Kentucky retard still blocking UI payments

[Fabbs]

http://img.timeinc.net/time/daily/2009/0907/bunning_0728.jpg

Kentucky's Bunning again blocks jobless benefits
By ANDREW TAYLOR, Associated Press Writer Andrew Taylor, Associated Press Writer – 49 mins ago

WASHINGTON – Sen. Jim Bunning on Tuesday again blocked the Senate from extending unemployment benefits and health insurance subsidies for the jobless.

The Kentucky Republican objected Tuesday to a request by Maine Sen. Susan Collins, a fellow Republican, to pass a 30-day extension of jobless benefits and other expired measures. The measure would also extend highway programs and prevent a big cut in Medicare payments to doctors.

Bunning has been single-handedly blocking the stopgap legislation since Thursday, to the increasing discomfort of Republicans like Collins. 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.

"This issue is so important to senators on both sides of the aisle," Collins said.

Frustrated Democrats have been lobbing attacks at Bunning and his fellow Republicans for days. Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., implored Bunning to relent and allow a vote.

But Democrats are also reaping political gains by attacking Bunning and his fellow Republicans. All three major cable news networks carried Tuesday's proceedings live, and two other members of the Democratic leadership, Charles Schumer of New York and Patty Murray of Washington, came to the floor to attack Republicans for blocking the legislation.

"Today we have a clear cut example to show the American people just what's wrong with Washington, D.C.," Murray said. "That is because today one single Republican senator is standing in the way of the unemployment benefits of 400,000 Americans."

Bunning said again Tuesday that he opposed the extension because it would add $10 billion to the budget deficit, and he attacked Democrats for abandoning promises to pay for legislation instead of contributing to a budget deficits projected to hit almost $1.6 trillion this year. Bunning proposes to pay for the extension with unspent money from last year's massive economic recovery package, but Reid objected.

Democrats want to pass the measure with the unanimous permission of all senators, a common tactic to speed non-controversial measures through the notoriously balky Senate. Otherwise it could take almost a week to slog through the procedural steps required to take up the measure and defeat Bunning's filibuster.

Bunning is retiring from the Senate at the end of the current session, which gives fellow party members little leverage to try to force him to change his mind. Bunning has been feuding with his home state colleague, GOP Leader Mitch McConnell, who privately urged him to retire rather than risk losing the seat to Democrats.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_budget_impasse;_ylt=Alz.YHMpH8A7.6VLwhsRhl_737Y B;_ylu=X3oDMTM2cTU2bXZzBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAwMzAyL3V zX2J1ZGdldF9pbXBhc3NlBGNjb2RlA21vc3Rwb3B1bGFyBGNwb 3MDMgRwb3MDMgRzZWMDeW5fdG9wX3N0b3JpZXMEc2xrA2tlbnR 1Y2t5c2J1bg--

[Yonivore]

The United States of America is broke and cannot afford the legislation.

[boutons_deux]

This is Repug party obstructionism, not just Bunning.

Bunning isn't running again, so he can't be punished for this crap.

The Repugs got clobbered electorally after the they obstructed and shutdown Clinton's govt.

I'm sure the Repugs have put Bunning up to this obstruction, while hiding and putting out the spin that Bunning is his own man, not really a litmus-tested badass Repug, always going his own way, the Repugs won't get clobbered for screwing over unemployed.

Another Repug asshole this week said unemployment pay keeps people from finding work, ignoring the fact that there are 6 seekers for every job offered, and that foreclosures and bankdruptcies are now being driven by people with solid credit but no jobs. So they'd rather be foreclosed and bankrupt rather than employed? GMAFB

The Repugs are truly repugnant cretins, with the country's and Americans' interest well behind their own nasty politicking, obstructionist bullshit.

[Fabbs]

^^ yeah all the money that gets wasted on b.s. but the out of workers cannot get the money from a system they paid into.

Its not welfare.

On the other hand, the ones who goe to the food stamp, welfare, etc offices and lies thru their teeth get rewarded.

[jack sommerset]

If he keeps this up for a few more weeks maybe the mexicans will go back across the border.

[jack sommerset]

Illegals ones of course.

[Drachen]

why don't they just find a way to pay for it? It seems logical to me.

[George Gervin's Afro]

why don't they just find a way to pay for it? It seems logical to me.

Because KY is redneck state plus he's not running for re election. The GOP is not going to lose KY so they have nothing to lose when thery deny deadbeats their unemployment benefits.

[Drachen]

Because KY is redneck state plus he's not running for re election. The GOP is not going to lose KY so they have nothing to lose when thery deny deadbeats their unemployment benefits.

No, I mean he stated that he would vote for it as long as they found a way to pay for it. Why don't they do that. Basically he is saying switch from At&t to cricket for the cell plan, cancel the DVR, and start buying hill country fair, so this can get paid for instead of "put it on the card."

[jack sommerset]

Because KY is redneck state plus he's not running for re election. The GOP is not going to lose KY so they have nothing to lose when thery deny deadbeats their unemployment benefits.

:toast

[101A]

Props to him (although the "Senator's elevator" bit was obscene).

If I don't have any money, I can't buy shit - no matter how good that shit is, or how much I might need it. No money = No money.

If there were 278 more like him we wouldn't have a, what? $12,000,000,000,000 debt.

[Drachen]

Props to him (although the "Senator's elevator" bit was obscene).

If I don't have any money, I can't buy shit - no matter how good that shit is, or how much I might need it. No money = No money.

If there were 278 more like him we wouldn't have a, what? $12,000,000,000,000 debt.

Crap. I just realized that I am in agreeance with a lot of unsavory (to me) people. Not necessarily you 101a (I don't specifically remember anything where I thought badly of you), but I bet that the talking heads on TV and Radio that I have supreme dissatisfaction for, have the same opinion as I do.

[Fabbs]

Props to him (although the "Senator's elevator" bit was obscene).

If I don't have any money, I can't buy shit - no matter how good that shit is, or how much I might need it. No money = No money.

If there were 278 more like him we wouldn't have a, what? $12,000,000,000,000 debt.
Can we see his record on expendatures he did approve?

[Marcus Bryant]

No, I mean he stated that he would vote for it as long as they found a way to pay for it. Why don't they do that. Basically he is saying switch from At&t to cricket for the cell plan, cancel the DVR, and start buying hill country fair, so this can get paid for instead of "put it on the card."

Exactly. Naturally the response to any legislator attempting to enforce any kind of fiscal discipline, however minute, in DC, is to brand them a "retard" and a "redneck."

Perhaps if there were more such retards and rednecks on both sides of the aisle in DC we wouldn't be staring into the gigantic debt abyss that we are now.

Instead, most Americans are content to shout "repug", "libtard", "retard" etc...at each other and pretend that they have contributed something to their country.

[Winehole23]

No, I mean he stated that he would vote for it as long as they found a way to pay for it. Why don't they do that. Basically he is saying switch from At&t to cricket for the cell plan, cancel the DVR, and start buying hill country fair, so this can get paid for instead of "put it on the card."Yep.

The Dems dared the GOP to help them pass PAYGO rules in January. Now, Sen. Bunning gets pilloried for upholding them. You can argue backward from the result if you like, but the principle is there.

Apparently, PAYGO is more ornamental than sincere.

[Bigzax]

Bunning said again Tuesday that he opposed the extension because it would add $10 billion to the budget deficit, and he attacked Democrats for abandoning promises to pay for legislation instead of contributing to a budget deficits projected to hit almost $1.6 trillion this year. Bunning proposes to pay for the extension with unspent money from last year's massive economic recovery package, but Reid objected.


Why not, Mr. Reid?

[Fabbs]

Exactly. Naturally the response to any legislator attempting to enforce any kind of fiscal discipline, however minute, in DC, is to brand them a "retard" and a "redneck."

Perhaps if there were more such retards and rednecks on both sides of the aisle in DC we wouldn't be staring into the gigantic debt abyss that we are now.

Instead, most Americans are content to shout "repug", "libtard", "retard" etc...at each other and pretend that they have contributed something to their country.
What was the final tally on Bush-Chaney War cost?
Off all the waste that goes on in DC, you're down with lets stop UI payments. :lol

How about stopping a bunch of the other b.s. wasted tax dollars, not *taking a stand* on UI people.

Let me guess. Kentucky has a lot of unem tobacco workers since slowly but surely the b.s. that is tobacco is losing strength? Or have they conned and bribed enough 3rd world countries into buying their shit so profits remain the same? Course those smokes must be made over there, right?

[Drachen]

Can we see his record on expendatures he did approve?


A flawed man who does the right thing doesn't make that thing any less right. It's not political grandstanding, he isn't running. Plus if someone showed you the expendatures you asked for, it still wouldn't be satisfying since they were done before the PayGo rules were reenacted, which is part of his justification for this refusal to approve.

[Fabbs]

A flawed man who does the right thing doesn't make that thing any less right. It's not political grandstanding, he isn't running. Plus if someone showed you the expendatures you asked for, it still wouldn't be satisfying since they were done before the PayGo rules were reenacted, which is part of his justification for this refusal to approve.
Wrong. I'd love to see Bunnings yes votes on expendatures irregardless of PayGo.
Including any sneaky earmaked money he brought into KY.

[Drachen]

What was the final tally on Bush-Chaney War cost?
Off all the waste that goes on in DC, you're down with lets stop UI payments. :lol

How about stopping a bunch of the other b.s. wasted tax dollars, not *taking a stand* on UI people.

Let me guess. Kentucky has a lot of unem tobacco workers since slowly but surely the b.s. that is tobacco is losing strength? Or have they conned and bribed enough 3rd world countries into buying their shit so profits remain the same? Course those smokes must be made over there, right?

Even if he voted for those measures that you are talking about, I condone him for "flip-flopping" on the issue of debt and not "staying the course." i.e. stepping back, assessing that what is happening isn't working, and (with the help of a recently passed PayGo rule), decided that this wasn't the correct path.

[Marcus Bryant]

What was the final tally on Bush-Chaney War cost?
Off all the waste that goes on in DC, you're down with lets stop UI payments. :lol

How about stopping a bunch of the other b.s. wasted tax dollars, not *taking a stand* on UI people.

Let me guess. Kentucky has a lot of unem tobacco workers since slowly but surely the b.s. that is tobacco is losing strength? Or have they conned and bribed enough 3rd world countries into buying their shit so profits remain the same? Course those smokes must be made over there, right?


Yawn. The debt and deficit have been a bipartisan accomplishment. And naturally that response was straight out of the brain dead left wing partisan playbook. I'd cut the military by a half, at least, so you'll have to change your tact there.

[Drachen]

Wrong. I'd love to see Bunnings yes votes on expendatures irregardless of PayGo.
Including any sneaky earmaked money he brought into KY.

Cool, go ahead and look at them. Doesn't make his decision on this any less correct. That we need to pay for it.

Oh, and earmarks aren't sneaky they are in plain back and white. They aren't sneaky, just stupid.

[Marcus Bryant]

Even if he voted for those measures that you are talking about, I condone him for "flip-flopping" on the issue of debt and not "staying the course." i.e. stepping back, assessing that what is happening isn't working, and (with the help of a recently passed PayGo rule), decided that this wasn't the correct path.

"A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines." - Emerson

[101A]

Can we see his record on expendatures he did approve?


I was once cavalier and irresponsible with my money; had I continued being that way, I couldn't enjoy the fruits of being prudent for over a decade now.

People can change; if it is for the better, it is always welcomed.

[Drachen]

Yawn. The debt and deficit have been a bipartisan accomplishment. And naturally that response was straight out of the brain dead left wing partisan playbook. I'd cut the military by a half, at least, so you'll have to change your tact there.

... or right-wing partisan playbook, whatever, same response no matter what letter is after their name and before their state.

[Drachen]

"A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines." - Emerson


Agreed, which is why I was so infuriated that so many people thought it was a virtue when Bush kept saying he was going to stay the course. It is only a virtue if you made a correct decision, but you must constantly question your own tough decisions and look at them from all angles to make sure that you are on the correct path.

[ChumpDumper]

Bunning sponsored about $70 million in earmarks the past couple of fiscal years.

I guess those were all incredibly important and added nothing to the deficit.

This is grandstanding.

[Drachen]

I was once cavalier and irresponsible with my money; had I continued being that way, I couldn't enjoy the fruits of being prudent for over a decade now.

People can change; if it is for the better, it is always welcomed.

Shit, even if he hasn't changed, if this is one isolated incident of doing something right, that that little bit of good has come from him. I am in no way advocating holding him up as some cult-hero in any regard. I am, however, elevating his thought process in this instance to clut-hero status. I would greatly appreciate it if he continues along this path, but know that it is unlikely.

[Marcus Bryant]

... or right-wing partisan playbook, whatever, same response no matter what letter is after their name and before their state.

True. Cobra Commander, Yanni, et al provide plenty such examples in this forum.

[Drachen]

Bunning sponsored about $70 million in earmarks the past couple of fiscal years.

I guess those were all incredibly important and added nothing to the deficit.

This is grandstanding.


For whom . . . To what end??? If it is, illogically, grandstanding at least this grandstanding correlates to what is right for once. It is pretty cool that he is enforcing a recently passed rule/law instead of letting it die immediately after it was passed.

[boutons_deux]

$700B in military waste, surely $10B could be found?

nah, fuck Americans, let 'em rot in The Banksters Depression.

America is a war-loving, kick-ass killing machine.

[Marcus Bryant]

Politics is grandstanding.

And if a politician is going to be a hypocrite, as long as it's for greater fiscal discipline, who cares? Spending is going to have to be cut and taxes are going to have to go up to deal with the deficit and debt. This same scenario is playing out as Obama is having to backpedal from his income tax pledge during the campaign.

[TeyshaBlue]

What was the final tally on Bush-Chaney War cost?
Off all the waste that goes on in DC, you're down with lets stop UI payments. :lol

How about stopping a bunch of the other b.s. wasted tax dollars, not *taking a stand* on UI people.

Let me guess. Kentucky has a lot of unem tobacco workers since slowly but surely the b.s. that is tobacco is losing strength? Or have they conned and bribed enough 3rd world countries into buying their shit so profits remain the same? Course those smokes must be made over there, right?

BushHaliburtonKatrinaCheneyHitler :rolleyes

[ChumpDumper]

For whomFor the Republican party
To what end???Partisan hackery. It's an easy stance to take when there are no consequences.
If it is, illogically, grandstanding at least this grandstanding correlates to what is right for once. It is pretty cool that he is enforcing a recently passed rule/law instead of letting it die immediately after it was passed.Go back and look at all the deficit spending he did vote for in his career. Bunning didn't even bother to show up for the TARP vote in January 09. That was after voting FOR the original TARP in 08.

That vote he didn't bother to show up for was worth 35 times the money involved in the legislation he is holding up.

Oh, now he cares.

[Marcus Bryant]

Or, now the country cares. Perhaps.

[Wild Cobra]

This is Repug party obstructionism, not just Bunning.

Bunning isn't running again, so he can't be punished for this crap.

The Repugs got clobbered electorally after the they obstructed and shutdown Clinton's govt.

I'm sure the Repugs have put Bunning up to this obstruction, while hiding and putting out the spin that Bunning is his own man, not really a litmus-tested badass Repug, always going his own way, the Repugs won't get clobbered for screwing over unemployed.

Another Repug asshole this week said unemployment pay keeps people from finding work, ignoring the fact that there are 6 seekers for every job offered, and that foreclosures and bankdruptcies are now being driven by people with solid credit but no jobs. So they'd rather be foreclosed and bankrupt rather than employed? GMAFB

The Repugs are truly repugnant cretins, with the country's and Americans' interest well behind their own nasty politicking, obstructionist bullshit.
That's not why he's blocking the legislation.

Just after the PayGo is reimplemented, he is blocking this because democrats want to violate the PayGo that the so fiercely fought for.

[DarkReign]

$700B in military waste, surely $10B could be found?

nah, fuck Americans, let 'em rot in The Banksters Depression.

America is a war-loving, kick-ass killing machine.

If Dems were anywhere near the organization level of the Repubs, they could turn this fiasco into political gain.

But Dems are only used to winning when defeat is nigh impossible. See '08.

Then see Nov '10.

Dems arent heavy-weights, they havent been in my lifetime. They lack cohesion and in my mind, common sense. They basically win offices around the country with trite slogans about how bad the current guy is, how much better I would be and racial pandering.

Dems have exhibited the most ineffective governance in 2 years than all of Bush's 8.

Seriously, if I were a Democrat right now, I'd be hiding in the shadows. Majorities in every branch for almost a year (almost), a filibuster-proof Senate and what the fuck have they done with it?

The same thing they have done for their constiuents and ardent supporters...not one God damn thing.

Blame it on whomever you want, but thats the truth. Obama is turning out to be one giant failure, so far (caveat). He cant unite his own party much less reach aroun..I mean, reach across the aisle.

Is the Senator grandstanding?

Most certainly. Every politician is a career grandstander, that goes without saying.

Is his cause merited, is the question. Dont know. Unemployment benefits, contrary to popular opinion, are not paid by employees, theyre paid by employers.

It varies state to state, but this being a Federal issue, it deals with the FUTA tax (i assume).

Also, I find it disingenuous that this "one guy from KY" is the sole reason for non-passage. Unless of course the Senate can block legislation when the vote is 1-99.

Why is he being targeted? As I understand it, he is a lame duck Senator anyway? Doesnt seem the appropriate target to aim for if youre the Dems. That or, once again, the Dems are too stupid to see the setup. Rabid animals with no common sense, I tell ya.

The Senator is asking that the government find $10B somewhere to extend the benefits.

WTF is so wrong with that?

[ChumpDumper]

Or, now the country cares. Perhaps.Yes, we in secessionist Texas now care deeply about the debt....










....after we took our $17 billion cut of the stimulus and used it to balance our budget.

[Marcus Bryant]

So would it have been a problem if someone held up that transfer to TX, given a certain history with earmarks?

[EmptyMan]

Take the crack rock away and they cry.


Poor crack babies. Gotta kick the habit at some point.




disclaimer: Crack being spending, they being government. /No racist

[ChumpDumper]

So would it have been a problem if someone held up that transfer to TX, given a certain history with earmarks?And a history of voting a $700 billion increase in the debt on the guesstimate of a cabinet member, sure.

We act like we care, but we don't. We like our politicians to act like they care as well.

[coyotes_geek]

Bunning is grandstanding today, and apparantely back when the democrats were pushing for paygo that was nothing but a bunch of grandstanding as well.

[Marcus Bryant]

It's reached the point where we will have to care. Perhaps it will take a big enough increase in interest rates to get everyone's attention.

If an alcoholic goes a day without a drink, it's a start. It's odd that continuing the behavior is now preferable to making a change.

[ChumpDumper]

Take the crack rock away and they cry.


Poor crack babies. Gotta kick the habit at some point.Yes, refuse the gram after taking a few kilos (I know they don't measure it that way, but drugs is drugs).

[Drachen]

For the Republican party Partisan hackery. It's an easy stance to take when there are no consequences.Go back and look at all the deficit spending he did vote for in his career. Bunning didn't even bother to show up for the TARP vote in January 09. That was after voting FOR the original TARP in 08.

That vote he didn't bother to show up for was worth 35 times the money involved in the legislation he is holding up.

Oh, now he cares.

... and I am glad he does.

Maybe the just passed PayGo won't be a complete waste if there are one or two senators (from either party) who treats it as more than a political decoration.

[ChumpDumper]

It's reached the point where we will have to care. Perhaps it will take a big enough increase in interest rates to get everyone's attention.That's going to happen anyway.


If an alcoholic goes a day without a drink, it's a start. It's odd that continuing the behavior is now preferable to making a change.Bunning and the rest of us will go right back to the same behavior.

As long as we get ours.

[ChumpDumper]

... and I am glad he does.But he doesn't.


Maybe the just passed PayGo won't be a complete waste if there are one or two senators (from either party) who treats it as more than a political decoration.It will be a complete waste.

[Marcus Bryant]

Sure, it will happen, but what's wrong with getting a start on the response?

And wishing for a return to normalcy doesn't mean it will happen.

[Drachen]

Yes, refuse the gram after taking a few kilos (I know they don't measure it that way, but drugs is drugs).

Um, I have to make sure that I get this straight. Because he voted for deficit spending, he is disallowed (in your opinion) from voting for fiscal responsibility. Is that correct? If so, then we are truely screwed because every single one of them has voted for deficit spending. And since every single one of them has voted for deficit spending at one time or another, then they are not allowed to vote for fiscal dicipline anymore. To take that further, even if we replaced every single one of them with new people who have never voted for or against a bill, the still wouldn't be allowed to vote for fiscal discipline because it is very likely that at some point in their life, they have used a credit card, or borrowed a few bucks from a friend or family member. Shit, I am sure I borrowed a quarter from a buddy to get to a vending machine before I was 7.

It seems that toddlers are our only hope for the Senate/House/Presidency, as they are the only ones who are untainted.

[ChumpDumper]

Sure, it will happen, but what's wrong with getting a start on the response?The time to start was ten years ago. Was Bunning holding up $10 billion bills back then? He has been in the federal government since 1989.


And wishing for a return to normalcy doesn't mean it will happen.Deficit spending is the norm. We're already there.

[ChumpDumper]

Um, I have to make sure that I get this straight. Because he voted for deficit spending, he is disallowed (in your opinion) from voting for fiscal responsibility. Is that correct? If so, then we are truely screwed because every single one of them has voted for deficit spending.That is exactly what I am saying.


And since every single one of them has voted for deficit spending at one time or another, then they are not allowed to vote for fiscal dicipline anymore. To take that further, even if we replaced every single one of them with new people who have never voted for or against a bill, the still wouldn't be allowed to vote for fiscal discipline because it is very likely that at some point in their life, they have used a credit card, or borrowed a few bucks from a friend or family member. Shit, I am sure I borrowed a quarter from a buddy to get to a vending machine before I was 7.

It seems that toddlers are our only hope for the Senate/House/Presidency, as they are the only ones who are untainted.That's as realistic an idea as thinking those who have been spending in Congress for 20 years are now coming to Jesus.

[Marcus Bryant]

Sure, it would have been preferable to have started earlier, but we are where we are today.

[ChumpDumper]

Yes, haggling over $10 billion of directly stimulative benefits after running up the debt $10 trillion.

Forgive my cynicism. This is clearly grandstanding.

[Drachen]

That is exactly what I am saying.

That's as realistic an idea as thinking those who have been spending in Congress for 20 years are now coming to Jesus.

Ok, then why do you even comment on politics? If there is (in your opinion) no changing it, and (in your opinion) they are not even allowed to change, even for one vote, then what is the point in making your voice heard? You believe that you have no voice. Do you derive some sort of masturbatory pleasure out of it? I really don't get it. I mean, shit, 10 years ago we had a surplus after decades of deficit spending. Or was that in a day dream of mine?

[Drachen]

Yes, haggling over $10 billion of directly stimulative benefits after running up the debt $10 trillion.

Forgive my cynicism. This is clearly grandstanding.

Ok, great! Grandstanding it is. Good thing that he is standing grand for something that actually aligns itself with the good of the country, if even for one vote. Fiscal responsibility.

[ChumpDumper]

Ok, then why do you even comment on politics?It's fun.


If there is (in your opinion) no changing it, and (in your opinion) they are not even allowed to change, even for one vote, then what is the point in making your voice heard?Did I say there was a point?
You believe that you have no voice.Not much.
Do you derive some sort of masturbatory pleasure out of it?Do you derive some sort of masturbatory pleasure from using the word masturbatory?
I really don't get it. I mean, shit, 10 years ago we had a surplus after decades of deficit spending. Or was that in a day dream of mine?What happened to that?

Oh yeah, the party of fiscal responsibility came into full power of the government. What was Bunning doing then?

[ChumpDumper]

Ok, great! Grandstanding it is. Good thing that he is standing grand for something that actually aligns itself with the good of the country, if even for one vote. Fiscal responsibility.He'll turn around and vote for more deficits soon enough. When his state needs an earmark or two.

In a very fiscally responsible manner.

[boutons_deux]

where was Bunning's obstructionahs when dubya was passing Medicare Part D, and Medicare Advantage, both unfunded, and running 2 bullshits war on debt financing?

[Drachen]

It's fun.

Did I say there was a point?Not much.Do you derive some sort of masturbatory pleasure from using the word masturbatory?What happened to that?

Oh yeah, the party of fiscal responsibility came into full power of the government. What was Bunning doing then?

Yes, but you said it can never change. It did, ipso facto . . . it can happen again.

As far as my choice of verbiage, its probably the first time I have used that word in a few years, but here ya go:

Excessively self-indulgent or self-involved: "[The play's] star . . . paces around his cell, smoking and snarling in a masturbatory rant" (Sam Whiting).


Also, thank you for telling me that you have no point and are therfore not valid, now I can just ignore you in the political forum as a waste of space, I suggest others do the same. I will however continue to read what you have to say about the Toros.

[ChumpDumper]

Yes, but you said it can never change. It did, ipso facto . . . it can happen again.Long enough to make a dent in the actual debt?

Probably not.


As far as my choice of verbiage, its probably the first time I have used that word in a few years, but here ya go:

Excessively self-indulgent or self-involved: "[The play's] star . . . paces around his cell, smoking and snarling in a masturbatory rant" (Sam Whiting).You really like that word.


Also, thank you for telling me that you have no point and are therfore not valid, now I can just ignore you in the political forum as a waste of space, I suggest others do the same. I will however continue to read what you have to say about the Toros.Good for you.

Feel better?

Is that reducing the debt?

[Drachen]

where was Bunning's obstructionahs when dubya was passing Medicare Part D, and Medicare Advantage, both unfunded, and running 2 bullshits war on debt financing?

You are absolutely right to say that he should have obstructed all of those things until money could be found to finance them (I would disagree with you on Afghanistan, though). So then you are glad that he finally is starting to block unfunded bills, right?

[ChumpDumper]

You realize I have no effect on the Toros either, right?

[clambake]

You are absolutely right to say that he should have obstructed all of those things until money could be found to finance them (I would disagree with you on Afghanistan, though). So then you are glad that he finally is starting to block unfunded bills, right?

strange that you don't know why he's doing it just now.

[Drachen]

strange that you don't know why he's doing it just now.

I honestly don't care what someone's motivations for doing the right thing are, as long as the right thing gets done. If Hitler stopped the war and all of his killing because he thought a lizard-bear told him he would be Pope if he did these things, I would take it. WGAF why the right thing is done, as long as it's done.

[Drachen]

Wouldn't it be great if Washington politics got SO twisted and backwards that it came a full 360 and went in the right direction again. I know that this is a dream for the forseeable future, so I will take small victories like this when I can.

[Yonivore]

I say, as long as they're accomplishing nothing, it's in our favor.

[clambake]

yes, because it worked so well lol.

[Drachen]

yes, because it worked so well lol.

"it" meaning what?

[clambake]

"it" meaning what?

meaning yoni pines for the days that the reigning republicans dragged the country through the mud.

[Winehole23]

Bunning blinks (http://blogs.abcnews.com/thenote/2010/03/bunning-blinks.html)?


In another interview at the Senators-only elevator (http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/video/jim-bunning-pressed-unemployment-beneftis-9988791) near his office, Senator Jim Bunning, R-Ky., said he is working on a deal to pass the unemployment extension bill he has been blocking since last Wednesday.


“We’re working on it,” Bunning told ABC News.

Could the issue be settled today?


“Hopefully,” he said.


Bunning has been blocking a vote on the $10 billion bill -- which would also extend COBRA health benefits, keep doctors who serve Medicare patients from getting a pay cut, give rural satellite TV subscribers access to network television and provide highway funding – because he insists it be paid for with cuts to other programs. Democrats have refused to go along with that.


According to Republican and Democratic sources, the deal Bunning is negotiating with Majority Leader Harry Reid would allow two votes: first, a vote on an amendment to offset the bill’s $10 billion price tag with cuts in other programs; and second, a vote on the bill itself.



This is a deal that Bunning himself rejected on Wednesday because, he said at the time, the vote on the spending cuts would be defeated.


“Of course, we can have a vote on it, and, of course, it can be defeated,” Bunning said on Wednesday. “I was not ready to risk voting on a bill I knew would not get the amount of votes necessary to pay for it.”

[Wild Cobra]

My God...

None of you libtards are addressing the "PayGo" rule.

cannot let the democrats slide on this. They most certainly will not let republicans slide on it.

[ChumpDumper]

My God...Has nothing to do with this.


None of you libtards are addressing the "PayGo" rule.

cannot let the democrats slide on this. They most certainly will not let republicans slide on it.So the budget will be balanced this year?

[coyotes_geek]

So the budget will be balanced this year?

Was that part of the paygo legislation?

[Drachen]

My God...

None of you libtards are addressing the "PayGo" rule.

cannot let the democrats slide on this. They most certainly will not let republicans slide on it.

Don't know what a libtard is (an unitard for liberians?), anyway as a liberal I have most certainly addressed PayGo.

[ChumpDumper]

Was that part of the paygo legislation?If not, it's pretty worthless.

[coyotes_geek]

If not, it's pretty worthless.

Don't you think this all-or-nothing approach to defecit reduction that you're suggesting is unrealistic? Isn't it a bit ridiculous to be opposed to following paygo principles on a $15 billion bill simply because it doesn't cover a $1 trillion dollar plus defecit?

[Marcus Bryant]

"Libtard" seems to be anyone who holds a view divergent to that held by WC.

[Marcus Bryant]

Wouldn't it be great if Washington politics got SO twisted and backwards that it came a full 360 and went in the right direction again. I know that this is a dream for the forseeable future, so I will take small victories like this when I can.

The right thing to do becomes the craven, cynical political thing to do so it actually gets done.

[ChumpDumper]

Don't you think this all-or-nothing approach to defecit reduction that you're suggesting is unrealistic? Isn't it a bit ridiculous to be opposed to following paygo principles on a $15 billion bill simply because it doesn't cover a $1 trillion dollar plus defecit?It is ridiculous to make a big deal out of $15 billion when the deficit is over $1 trillion and nothing is going to be done about it.

[Marcus Bryant]

Something will be done, as it is not sustainable.

[ChumpDumper]

Something will be done, as it is not sustainable.Yep. Spending will be cut. Taxes will go up. People will bitch. Spending will go up. Taxes will go down. At best, there will be some movement around this new, higher level.

[Drachen]

Don't you think this all-or-nothing approach to defecit reduction that you're suggesting is unrealistic? Isn't it a bit ridiculous to be opposed to following paygo principles on a $15 billion bill simply because it doesn't cover a $1 trillion dollar plus defecit?

I completely agree. Someone I know doesn't have a license because it was taken away, and now she has to pay 2.5k to get it back. She is just driving around with no license and has no real plan to try and get it back. I told her she needs to do this because it is stupid to put herself (and daughter) into this predicament. She said that she doesn't have 2.5k. I looked at what she spends money on, and found that she could save about 150 a month on the low end, or 275 with some pain in her lifestyle, and make the payments in installments. She has no way of getting her DL back right away, but making progress toward it is good and she will get there eventually. Nope. She doesn't have the money to do it right now.

... So it won't get done.

[coyotes_geek]

It is ridiculous to make a big deal out of $15 billion when the deficit is over $1 trillion and nothing is going to be done about it.

What's ridiculous is to be opposed to something consistent with a goal you support simply because that one thing won't achieve your entire goal.

[ChumpDumper]

What's ridiculous is to be opposed to something consistent with a goal you support simply because that one thing won't achieve your entire goal.I fully support the rearrangement of deckchairs on the Titanic. It's definitely going to help!

[coyotes_geek]

I fully support the rearrangement of deckchairs on the Titanic. It's definitely going to help!

I'm glad to hear you support Bunning's stand.

[PublicOption]

The United States of America is broke and cannot afford the legislation.



FEDERAL SPENDING GET US OUT OF A RECESSION/DEPRESSION situation



this guy is fuckhead.

[PublicOption]

FEDERAL SPENDING GETS US OUT OF A RECESSION/DEPRESSION situation



this guy is fuckhead.

[ChumpDumper]

I'm glad to hear you support Bunning's stand.I'm glad to see you don't understand sarcasm.

[coyotes_geek]

I'm glad to see you don't understand sarcasm.

Evidently you don't either.

[Wild Cobra]

Don't know what a libtard is (an unitard for liberians?), anyway as a liberal I have most certainly addressed PayGo.
A libtard is a liberal retard. Many liberals fall into this category in my opinion.

As for addressing the PayGo, I didn't see your reference. I will look again.

[Wild Cobra]

Maybe the just passed PayGo won't be a complete waste if there are one or two senators (from either party) who treats it as more than a political decoration.
OK, So I take it you agree with my assessment?

[Drachen]

OK, So I take it you agree with my assessment?

Um, read the thread. I believe it is quite obvious, though it pains me to say that someone who uses petty name calling (utterly ridiculous name calling at that) agrees with me.

[spursncowboys]

FEDERAL SPENDING GET US OUT OF A RECESSION/DEPRESSION situation



this guy is fuckhead.

When has that approach actually worked?

[Crookshanks]

These people have already gotten almost 100 weeks of unemployment benefits! At this point, it's not unemployment, it's welfare. And many of these people don't even want to find a job - they're sitting on their fat, lazy behinds and taking the taxpayer's money.

There are plenty of ways for them to find the money if they really want to pass this legislation - the dems just have a violent aversion to cutting ANY spending, unless it's the military.

I say - good for Bunning - we need more like him. They have to start somewhere - the problem is they always want to start "tomorrow".

[ElNono]

When has that approach actually worked?

The great depression.
The Japanese depression of the 90's.
The Brazilian depression of the 80' and 90's.

Now you tell me what other approach has actually been used and worked to get out of a recession/depression?

[ElNono]

These people have already gotten almost 100 weeks of unemployment benefits! At this point, it's not unemployment, it's welfare. And many of these people don't even want to find a job - they're sitting on their fat, lazy behinds and taking the taxpayer's money.

Why don't you report them if you know there's a fraud going on?


There are plenty of ways for them to find the money if they really want to pass this legislation - the dems just have a violent aversion to cutting ANY spending, unless it's the military.

Both parties have an aversion to cutting spending. And I don't see why the military should be off the table. After all, cutting is cutting is cutting.


I say - good for Bunning - we need more like him. They have to start somewhere - the problem is they always want to start "tomorrow".

Cutting spending now would be a bad idea. You want to reactivate the economy, and have money flowing. Now, I completely agree there should be cuts once the economy recovers, and the savings should be used to pay off debt. This last part is what politicians normally skip and where the problem really is.

[boutons_deux]

"These people have already gotten almost 100 weeks of unemployment benefits! At this point, it's not unemployment, it's welfare. And many of these people don't even want to find a job - they're sitting on their fat, lazy behinds and taking the taxpayer's money."

Spoken like a love-filled, compassionate, Jesus-is-my-Savior Bible-thumping "Christian"

Some projections put unemployment at 10% through end of 2011.

What would Jesus do?

Hand out jobs like loaves and fishes?

Turn all the water into wine to ease the pain?

[clambake]

no surprise with skanks. shes a new cocksucking whore for a defense contractor.

[boutons_deux]

Bunning Enthusiastically Backed Extending Unemployment Benefits That Weren’t Paid For In 2003


In recent days, Sen. Jim Bunning has been obstructing the passage (http://thinkprogress.org/2010/03/02/collins-bunning/) of a bill that would extend unemployment benefits for nearly a million Americans, claiming that they aren’t “paid for (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&oi=news_result&ct=res&cd=1&ved=0CAYQqQIwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2FidUST RE6213XI20100302&rct=j&q=jim+bunning+paid+for&ei=WHmNS9iOMJO1tge7tqXwCA&usg=AFQjCNGlkRDYcwNPLPYGKDdePBYaz-FbWw).”

But in 2003, Bunning not only voted for (http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.uscongress/legislation.108s23) an unemployment extension but also put out a glowing press release lauding the extension of unemployment benefits as “hopeful news for our most needy families in Kentucky (http://bunning.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=NewsCenter.NewsReleases&ContentRecord_id=169be67f-0b60-4fe6-96bc-af3de696604f&Region_id=&Issue_id=)“:
http://blogs.alternet.org/wp-includes/js/tinymce/plugins/wordpress/img/trans.gif
U.S. Senator Jim Bunning today announced that legislation to extend temporary unemployment benefits for an additional five months has passed the United States Congress. The legislation, which was unanimously approved yesterday by the Senate and by a vote of 416-4 today in the House, would also provide a temporary 13-week extension of unemployment benefits for all individuals who exhaust their traditional benefits before June 1, 2003. “The 108th Congress is off to a solid start,” said Bunning.“This is hopeful news for our most needy families in Kentucky. By approving this legislation we will help those folks who are currently without work continue to make ends meet until they can find new employment.” Passage of this legislation means that there will be no lapse in assistance for the nearly 10,000 Kentuckians who have filed claims so far for extended benefits. The last extension expired on December 28, 2002. President Bush is expected to sign the bill tomorrow, which means the next payment to states can still be made on Friday, January 10, as originally scheduled.
The CBO estimates that at the time, the budgetary cost of the unemployment benefit increase was $6.6 billion (http://www.cbo.gov/doc.cfm?index=4030&type=0) between 2003 and 2007. The Labor Department estimates that 4,300 Kentuckians (http://www.lex18.com/news/labor-department-estimates-4300-kentuckians-will-lose-benefits/) will lose their unemployment benefits during the week of March 13 without an extension. If Bunning’s stance today is truly principled, then why didn’t he stand up to fight the unpaid-for benefits in 2003, under the Republican President Bush?

http://thinkprogress.org/2010/03/02/bunning-unemployment-2003/

[Crookshanks]

no surprise with skanks. shes a new cocksucking whore for a defense contractor.

Geez - I don't even know you, and you don't know me. Ever thought of anger management? I feel sorry for those people who resort to vulgar language because they're not intelligent enough to get their point across any other way.

[Crookshanks]

The great depression.
The Japanese depression of the 90's.
The Brazilian depression of the 80' and 90's.

Now you tell me what other approach has actually been used and worked to get out of a recession/depression?

FDR's policies actually EXTENDED the depression - it took the war to get us out.

Ever heard of the "lost decade" in Japan? That was during the time you say they were spending to help their economy.

Maybe you should check some more sources...

[boutons_deux]

...

[boutons_deux]

"during the time you say they were spending to help their economy." Economists say Japan started it 90s too late, and it was too small. Was held up as an example for the US not to be timid or slow in its own stimulus. "Maybe you should check some more sources..".

[Wild Cobra]

Well, the demonrats got it passed. They reneged on the Pay Go that they insist on following.

[ElNono]

FDR's policies actually EXTENDED the depression - it took the war to get us out.

Did we cut costs going to war, or spent even MORE money?
Like a shitload more money?


Ever heard of the "lost decade" in Japan? That was during the time you say they were spending to help their economy.

That's correct. You don't grow in a recession. You try to get out of it.


Maybe you should check some more sources...

Maybe you need to educate yourself more on economics instead of regurgitating what you heard on Fox News.

I'm going to repeat the question, since you avoided it too:

Now you tell me what other approach has actually been used and worked to get out of a recession/depression?

[TeyshaBlue]

These people have already gotten almost 100 weeks of unemployment benefits! At this point, it's not unemployment, it's welfare. And many of these people don't even want to find a job - they're sitting on their fat, lazy behinds and taking the taxpayer's money.


"These people....":rolleyes How many? C'mon...try to squeeze out a thought here.
This is one of the most spectacularly vapid statements I've ever read. Apply just a smidgen of critical thought before you post...just for grins. You might like it. This must be a boutons troll.:lol

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-03-01-townhangingon_N.htm?csp=34

[clambake]

Geez - I don't even know you, and you don't know me. Ever thought of anger management? I feel sorry for those people who resort to vulgar language because they're not intelligent enough to get their point across any other way.

the point i'm trying to make is that you're a vapid bitch.

the people you idolize were in control when this thing crashed and the "people" you call fat and lazy paid into the system. thats what its for, you stupid cunt.

[Crookshanks]

Employees don't pay into unemployment insurance - their employers do. And extending benefits to people who've already gotten about 99 weeks of payments just encourages laziness. And I've heard of companies that have openings, but some of the people who apply aren't really interested in being hired, they just want to prove they're "still looking" for work so they can continue to get unemployment.

[clambake]

Employees don't pay into unemployment insurance - their employers do.
i know how benefits work, dipshit.

And extending benefits to people who've already gotten about 99 weeks of payments just encourages laziness.
such a broad stroke from a dumb bitch.

And I've heard of companies that have openings, but some of the people who apply aren't really interested in being hired, they just want to prove they're "still looking" for work so they can continue to get unemployment.
you're full of shit.

[George Gervin's Afro]

crookshanks obviously has no idea what he is talking about. if we were to believe dumb dumb then we would have to accept that people are ok with living off 30% of their salary prior to losing thier job. They must now get by on 30% but crookshanks wants everyone to believe that this is the choice poeople have made... "Hey I'm down to 800 bucks a month with 2,000 bills due..I'm livin g it up!! Woohoo!"

[TeyshaBlue]

crookshanks obviously has no idea what he is talking about. if we were to believe dumb dumb then we would have to accept that people are ok with living off 30% of their salary prior to losing thier job. They must now get by on 30% but crookshanks wants everyone to believe that this is the choice poeople have made... "Hey I'm down to 800 bucks a month with 2,000 bills due..I'm livin g it up!! Woohoo!"

No shit. I drew UI for a month and a half a couple of years ago. It ain't anywhere near workable.

[Wild Cobra]

crookshanks obviously has no idea what he is talking about. if we were to believe dumb dumb then we would have to accept that people are ok with living off 30% of their salary prior to losing thier job. They must now get by on 30% but crookshanks wants everyone to believe that this is the choice poeople have made... "Hey I'm down to 800 bucks a month with 2,000 bills due..I'm livin g it up!! Woohoo!"
No, he's right. If a person was well employed before a layoff, they can live OK on the maximum benefits, and it takes a job at about 2 times the minimum wage to beat the benefits. These same people find work right after those benefits run out.

I have done so myself in the past when I was less responsible than today. Didn't find an adequate job that beat my benefits, but once they ran out, I took a job again. After deductions, my net pay was slightly less than my unemployment benefits, and I was not working full time vs. 0 hrs a week.

[clambake]

just because you're a lazy piece of shit doesn't mean everyone is.

[Wild Cobra]

No shit. I drew UI for a month and a half a couple of years ago. It ain't anywhere near workable.
Well, when I drew unemployment and waited for a good job again, it was almost $300 a week, and my rent was $700/month. This was almost 20 years ago. I simply couldn't find a job that paid $287(?) a week after taxes. They weren't available. However, I would have taken any job if I had no unemployment benefits. There were many lower paying jobs available.

Why take a job that pays $350 a week after taxes when you can get $287 sitting on your ass, not have to pay for gas to and from work, and lunches?

[Wild Cobra]

just because you're a lazy piece of shit doesn't mean everyone is.
That's just it. I was lazy and discouraged enough to do it, and I am far less lazy than the average person out there.

[Wild Cobra]

What are maximum unemployment benifits today? I haven't a clue. They are probably above $500 weekly now. Anyone know? Am I right?

[Spurminator]

I still haven't seen a good answer for why the extension can't be paid out of unspent stimulus funds.

[Wild Cobra]

I still haven't seen a good answer for why the extension can't be paid out of unspent stimulus funds.
Don't you know?

The democrats have already promised it to their elitist friends.

[clambake]

wc was raised on welfare and then continued to milk the system as an adult.

you're a quality guy.

[George Gervin's Afro]

wc was raised on welfare and then continued to milk the system as an adult.

you're a quality guy.

he doesn't want anyone to abuse it now!

[Wild Cobra]

wc was raised on welfare and then continued to milk the system as an adult.

you're a quality guy.
At least I'm not you.

You must live a really pathetic life.

[Wild Cobra]

he doesn't want anyone to abuse it now!
We all grow and change our ways. If you think otherwise, then I pity you.

[George Gervin's Afro]

We all grow and change our ways. If you think otherwise, then I pity you.

hey man I will give you credit for being honest!

[Drachen]

Ok, so I just googled "what percentage does unemployment pay" because I didn't believe it was 33% (one website said it was between 48% and 52%.) and the very first link I clicked on was a site where a guy said he was probably going to be laid off and wanted to know if he should go get a job, or just collect unemployment, but he wanted to gauge how much money he would make.

This is not an uncommon thing people. If you are receiving unemployment benefits for 2 years, it just means that you are pulling an ashbeigh (or however its spelled) and waiting for the perfect perfect job that pays exactly what you want on everyone elses dime. I have read many articles about people who were ad execs that are now delivering pizza during the evening because they can't find work in their industry. Rather than waiting for the perfect job, they are getting out there, and working, while still seeking other employment.

Oh, and it also gives one experience in another field. If some ambitious ad exec starts delivering pizza, they are probably going to get promoted rather quickly, could end up a store manager in a year or beyond that in two years.
Meanwhile their counterparts are still waiting for that job and collecting unemployment 2 years later. What happens if their industry doesn't recover for 5 years. Person "A" is a regional manager and making similar money to what he made before. Person B starts this process at 2 years (or 3, or whenever benefits finally run out).

[TeyshaBlue]

Well, when I drew unemployment and waited for a good job again, it was almost $300 a week, and my rent was $700/month. This was almost 20 years ago. I simply couldn't find a job that paid $287(?) a week after taxes. They weren't available. However, I would have taken any job if I had no unemployment benefits. There were many lower paying jobs available.

Why take a job that pays $350 a week after taxes when you can get $287 sitting on your ass, not have to pay for gas to and from work, and lunches?

Because, on occasion, I try to at least pretend to be ethical.

[boutons_deux]

you wrongie assholes assume low-paying shit jobs are just lying around for anybody who wants to work for minimum wage, so why are blacks at 28% unem. rate, why are all kids at 20% unem rate?

Everybody can't get off unem just because they want to. 6 seekers for every job offered, mofos.

[Drachen]

you wrongie assholes assume low-paying shit jobs are just lying around for anybody who wants to work for minimum wage, so why are blacks at 28% unem. rate, why are all kids at 20% unem rate?

Everybody can't get off unem just because they want to. 6 seekers for every job offered, mofos.

Ok, why aren't teenagers at 100% unemployment? I mean, the adults should be taking their jobs. I will see your "6 seekers . . ." and raise you 2 FREAKIN YEARS
The only way it should last over 1 year is if the person is in school learning something new.

[coyotes_geek]

Ok, so I just googled "what percentage does unemployment pay" because I didn't believe it was 33% (one website said it was between 48% and 52%.) and the very first link I clicked on was a site where a guy said he was probably going to be laid off and wanted to know if he should go get a job, or just collect unemployment, but he wanted to gauge how much money he would make.

Just to follow up on this, the TWC website has an unemployment benefits estimator. Just playing around with it, it looks like you get 50% benefit if the job you lost paid $40k/yr or less. Above that, the weekly benefit is capped at $406/wk. $406/wk still equates to a $10/hr job, so I can certainly see there being people out there not being in all that big a hurry to go start delivering pizzas.

[clambake]

Ok, The only way it should last over 1 year is if the person is in school learning something new.

yah, they spend their benefits on school......and then live in a locker.

[Wild Cobra]

I found the maximum benefit for may state at $493 per week:

Oregon unemployment situation January 2010 (http://www.oregon.gov/EMPLOY/COMM/news/january_2010_unemployment_situation.shtml)

Here are the maximum benefits last year, 1/1/09:

Unemployment Insurance Benefits in the U.S.A. (http://www.jobline.net/futincome1.htm)

[Drachen]

yah, they spend their benefits on school......and then live in a locker.

fafsa.ed.gov

[clambake]

federal student aid, huh?

federal, huh?

[clambake]

$463 to $493....woo hooo lets through a party!

[Drachen]

federal student aid, huh?

federal, huh?

Yes, problem?

[clambake]

oh the lucky few.

[TeyshaBlue]

$463 to $493....woo hooo lets through a party!

Yew talk funny.

[clambake]

Yew talk funny.

good catch.

[boutons_deux]

"The only way it should last over 1 year is if the person is in school learning something new."

There He Goes Again.

So if it takes a person more than 1 year to find a job, ANY job, in your opinion, the person is a fraud?,
loser?,
Welfare Queen?,
cheater?,
lazy?
wants to be foreclosed and bankrupt?

In your OPiNION, there's no legit way for any job seeker to fail to find a job for more than one year?

$480/week welfare is $12/hour for 40 hour week, = $25K/year.

A lot middle class people have structural lifestyle costs that easily surpass $25K/year (mortgage, car, utilities, phone).

[TeyshaBlue]

good catch.
:lol

[Drachen]

"The only way it should last over 1 year is if the person is in school learning something new."

There He Goes Again.

So if it takes a person more than 1 year to find a job, ANY job, in your opinion, the person is a fraud?,
loser?,
Welfare Queen?,
cheater?,
lazy?
wants to be foreclosed and bankrupt?

In your OPiNION, there's no legit way for any job seeker to fail to find a job for more than one year?

$480/week welfare is $12/hour for 40 hour week, = $25K/year.

A lot middle class people have structural lifestyle costs that easily surpass $25K/year (mortgage, car, utilities, phone).

I don't get the "there he goes again" part.

Actually yeah, if you are on UI for 2 years, you aren't trying very hard. 1 year is pushing it. I think that if you are receiving a government check, you should be doing something for it. School, public works like mowing the highway, volunteering at the soup kitchen (but you would have to prove this), etc. I feel the same about welfare. Maybe not 40 hours a week, but definitely 20 at the least in order to get your check.

If you can't live on 25k a year, then get two $9 an hour jobs. It can be done
When I was 21 I worked as a pressure washer overnight 6 days a week at least 12 hours a day. Oh and when I got home from work, I took a shower left to UTSA where I was taking a full load at school. Funny thing is, when I was tired and was talking to my dad, I couldn't complain. When he was going to school (full time), he was working 2 full time jobs, and had a wife (my mom) and a kid (my sister) at home (wife was also going to school and working part time. He trumps me. He isn't rich, but is well-off now, he doesn't have to work anywhere near the amount because the value of his time is far greater. Yet he takes on tons of projects. Starting non-profits, starting businesses, volunteering for other non-profits, is going to deacon school, and the list goes on.

I personally don't have to work that hard anymore either, but I am going to start grad school in the summer, have a full time job, wife and two kids. In the early stages of starting a business (putting business plan together).

If you get free money, do something for it, something that makes this a better place.

[Spurminator]

$480/week welfare is $12/hour for 40 hour week, = $25K/year.

A lot middle class people have structural lifestyle costs that easily surpass $25K/year (mortgage, car, utilities, phone).

I'm not an opponent of welfare or UI but I also do not think unemployed people are entitled, for an extended amount of time, to the same lifestyle they had when they were employed. You may have to move. You may have to cut back on some non-essentials.

$480 per week does not seem unreasonable to me at all for someone who is without a job.

[Crookshanks]

yah, they spend their benefits on school......and then live in a locker.

Actually - if you're laid off because of a downsize or business closure, the government will pay to train you in a new field (as long as it's one in demand), and you'll still get your full benefits while being trained. You don't have to look for a job, and, for extreme hardships, there is even some help available for rent and utilities.

Also, after so many weeks on unemployment (can't remember the number right now), you are required to lower your expected salary by a certain percentage to make you more employable. Of course, I don't think they're checking too carefully right now - they are so overworked, they can't even keep up with the regular stuff, much less investigate fraud.

[Drachen]

I'm not an opponent of welfare or UI but I also do not think unemployed people are entitled, for an extended amount of time, to the same lifestyle they had when they were employed. You may have to move. You may have to cut back on some non-essentials.

$480 per week does not seem unreasonable to me at all for someone who is without a job.


On monday, on CNN, they had a lady who was UI from Kentucky who was talking about what a hardship it has been for her being unemployed. How she had to move in with her daughter, and how there were no jobs for whatever industry she used to work in, etc. She said that she was finally catching up a little, that she just got her own place, and now her senator was cutting off her funds. So on and so forth.

First - If there are no jobs in your industry for this long: FIND A NEW INDUSTRY!

Second - Why the hell are you moving into your own place if you don't have a job?

[Drachen]

Actually - if you're laid off because of a downsize or business closure, the government will pay to train you in a new field (as long as it's one in demand), and you'll still get your full benefits while being trained. You don't have to look for a job, and, for extreme hardships, there is even some help available for rent and utilities.

Also, after so many weeks on unemployment (can't remember the number right now), you are required to lower your expected salary by a certain percentage to make you more employable. Of course, I don't think they're checking too carefully right now - they are so overworked, they can't even keep up with the regular stuff, much less investigate fraud.

Seriously? Then there is really no excuse here.

Oh, additionally, there is also the option of starting your own business.

[Crookshanks]

Seriously? Then there is really no excuse here.

Oh, additionally, there is also the option of starting your own business.

One more thing - you can actually earn more than your weekly benefit amount if you work a part-time job. If you work, they will increase your weekly benefit by 25% - and then they subtract your earnings from your weekly amount. For instance:

Your weekly benefit amount is $400
Plus 25% $100

So you start with $500 and then let's say you work 10 hours a week at a $10 an hour job. So you earn $100 - which is subtracted from the $500. So you come out with almost $100 extra per week (after taxes).

But again - many people would rather sit at home and collect their weekly check and not do much of anything to improve their situation.

[boutons_deux]

"if you work a part-time job"

big IF. What if there aren't any part time jobs? Has that thought ever crossed your mind?

10M unemployed (which is of course not counting part-timers who want full-time, and people who just gave up looking for the jobs that aren't there) and that's expected to hold for the next 2 years.

[Wild Cobra]

Second - Why the hell are you moving into your own place if you don't have a job?
Who was stupid enough to rent to her?

[Drachen]

Who was stupid enough to rent to her?

:lol Um, yeah.

[clambake]

don't let her rent but give her a federal grant.

gotcha

[Drachen]

don't let her rent but give her a federal grant.

gotcha

It wasn't my business decision, and I really don't care what that landlord decided, I just think it is funny that an application for residence was approved by a business for a person who is unemployed.

As far as the federal grant, it isn't given, it is earned.

I am, however, glad that it seems that you are slowly getting it.

[clambake]

It wasn't my business decision, and I really don't care what that landlord decided, I just think it is funny that an application for residence was approved by a business for a person who is unemployed.

As far as the federal grant, it isn't given, it is earned.

I am, however, glad that it seems that you are slowly getting it.

yep, cuz there are a million grants available to almost nobody.

[Drachen]

yep, cuz there are a million grants available to almost nobody.

Um, pell grant is available to anyone who needs it (defined by family size, income, etc.). If they have been on unemployment for 2 years (or even 1 year), they likely qualify. Additionally, you saw the program that Crookshanks talked about a few posts back dealing with retraining, right? There are tons and tons of scholarships available to all sorts of people in all sorts of situations. Unfortunately, all of this requires some work to get, so most people won't go for it.

[clambake]

the numbers are staggering.

[Drachen]

the numbers are staggering.

Yes for those that want it, the billions of dollars from the 10s of thousands of programs/scholarships that are available to those who are willing to do the work to go to school for free are staggering.

[Spurminator]

There are people who legitimately cannot find work and there are people who game the system so they don't have to work. To act like either example is a figment of the opposing ideology's imagination is just naive.

Now I still want to know why this couldn't be funded out of unspent stimulus money. Also, what happens when it expires again at the end of this month?

[clambake]

Yes for those that want it, the billions of dollars from the 10s of thousands of programs/scholarships that are available to those who are willing to do the work to go to school for free are staggering.

i had to lay off 39 people 15 months ago. i've been able to bring back 8.

all of them are model employees and loyal to their families.

i hired a firm to help these people with exactly what you are suggesting.

to think they haven't exhausted every avenue through this process, and come up empty, is not the reality.

[Wild Cobra]

i had to lay off 39 people 15 months ago. i've been able to bring back 8.

all of them are model employees and loyal to their families.

i hired a firm to help these people with exactly what you are suggesting.

to think they haven't exhausted every avenue through this process, and come up empty, is not the reality.
If you were a model employer, you wouldn't have laid them off.

[clambake]

If you were a model employer, you wouldn't have laid them off.

that really stings coming from someone that was raised on welfare and continued to cheat the system as an adult.

[Wild Cobra]

that really stings coming from someone that was raised on welfare and continued to cheat the system as an adult.
We all see thorugh your lies. You aren't smart enough to own a Mercedes or operate a business. You flagrantly lie and slander peoples situations, or really misunderstand them. Neither trait is helpful in running a business.

How can I expect you to have an ounce of morality or integrity, and believe you couldn't have kept those good employees if you just tightened your own belt a little. Now that's assuming I even believe you have a business, which I don't. I think all the wealth you have is a fantasy. Your ramblings here simply place you as having too low an IQ to be successful. My God. You don't even know what a "cap key" is.

[clambake]

my god! envy from the welfare baby is sweet!

[SAGambler]

The United States of America is broke and cannot afford the legislation.

This!! Why can't people understand the government cannot support them forever. Why would they believe they deserve another year or two of handouts? They need to get off their collective asses and find a job or create one for themselves.

It's amazing the number of people I know that has created their own job in the last couple of years.

[Wild Cobra]

my god! envy from the welfare baby is sweet!
Not at all.

I pity you and your pathetic existence.

[clambake]

We all see thorugh your lies. You aren't smart enough to own a Mercedes or operate a business.
i own 2 mercedes. its not that big of a deal. i respect the quality and safety that they provide for my family.

i have more than one business interest.

Now that's assuming I even believe you have a business, which I don't. I think all the wealth you have is a fantasy.
believing shouldn't be that big of a stretch. allow me to give you an example.

i believe you when you said:

US soldiers died because of karma.
you used the internet to stalk a woman.
you want to shot women and children crossing the border.
you were raised on welfare.
you continued to cheat the system as an adult.

i sincerely believe that you were telling the truth.

[Wild Cobra]

i own 2 mercedes. its not that big of a deal. i respect the quality and safety that they provide for my family.

i have more than one business interest.

believing shouldn't be that big of a stretch. allow me to give you an example.

i believe you when you said:

US soldiers died because of karma.
you used the internet to stalk a woman.
you want to shot women and children crossing the border.
you were raised on welfare.
you continued to cheat the system as an adult.

i sincerely believe that you were telling the truth.
Relax.

Calm down...

I see you cannot think strait, and get the facts strait.

Find your meds and calm down...

I guess I'll stop before you burst your aneurysm.

[Drachen]

This!! Why can't people understand the government cannot support them forever. Why would they believe they deserve another year or two of handouts? They need to get off their collective asses and find a job or create one for themselves.

It's amazing the number of people I know that has created their own job in the last couple of years.

This. My uncle was laid off by USAA last year or the year before that. After a month of looking for a new job, he started a pressure washing company. Did pretty darn well (not exactly what he was making before, but an approximation). Didn't schedule appts in the morning so that he could go to job interviews, etc. He did this until he was recently rehired by USAA. Now he has his old job back, and continues to pressure wash on the weekends, because he likes it and it brings him extra money.

[ChumpDumper]

Wild Cobra is an entertaining class warrior.

[Drachen]

Relax.

Calm down...

I see you cannot think strait, and get the facts strait.

Find your meds and calm down...

I guess I'll stop before you burst your aneurysm.

Look, I don't know if he owns a business or not, I have no reason not to believe him. I understand that he has examples that are "very convenient" to support his arguements, but if you look at this thread and my examples given of my family, well they too are "very convenient." Mine aren't lies though, I just have a kick-ass family. I would be the pot calling the kettle black to attempt to say he doesn't have a business. That doesn't change anything, though, he can have a business, two Mercedes, and a yacht, and I still disagree with the premise of his arguement.

[EmptyMan]

lol clam still pounding the welfare thing. That's cold blooded, O'Doherty.

[clambake]

i don't have a yacht...or boat of any kind.

[Wild Cobra]

Look, I don't know if he owns a business or not, I have no reason not to believe him. I understand that he has examples that are "very convenient" to support his arguements, but if you look at this thread and my examples given of my family, well they too are "very convenient." Mine aren't lies though, I just have a kick-ass family. I would be the pot calling the kettle black to attempt to say he doesn't have a business. That doesn't change anything, though, he can have a business, two Mercedes, and a yacht, and I still disagree with the premise of his arguement.
I know.

He's just such a dipshit, and I'm having fun antagonizing the childish fool at the moment. He thinks he's getting to me. He is... :lmao

[Drachen]

i don't have a yacht...or boat of any kind.

I know, sorry, I was just trying to make a point to WC that I don't need you to be lying to disagree with the premise of your arguement regardless of what you have socked away.

[clambake]

envy

[clambake]

I know, sorry, I was just trying to make a point to WC that I don't need you to be lying to disagree with the premise of your arguement regardless of what you have socked away.

not that much anymore. on tuesday i sent 2 drums (135lbs) of karat lap and polishing for refining as a down payment for 2 kilos of gold to finish a run.

[Drachen]

I know.

He's just such a dipshit, and I'm having fun antagonizing the childish fool at the moment. He thinks he's getting to me. He is... :lmao

This type of behavior in and of itself is childish. Antagonizing for the sake of antagonizing. Using ridiculous and unimaginative name-calling (libtards, repigs). Its dumb.

Damn, I can't wait until I get back into college so i can have some mature intellectual discourse.

[Wild Cobra]

This type of behavior in and of itself is childish. Antagonizing for the sake of antagonizing. Using ridiculous and unimaginative name-calling (libtards, repigs). Its dumb.

Damn, I can't wait until I get back into college so i can have some mature intellectual discourse.
LOL...

I normally don't engage the asshole much, but we have a history. I often ignore the shithead, but I'm just in a rare mood today.

[Drachen]

LOL...

I normally don't engage the asshole much, but we have a history. I often ignore the shithead, but I'm just in a rare mood today.


Ok, now you are just trolling me.

[Winehole23]

Damn, I can't wait until I get back into college so i can have some mature intellectual discourse.You're give a pretty good example of it here, Drachen. :toast



Please keep posting here if it doesn't bore you to death.


And watch out for WC. He'll tie your anger in knots, if you get in too deep.

[Drachen]

You're give a pretty good example of it here, Drachen. :toast



Please keep posting here if it doesn't bore you to death.


And watch out for WC. He'll tie your anger in knots, if you get in too deep.


Shoot, I have been here for 6 years, I don't think I am going to stop now, but when I have another outlet, I will likely suffer childish behavior (on any side of an issue) much less.

[TeyshaBlue]

i don't have a yacht...or boat of any kind.

How positively gauche!

[LnGrrrR]

This type of behavior in and of itself is childish. Antagonizing for the sake of antagonizing. Using ridiculous and unimaginative name-calling (libtards, repigs). Its dumb.

Damn, I can't wait until I get back into college so i can have some mature intellectual discourse.

Agreed Drachen, but that's what you tend to get on these boards. It's why I took a vacation for a while. :)

[TeyshaBlue]

Agreed Drachen, but that's what you tend to get on these boards. It's why I took a vacation for a while. :)

Good to see you back, btw. :toast

[LnGrrrR]

Good to see you back, btw. :toast

Cheers Teysha! I make no promises about staying, but I will endeavor.

I really couldn't commit time after moving to Hawaii with the newborn, but things are settling down... slightly. :)