, other than not giving them money they weren't expecting to receive anyway?

BTW, as I said above, my husband is unemployed, so this directly affects my family.

Did you notice that in this bill is the reversal of Medicare cuts to doctors? That's right, they vote on spending cuts to Drs, then vote to rescind them in a later bill.

I noticed this yesterday when reading through the outline of the bill. There's more to this 'help the people' garbage bill than meets the eye. Medicare reimbursements and unemployment benefits have NOTHING to do with each other - why are they both in this bill??? Sneaky.

It seems to me that everyone or almost everyone in Congress is in a bad place to take any principled stand, so we can always ask, "Why now?" But seriously, why not now? I'm a bit embarrassed that other Republicans aren't backing this man up. Like the president said a few weeks ago:

"We can’t continue to spend as if deficits don’t have consequences; as if waste doesn’t matter; as if the hard-earned tax dollars of the American people can be treated like Monopoly money."

Has anyone been watching the News casts of Greece... Take note, Thats where we are heading !!!! only when we go there is no european union to save us !!! the whole world will suffer... Question, how many years does it take to destroy the greatest country this planet has ever seen? A: 17...( 8yrs Clinton, 8yrs Bush, and 1 of Obama)... not to mention the padding parties in control of both houses of congress.. it should be called treason !!!

"Why didn't he just become an alcoholic and play his way back down through the minors, like most washed-up ballplayers?"

trex, you "simply" just don't have anything of value to add here, do you ?

Why didn't he just become an alcoholic

Who says he didn't?

Obviously YOu nor no one you know is on unemployment and waiting for their check to buy groceries , feed their children, pay utility bills.

I am hoping America soon catches on to the downright meanness of the right.

Sinister bunch of anti Americans.

Obviously YOu nor no one you know is on unemployment and waiting for their check to buy groceries , feed their children, pay utility bills.

Jai, my husband is unemployed, and as much as I would love to receive an extra month's pay, I know it's not good for our country.

I am hoping America soon catches on to the downright meanness of the right.

Well, if I'm mean, at least I'm fair about it, as I'm being mean to myself!

Sinister bunch of anti Americans.

Yes, how dare we want to keep our country from going further into debt to China! How dare we expect our elected officials to keep their word regarding PAYGO!

Well how many will be in that position in Houston with the cuts made to Nasa 23,000 jobs lost and how much revenue to businesses etc. so we can now go to space via the Russians who would kill their own mother for a nickle. No longer will be leading the space programs in the world soon we ask Iran to take us there all so Obama can give his union buddies tax breaks etc. China now holds a gun to our heads and soon Russia.

I am hoping America soon catches on to the downright meanness of the right.

Pass Health Care and you'll see it in November.

Bill-351210 #11

See my post above. I TOTALLY agree here!!!!

1standlastword,

re; #11.1

Read your comment #1.2. Absolutely!! It's preposterous how much whining is coming from the Dems when old Harry Reid and his cronies could have prevented this mess in the 1st place by taking politics out of the equation and just taking care of the people. Uh-uh!! Reid has to play politics and try to score points with all this B.S.!! It's like taking food right off the table in a gamble the Repubs would fold. More of the citizenry need to wake up to the evil games Reid and Pelosi are playing in the name of the people.

Things will change in Nov. Reid gets booted. And Pelosi will be in a straight-jacket by then. If she isn't certifiable, no-one is. Ha!!

Do you really think Reid or Obama would take money away from their pet projects and union buddies so they can give extended unemployment and keep some government workers on the job? Reid and BO are both liars they could care less about the American people just their agendas.

I agree with not increasing the deficit for a second unfunded extension. Once was enough and then the house should have been looking for ways to pay the bill, instead they tried pushing the bill through at the last minute as an emergency.

So Becky, how many unemployed who will lose their homes because of this are you taking in? Can we have your address so we can bring crime to your street?

Jonesgirl, how many extensions should we give? Give me a number so I know when to come back to you once we've exceed it.

I think we should give enough extensions to cover the average job hunt--which is 18 months on average. I think that as long as a person is actively looking for work, they should have UI benefits.

What is your suggestion for how those who lost a job through no fault of their own, who have been diligently searching for a year or more with no prospects should support themselves?

Too bad, move to a tent?

Everyones a Victim.... wait, it will get worse !!! Pelosi, Reid, And Obama will see to it !!!

"quijones"? lmao! What is that? Your ignorance is showing.

I suspect you meant to say "cojones" a Spanish slang term for testicles.

Tucson,

re; #11.9

You're right. My mastery of Spanish really sux. Shoulda' never tried to run that by you, Tusconan. You're too sharp. You did get my drift, though.

I think we should give enough extensions to cover the average job hunt--which is 18 months on average. I think that as long as a person is actively looking for work, they should have UI benefits.

A noble goal. How do you propose we pay for it?

A noble goal. How do you propose we pay for it?

I'll worry about that when the GOP worries about how to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy, mmmmkay? They are okay with deficit spending to line the pockets of the wealthy, so why should I care where the money comes from to help the average Jane?

The tax cut will expire this year, that should make you happy, TJG, you will be bringing less money home in your paycheck. Just 11 more months until you have less money. How's that going to affect "keeping the lights on and keeping you fed?" (1.18). Yes, be happy, be very happy...you'll have less money to go around and with inflation already creeping up that will squeeze you even tighter. Isn't it great?

Better start saving up. So if you are in the 25% bracket now, it will go to 27%, and incrementally up from there.

I didn't benefit from Bush's tax cuts to the wealthy, Vol. Try again.

"The wealthy" you say?

All, I repeat ALL the tax rates went down except for those who made the least - at 10% of gross income - (I guess he figured if God could make it on 10%, then so could the government).

Accelerated Individual Rate Cuts
First and foremost, the individual rate cuts included in the 2001 Bush Tax Cut legislation are accelerated. They now kick in effective on Jan. 1, 2003. Previously, they weren't scheduled to become effective until 2004 and 2006. Revised payroll-tax withholding tables for the second half of this year will reflect the new and improved 2003 rates:
27% rate goes to 25%
30% rate goes to 28%
35% rate goes to 33%
38.6% rate goes to 35%
The existing 10% and 15% rates remain unchanged

Sunset Rule: Without further action by Congress, rates will revert to 15%, 28%, 31%, 36%, and 39.6% after 2010. The 10% rate would disappear altogether.

Wider 10% Bracket
The 10% rate bracket is widened retroactive to Jan. 1. Specifically, the 10% bracket is expanded by $2,000 for joint filers (from $0-12,000 of taxable income to $0-14,000) and by $1,000 for singles and married individuals who file separately (from $0-6,000 of taxable income to $0-7,000). This means more of your income will now be taxed at the low 10% rate unless you use head-of-household filing status. For heads of households, the 10% bracket covers the first $10,000 of taxable income, same as before.

Sunset Rule: Unless Congress takes further action, these changes would vanish after 2004.

Read more: What the Bush Tax Cut Means for You at SmartMoney.com http://www.smartmoney.com/personal-finance/taxes/what-the-bush-tax-cut-means-for-you-14345/#ixzz0h4Tw4maH

So, middle class brackets went down about 3% (Obama says middle class in anybody under $250K, I don't necessarily agree with that, but that is how he defined it). You should have gotten some sort of tax break in that.

Here's what the new tax bracket will look like and how much it will raise your taxes (and deplete the amount of money in your pocket, thanks to the spendthrifts in Washington- on BOTH sides). BTW, there is no 10% bracket after this year. If you make 1 penny over $0, you will be charged at the 15% tax bracket rate. So the lowest of the low will be paying more taxes up to 5%, and these are the people who can least afford it.

http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2010/02/15/2011-federal-income-tax-brackets-irs-income-tax-rates/

. BTW, there is no 10% bracket after this year. If you make 1 penny over $0, you will be charged at the 15% tax bracket rate. So the lowest of the low will be paying more taxes up to 5%, and these are the people who can least afford it.

I think there's a minimum you have to make (like $1000) or something, before you're taxed at all. Otherwise you just get it back at your annual tax return. I could be wrong though.

Dont count on it the dems have the money for it they dont want to use it. They want it for their pet projects instead and pay off their union buddies tax credits so dont count your chickens yet

JaiAllen, not if people have any common sense left.

People with common sense don't vote GOP. The brainwashed do. Those who can't think for themselves.

Must have been the law the dems themselves passed pay-go ever here of it.

This is not a republican issue. The Dems voted in PayGo and choose not to actually use it. It's all a political chess game where you vote in populist bills that you have no intention of following then scream when someone says play by the rules you created. I'm sorry that your family will eat rat dung, but this whole nation will be eating rat dung if we don't get a grip on uncontrolled spending.

Bunning is holding out (with Kyl) for changes to the estate tax. I wonder if they care if that is paid for.

Apple

It's an American thing. We are all affected. Or didn't you read what I posted?

But it's being held hostage by a Republican.

You're sorry that families will be eating rat dung? You missed the analogy. I was not speaking about my family. By the grace of God we are okay despite me not having a job

Really....then I suppose that if it happens to you you'll be okay and support obstruction like Bunning's and continue supporting his actions?

Here's a clue, we're already eating rat dung of sorts and its going to get worse

Well, Apple, keep on fist pumping your support and I hope you are never in the position of facing the ugly reality of homelessness or worse.

TRM

If they cared 400,000 people wouldn't be SOL right now.

Care, concern have been erased from the conscience of Congress.

Both parties are complicit.

Really....then I suppose that if it happens to you you'll be okay and support obstruction like Bunning's and continue supporting his actions?

Unlike a lock-step slave, I pick and choose what I support and don't support based on evidence, not party. I'm not arguing that Bunning isn't a selfish SOB, but he's right that we should fund budget deficit adding items by decreasing other budget deficit adding items,.. Pay as you Go. I agree that the government, even to help 0.01% of Americans, should live like Americans do, within a budget.

His decision will cause more homeless families. Not sure what his logic is and if it is competent. Do we just let people die out on the street?

Yes. Just like his saviour Jesus Christ did...oh wait....Jesus wouldn't have done that. I must be confused as to the GOP's "Christian Values"!

Borncorn - now it's a bipartisan issue - and politics aside, hungry Americans are fighting for their lives. That is all this pastor is talking about. And yes, there is a massive civil rights issue involved in intentionally denying and depriving legal United States citizens the right to live.

And pardon me, but there is nothing funny about it.

The problem is the old standard Republicans are bought and paid for by their corporate sponsors. They live a lifestyle of luxury and are out of touch with those hurt the most by this recession.

It needs to be a bipartisan effort - yes. But how. Maybe their is hope that the lunatic right wing of the Republican party will get so extreme as to start their own third party. That is political suicide and rabid right wing fanaticism biting itself in its own ankle. Maybe without the tea partyers the remaining Republicans will have to find a direction beyond conservative cliches. Brown and Swartzneggar come to mind as the type of independents that will think for themselves and try to do what is right for the people they serve. The GOP moderates, independents and cross over voters would then have more voice and power.

And yes, there is a massive civil rights issue involved in intentionally denying and depriving legal United States citizens the right to live.

Who, exactly, is denying and depriving legal US citizens the right to live? Why do you feel it's a "right" to receive an extra month of UE benefits, when you weren't expecting them a month ago?

When my husband lost his job, I went out and got one. It took a few months, but I found one that would support us (along with his UE) so he could take advantage of the TAA program (school benefits for those who lost their jobs overseas). Because of the timing of the start of the school year, he will run out of benefits before he's done with school, but we didn't expect the government to keep paying him past the original end date. The first extension was an unexpected bonus; another month would be the same.

Who, exactly, is denying and depriving legal US citizens the right to live? Why do you feel it's a "right" to receive an extra month of UE benefits, when you weren't expecting them a month ago?

It being that there are three tiers to the Federal Extensions, I was expecting to be in the second tier a month ago.

When my husband lost his job, I went out and got one. It took a few months, but I found one that would support us (along with his UE) so he could take advantage of the TAA program (school benefits for those who lost their jobs overseas). Because of the timing of the start of the school year, he will run out of benefits before he's done with school, but we didn't expect the government to keep paying him past the original end date.

And what if you lose your job? You're fortunate to have two people able to work, I am just me.

You typify the "me me me" attitude of the GOP. Ugly, ugly, ugly character.

And what if you lose your job?

Then I collect my unemployment and start looking for another job, as I'm probably going to have to do in the next month or so.

You're fortunate to have two people able to work, I am just me.

Sorry about that; however, when my husband's unemployment runs out in June, if he doesn't find a job, it will be just my unemployment paying for all three of us. We managed to put a large chunk of money away when times were good, we bought a house we could afford on one income, we paid cash for used cars, and we have no credit card debt, so while things will be really tight, we will at least keep our house.

You typify the "me me me" attitude of the GOP.

If I had a "me me me" attitude, I would be the first in line with my hand out for more money, wouldn't I? Instead, I recognize the value of hard work, responsibility and wise financial choices, which in the long run are far more valuable to our country.

Ugly, ugly, ugly character.

Way to make it personal, Jonesy. Really classy.

If I had a "me me me" attitude, I would be the first in line with my hand out for more money, wouldn't I? Instead, I recognize the value of hard work, responsibility and wise financial choices, which in the long run are far more valuable to our country.

No, you are smug in that you are comfortable and not worried about homelessness or not eating because of Bunning's actions. You are the one making it personal. But just like a conservative to not take responsibility for his words.

You have yours, screw everyone else is your attitude and that of the GOP. It's despicable. The attitude of an infant.

One can only hope you lose your job, then have UI benefits lost to you, perhaps that will bring you some compassion as you live what you want others to live.

JonesG, Fedup already said she's losing her job in a few months. Her husband is losing his UE benefits in a few months. She also said they planned for a rainy day by not overextending themselves, by saving, and by having an attitude of need over wants. I understand that you want to extend benefits in perpetuity, but why can't you at least give some respect to someone who 1. isn't complaining whoa is me and 2. has actually done what financially responsible people do- save, manage, and abstain for unnecessary purchases.

Direct your anger where it's due.. at ALL the politicians. If you think the masters you're voting for lock-step really give 2 craps about you.. I pity you.

You can throw all the personal insults you want; you can call me names if it makes you feel better.

No, I'm not worried about homelessness because I planned ahead for tough times; sue me. It doesn't change the fact that not expecting the government to take care of my family indefinitely does not mean I lack compassion for those who are struggling to get by, or that I only care about me and mine. It does not make me an infant; rather, I would think it takes maturity to not expect to be taken care of by Big Brother.

BTW, good luck in your job search - I mean that in all sincerity, because I know it's a tough market.

She also said they planned for a rainy day by not overextending themselves, by saving, and by having an attitude of need over wants. I understand that you want to extend benefits in perpetuity, but why can't you at least give some respect to someone who 1. isn't complaining whoa is me and 2. has actually done what financially responsible people do- save, manage, and abstain for unnecessary purchases.

Not everyone can save. My last job covered my bills. And all I am saying is that in 7 months, when he loses his job and the UI ends, he will be in this position. I wonder if he will move his family to the streets happy that there are no extensions? Given the length of the average job hunt, fedup will be looking for a job a year from today if he loses his job next month.

Fedup is the prime example of the GOP "I got mine, sucks to be you!" thinking. Not a nice way of thinking at all.

No, I'm not worried about homelessness because I planned ahead for tough times; sue me. It doesn't change the fact that not expecting the government to take care of my family indefinitely does not mean I lack compassion for those who are struggling to get by, or that I only care about me and mine. It does not make me an infant; rather, I would think it takes maturity to not expect to be taken care of by Big Brother.

You could be in my shoes in 7 short months. I rather hope you are, as I said, it will teach you compassion and to think beyond your nose.

If you're really so confident, pay back your husband's UI and don't take any yourself. But you'll have your hand out, won't you? You'll be taking government money.

UI insurance is not a hand-out. It's been paid by your employer in the event of an unexpected job loss. Extending UI insurance at the expense of the tax payer IS a hand-out. Now perhaps if FedUp did THAT, she would be hypocritical, but accepting regular UI is simply a benefit that she eschewed a higher salary to have (or rather the government forced her to have).

(or rather the government forced her to have).

The government didn't force her company to lay her off. Your precious private industry did so.

If fedup is so disdainful of handouts, she should live her beliefs. Even if it hurts and puts her on the street. She doesn't care if those affected by Bunning end up homeless with no food, why should anyone care about her?

Fedup is the prime example of the GOP "I got mine, sucks to be you!" thinking. Not a nice way of thinking at all.

You could be in my shoes in 7 short months. I rather hope you are, as I said, it will teach you compassion and to think beyond your nose.

Why do you feel the need to make it so personal? I gave a personal example from my own life of how this bill actually affects me, and you call me names. I'm sorry you don't have a job; I do hope you find one soon, because I know how stressful it is, but there's no reason to call names simply because you have a different perspective. And wishing ill upon another, simply to prove a point, is not exactly what I would call "compassion".

My company is going under, and I will most likely be out of a job within the next month, unless something comes through for my boss. I've already started looking for a new job, and in the event nothing comes through, then yes, I will collect my unemployment benefits. I will continue to look for a job, go back to the temp agency, and do what I can to provide for my family. If I can't find anything before my UI runs out, I will take whatever job will pay, including fast food, retail, housecleaning, etc. Which is the primary reason why "I got mine" in the first place.

Once again, insurance isn't a hand-out. It was paid for by the employer and by law. It would be like saying accepting a life insurance payout is hypocritical.

BTW: If the law did not exist that employers had to pay unemployment (insurance), then theoretically (using the whole health care reform logic here) Fedup would have had a higher salary since this "benefit" would not have been required as a part of her employment. *hence the government force.. law.. which has nothing to do with private industry*

All this is smoke though. I didn't take away from Fedups comments that she was against handouts, or extending UI benefits. Simply that she, like me, would like to see the government pay for it through a cost neutral method (i.e. PayGo). Personally, I didn't agree with the wars, I think most security spending is garbage, and I was against tax-cuts for the wealthy, so please don't lump me in with a lock-step Repub. By the same token, I'm not going to allow Congress to feed me a bunch of horse manure and call it caviar just because they are Dems.

If someone is touting an idea that makes sense (i.e. lower the deficit or deficit neutral spending), I'm going to support it- even if it's being touted by some old guy I've disagreed with in the past.

And wishing ill upon another, simply to prove a point, is not exactly what I would call "compassion".

I'm simply wishing upon you what you seem so unconcerned about hundreds of thousands of others facing AT THIS MOMENT.

If that is wishing ill, you might want to examine your knee-jerk GOP reactions.

Why is it ok for you to nod along with what Bunning is doing to thousands and not ok for the same to be wished on you? How bad can it be if you are just dandy with the realities of Bunning's actions?

If you live it, you might not be so quick to lockstep with the GOP.

I'm simply wishing upon you what you seem so unconcerned about hundreds of thousands of others facing AT THIS MOMENT.

If you live it, you might not be so quick to lockstep with the GOP.

Except that you're ignoring the fact that my family is living it AT THIS MOMENT. My husband is already unemployed, and we spent 6 months living on just his unemployment before I found a job. So I do know what it's like. I have been there. Which is why I have the right to my view on the subject, just as you have the right to yours. I don't think you're a bad or evil person for disagreeing with me; it's a shame you don't feel the same way about those with whom you disagree.

Except that you're ignoring the fact that my family is living it AT THIS MOMENT.

You will lose your home at month's end and have no money coming in at all? No? Then you aren't living it. You just made a big production of how you will be ok on UI thanks to your frugal lifestyle. Going back on that?

I'll speak slowly so you'll be sure to understand, Jones...

I was referring to the fact that my husband is currently on unemployment, which runs out in June, and I am most likely going to be out of work in the next month or so. Before I found my job, we were living only on my husband's unemployment for almost six months, with a house payment and a small child.

Again, no, I am not about to lose my house, or even run out of money...because we planned ahead for bad times. Sorry if that bothers you for some reason. Perhaps you'd be more sympathetic if we'd gone out and bought a huge house we couldn't afford, along with a couple of brand new vehicles we couldn't afford, spent every extra penny on vacations, fancy dinners, and iPhones, and then became unemployed.

Again, no, I am not about to lose my house, or even run out of money...because we planned ahead for bad times.

You realize that many live check to check, right? Just the fact that you aren't about to lose your home and will have UI coming in means you aren't anywhere as badly off as those who are RIGHT NOW losing their UI benefits and will have NOTHING coming in. You will still be housed and fed. Many will not, thanks to Bunning, the man you apologize for. Disgusting!

Is that difficult to comprehend? I guess you can't see outside your bubble of me me me-ness that you inhabit.

I honestly can't imagine being a conservative, the selfishness and hate that it would require.

I honestly can't imagine being a conservative, the selfishness and hate that it would require.

I think you are wrong there too, TJG. Conservatives give because they want to - out of compassion, not because they are forced to, by the government through confiscatory taxation - that is how liberals give: "Well, I'll give as long as everybody else has to," seems to be the attitude.

Maybe the attitude of conservatives is, according to the research below, "I work hard, I give of my time, talent, and possession already. Why should the government take away from me to do what I ALREADY am doing?" And "if you take from me; how can I keep being generous and compassionate with less money?"

And conservatives and moderates are more charitable than liberals:

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/03/conservatives_more_liberal_giv.html

http://philanthropy.com/blogPost/Conservative-Voters-Are-More/19091/

http://blog.beliefnet.com/castingstones/2008/04/conservatives-give-more-to-cha.html

I guess you can't see outside your bubble of me me me-ness that you inhabit.

That is the group who thinks that we (the rest of America who work hard and pay taxes) owe them something, that you can keep getting something for nothing, and keep their hands out for a gimme without so much as lifting a finger to even bother to help themselves ( I am talking about able bodied people here, not the elderly or infirm who I agree need our help collectively and privately). At some point people need to take personal responsibility for their own lives - like Apples and Fedupwithliberals did and are!

Just a little update for TJG: You got your wish. I'm unemployed as of today.

FUWL - How terrible. I am so sorry.

fedupwithliberals: Best wishes and good luck out there.

Dang, I hate that FUWL... hang in there. There will be plenty more of this...the economy can't sustain the debt nor the trillions of dollars health care bill.

Thanks for the well-wishes, folks.

I've already sent my resume out to several places today, and have appointments scheduled with the two temp agencies I've worked through in the past. Hopefully something will come through soon!

And more bad news. Bunning is an obstructist for health care reform. An example of the health care industry and their Republican enablers are the current large increases in premiums that have started in California and will most likely be nation wide. Expect 30 to 70 percent increases, which will put private health care services beyond the reach of most Americans.

The real Republican plan is healthcare = don't get sick and die, and also don't work or work at a level to survive.

Every Repub has obstructed the health care bill drafted in Congress. I find it amusing that when someone walks locks step with a party you hate, they are selfish pricks, but when they go against that same party they are still selfish pricks. And, the Dems you love who disagree and don't vote lock-step with party are also selfish pricks, except in this instance where they are agreeing.

So basically if they agree with you and your whole party, they are great glorious people. If they are part of the other side or disagree even once.. selfish pricks.

bfriesen:

Bunning is not running for reelection. That's why he's pulling this stunt. He has no one to answer to but himself and his rich buddies who don't want to pay estate taxes. He could give a @!$%# about the unemployed people who he pretends to represent.

It could also be due to this little tidbit: "Kentucky: 5 million people, 15 last names" :) (Sorry, I just had to throw that in.)

littlereddog

(Sorry, I just had to throw that in.)

Thanks for the heads-up. And welcome to my ignore list.