The Unemployment Situation

[Lightning Strykez!]

So we have this ass...

Washington (CNN) -- The Senate adjourned Friday without approving extensions of cash and health insurance benefits for the unemployed after a lone senator blocked swift passage due to his insistence that Congress first pay for the $10 billion package.

Retiring Sen. Jim Bunning, R-Kentucky, led a spirited Senate debate with Democrats over the issue -- at one time cursing at another senator on the floor. Bunning said he doesn't oppose extending the programs -- he just doesn't want to add to the deficit.

According to two Democratic aides on the Senate floor Thursday night, Bunning muttered "tough s---" as Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, criticized Bunning's stance on the package.

An aide to Merkley said the senator didn't hear the remark. A spokesman for Bunning said he was aware of the reports about the senator's language but didn't have a comment.

On Friday, Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-California, sent Bunning a letter asking him to "stand down immediately" from his stance.

"Unemployment insurance is a lifeline to the long-term unemployed whose families have been hit very hard by this recession," she said.

For his part, Bunning maintained on Friday that if all senators could agree that the benefits are so important, then they should find a way to pay for them.

"If we can't find $10 billion somewhere for a bill that everybody in this body supports, we will never pay for anything," he said.

Democrats argued the safety net funds are classified as "emergency" and therefore don't need to be offset.

Starting Monday, the jobless will no longer be able to apply for federal unemployment benefits or the COBRA health insurance subsidy.

With the Senate not in a position to vote on the extensions until next Tuesday at the earliest, senators and their staffs scrambled to determine the practical implication of letting the programs lapse -- even if for just a few days.

In addition to funding unemployment insurance and the COBRA health insurance program for people who have lost their jobs, the bill would have prevented a scheduled 21 percent cut in Medicare payments to doctors.

Those cuts will technically go into place when doctors' offices open Monday. But because there is a two-week delay processing Medicare payments, a short-term lapse of the program is unlikely to affect payments, according to experts in the medical community and a Senate Finance Committee aide contacted by CNN.

Likewise, unemployment benefits could be delayed -- but if Congress acts next week, they will probably be minor, according to a Labor Department analyst who spoke to CNN. That's because Congress will likely approve the funds retroactively to make up for the missing days. An aide to Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus confirmed the Senate will try to pass the funds retroactively.

Other programs involving federal flood insurance, satellite TV licensing, and small business loans, will also go dark until Congress passes extensions.

Lightning's Thoughts: I don't mean to offend any of my fellow Hypesters who are members of the GOP, but I must say this: People like this asswhipe are the reason why this country has washed its hands of the Republican Party altogether. We have a thread active on this board discussing the "Future" of the GOP, but with fools like this in control there will BE no future. After watching the summit with the President and just taking into account everything, it is clear that the leaders of the GOP are bound and determined to not do s*** but whine and resist anything that will benefit the masses.

I'm absolutely disgusted by this news. I've been blessed to enjoy a measure of financial security, but I have many dear friends and families who have lost jobs. These Americans are not lazy. They view unemployment extensions not as a hand-out---but literally their lifeline for survival. Finding a job in this economy is not an easy thing to do--not to mention a GOOD-PAYING one.

So...since my hard-earned taxpayer dollars pay this Bunning guy's salary, I think I want to quit. Because in essence, he is on welfare (ergo, my tax dollar salary), so how about we all cut funding for congress salaries and then we can pay for the extensions for unemployment benefits? After all, I think I'd rather pay the people who once had jobs instead of career politicians.

Let the lobbyists pay their full salary, healthcare, retirement...or whatever.

QUESTIONS FOR THREAD DISCUSSION:

1.) Have any of you lost jobs in this economy?

2.) Should Congress stop and calculate how to pay for these extensions (and therefore let the unemployed go without ANY money effective Monday), or should Congress figure out how to offset the bill later?

 

[Ocramed]

Interesting story: apparently, Bunning had amendments that was to benefit his constituents, and got mad at Reid for removing the original bill that included extending unemployment benefits. But make no mistake that Reid pulled the original bill and set up the alternative just to mess with Bunning and other GOP people who depended upon the original bill. So, both sides are playing politics (which why Scott Brown wisely supported ending debate, since he knew that Reid was trying to set up the GOP). I ain't saying that what Bunning did was right, but I blame him and Reid for playing political games.

And on a personal note: I, too, am depended upon unemployment to get by, but, having been on unemployment for a while, I can say this: screw the government. I refuse to depend on them any longer. I'm sick and tired of having to jump through hoops in order to convince them that I am looking for work, and that I am presently in a job training program. So, by hook or by crook, I'm going to get better, and I'll vote against any incumbent who thinks I, as a citizen, need THEM, especially those who are playing games on both side of the political spectrum. Feh!

 

[Marx]

Bunning's actions are downright shameful. He can blame it on 'wanting to protect the deficit' all he wants...but this is disgusting.

It's also important to point out that Bunning IS NOT running for re-election.

 

[Gilpesh]

What a ****.

C-word. He deserves it.

 

[hippie_hunter]

On one hand while I do think that unemployment benefits should be extended, I can see the logic behind Bunning's argument because we should find a way to pay for them.

On the other though, Bunning is acting like a total *****er here with his "tough ****" comments and cutting off the unemployed who actually do need these benefits.

 

[StorminNorman]

Bunning did the right thing here. He was absolutley correct that if the Congress cant find 10 Billion for a bill everyone wants, they cant pay for anything.

There shouldnt even be government unemployment benefits, but thats another thread.

 

[MessiahDecoy123]

So he chooses to take a stand by taking food out of people's mouths. Why not a hunger strike instead of starving others.

That's cowardly and hypocritical.

Before the Iraq War no Republican said, "hey where's the money going to come from, you don't even have an exit strategy, this could cost over a trillion bucks!"

Hypocrites.

 

[BlackLantern]

I always thought unemployment was handled state by state, learn something new every day

 

[StorminNorman]

So he chooses to take a stand by taking food out of people's mouths. Why not a hunger strike instead of starving others.

That's cowardly and hypocritical.

Before the Iraq War no Republican said, "hey where's the money going to come from, you don't even have an exit strategy, this could cost over a trillion bucks!"

Hypocrites.

One wrong is better than two wrongs. Again, he is 100% correct in saying that if they cant find the money for this, there is a much bigger problem than unemployment benefits to worry about.

 

[bunk]

Bunning did the right thing here. He was absolutley correct that if the Congress cant find 10 Billion for a bill everyone wants, they cant pay for anything.

There shouldnt even be government unemployment benefits, but thats another thread.

And since he stopped giving a damn about his constituents long ago, it must be so easy to do the "right thing" now.

 

[Marx]

Bunning did the right thing here. He was absolutley correct that if the Congress cant find 10 Billion for a bill everyone wants, they cant pay for anything.

There shouldnt even be government unemployment benefits, but thats another thread.

I sincerely hope you never find yourself in a situation where you lose a job that you love through no fault of your own and have to apply for unemployment benefits.

One wrong is better than two wrongs. Again, he is 100% correct in saying that if they cant find the money for this, there is a much bigger problem than unemployment benefits to worry about.

He did the 'right thing' in your opinion.

 

[StorminNorman]

I sincerely hope you never find yourself in a situation where you lose a job that you love through no fault of your own and have to apply for unemployment benefits.

I've actually I was in that situation in August. Still unemployed.

He did the 'right thing' in your opinion.

He did the right thing logically. If the economic situation of this country is so dire that we can't find 10 billion dollars in the budget for unemployment benefits, then there are larger issues than unemployment benefits.

Throwing money after money on entitlement programs is one of reasons we are in this situation.

 

[BlackLantern]

so at what point are unemployment benefits supposed to stop?? or is it different by state??

 

[Paradoxium]

It doesn't matter, soon enough these benefits are done with, whether someone cockblocks it or not. Look no further than stuff like this - only a fraction of these unemployment benefits. You mortgage it off, you gotta pay it off. You've sold out long ago.

And politicians don't pay taxes, never did. Their salaries comes from taxes really. When ever they file their taxes, it is ceremonial. And their job is to transfer your wealth to the parasitic rich. Note that the parasitic rich (bankers and lawyers) voted overwhelmingly Democrat. The parasitic rich co-opted both parties, it's a matter who is more popular and needs more power to easily transfer wealth.

 

[BlackLantern]

do you get a dollar every time you use "parasitic" in a sentence or was that just todays' word on your "word a day" calendar??

 

[Paradoxium]

Both. Tomorrow is a twofer combo: "anal retention"

 

[BlackLantern]

nice....whats happening with some people is that they have just quit looking for work, they feel left behind and decide to milk unemployment for all its worth

again Im not sure what the time limit is, or if its different state to state...I know in CT its just around 10-12 months, I think

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

Bunning did the right thing here. He was absolutley correct that if the Congress cant find 10 Billion for a bill everyone wants, they cant pay for anything.

What??!?!?! Are you serious? Look, this overspending problem--and doing away with cost constraints is an earmark of BUNNING'S PARTY. These problems are a DIRECT result of 8 years of his party's management. Do you realize how hypocritical it is now to hear these exact same fools try to now do an "about-face" on this issue as MILLIONS OF PEOPLE ARE SUFFERING AS A RESULT OF THEIR PAST MISMANAGEMENT?????

Look, the government got us into this mess. It is their responsibility to get us out of it. Figure how to pay the $10 billion later. Feed people now.

Perhaps financially Bunning did the right thing. He won't feel the impact of it as he goes back in his limo-driven coach to his padded mansion in the countryside. But morally? His stand was the ultimate F*** YOU to those who have been victims of the economy.

 

[BlackLantern]

even if taxes go up on working people that are barely getting by as it is??

 

[Paradoxium]

It's hypocritical yes, but it doesn't change the reality of the situation. If there is no recovery any time soon, tax revenues drops substantially (like it is now) and the bailout/stimulus bill comes home, what are you going to do? You raise taxes and more people will simply shelter their incomes. Don't forget the upcoming years of taxes for Obamacare that provides zero services.

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

It's hypocritical yes, but it doesn't change the reality of the situation. If there is no recovery any time soon, tax revenues drops substantially (like it is now) and the bailout/stimulus bill comes home, what are you going to do? You raise taxes and more people will simply shelter their incomes. Don't forget the upcoming years of taxes for Obamacare that provides zero services.

I'm not saying the situation is not grim. But the system has created this problem and my issue is that the GOP's motives are crystal clear: When it comes to helping their corporate buddies and their wealthy friends Republicans dont mind adding a hole in the side of the moon on the government's budget. No problems at all. But when it comes to helping average people, ergo, the tax payers who fund their salaries? They're like, "Oh, f*** them." Or as Bunning eloquently put it on the floor "Tough s***."

I have a real problem with Stormin's defense of Bunning. Let's be clear: Bunning voted for the war in Iraq. The payments for that stupidity adds up to $10-12 billion/month.

That was not "paid for."

Bunning also voted for the Bush Tax Cuts for the wealthiest 1% in the country.

That was not "paid for."

So I'll be damned if this fool wants to talk about paying for some s*** in advance now.

 

[BlackLantern]

well the President is screwing the middle class with this healthcare reform so whats a few billion more??

dangerous thinking

 

[Kelly]

do you get a dollar every time you use "parasitic" in a sentence or was that just todays' word on your "word a day" calendar??

I'm playing a drinking game with that word, leave him alone.....

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

well the President is screwing the middle class with this healthcare reform so whats a few billion more??

dangerous thinking

Meh. The screwing began under Bush's watch, not this current President. All Obama is doing now is piling it on. Thanks to Bush and Cheney--and their republican enablers--there is no money left. I get that. I understand why Bunning is trying to wave a flag of concern. But sometimes you have to do the moral thing--especially when you and your colleagues have contributed to the cause of the problem.

Funny. Didn't Bill Clinton leave office with a balanced budget and a surplus? What happened to that? Since Republicans are all about advocating small government, how do they explain the $1.3 trillion deficit that President Obama inherited?

Foreclosures, poor healthcare, unemployment...all of these evils are going to cost billions to fix. But you can't allow people to go homeless and hungry while you figure it out. What Bunning seems to be forgetting is that these people have BILLS to pay. Does he realize that by letting this expire this Sunday that perhaps millions of people will be unable to pay RENT on March 1st???

This is really serious. And disgusting.

 

[Kelly]

As far as what is happening......the whole thing is screwed up.

The government is in the same predicament that many of us are at the end of the month. We have run out of money.....plain and simple. Difference is, the government can make more of it, and simply postpone the problem, we personally cannot. Now mind you, the type of account I have will allow me to continue purchasing, but I get $35 bucks tacked on with each purchase, multiply that by billions and that is the problem our country is in.....

We are ****ed......he's a *****e, but we are ****ed.