Controversy over unemployment benefits

Several news agencies, including the Wall Street Journal's, Long Recession Ignites Debate on Jobless Benefits, have recently covered the brewing debate over unemployment benefits and their lingering affect on the unemployed. The debate is fairly straight forward and mimics the on-going debate about welfare. The concern is that extending unemployment makes the unemployed lazy or complacent. Per Michael Tanner of the Cato Institute, "when you have a check coming in, even if it's a fairly low check, you're less motivated to either look for work or accept less optimal jobs."

I find it "interesting" that educated economist and politicians are having this conversation, given our nation's widely reported "worst recession in generations". To make matters worse, the Federal Reserve just announced our economy is slowing and we'll see a weaker second half than first. Net result, companies may put a hold on new hires until the outcome looks more positive.

To put some humor into this otherwise grim forecast, I've decided to put together a "cheeky" response based on SNL's Weekend Update, entitled, "Really?"

 (Please feel free to mimic Amy and Seth when reading this!)

Really?
Really politicians, who have medical benefits for life, stable salaries and fringe benefits galore, REALLY?

Because the average person on unemployment, after a 5-25 year work history really wants to spend 40 hours a week, for over a year, looking for work. REALLY?

Because unemployed people love spending most of their day in isolation on job boards. REALLY?

Because unemployed people are thick skinned and enjoy rejection and being told they just aren't perfect enough to gain a coveted position, regardless of how well suited or over-qualified they are for the job. REALLY?

Because the unemployed enjoy the stress of trying to keep positive and productive while the bills pile up as the nest egg gets depleted. REALLY?

Because being laid off due the "worst recession in generations" was the fault of the "worker bees". REALLY?

And most importantly, because making less than 1/4 of our income is lucrative enough to make the  unemployed want to stay on unemployment forever. REALLY?

To all those struggling with long-term unemployment, my heart goes out to you. Stay strong, stay productive and stay positive!!!!

Best,

Paula