Congress silence deafening as unemployment extensions expire

By: T. Cahill

Washington, D.C. (May 9) – Voting for additional unemployment benefits extensions for existing recipients appears to be a tabled issue in Washington. Rumors of unemployment extension help for the group known as the 99ers also remains unconfirmed. The topic of unemployment overall is not currently being considered on the Senate floor. The Financial Reform Bill appears to be the soup de jour.

According to sources, the jobless are not on the legislative radar in any form. This is not good news for many millions of Americans as the June 2 deadline approaches. On April 12, 2010, Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio attempted the impossible and “urged an extension on unemployment insurance”. At that time, Senator Brown also stated, “Many of my colleagues had no problem giving tax breaks to companies that shipped jobs overseas, but now balk at extending unemployment insurance.”

Appeals to address the most pressing concern in this country, putting people back to work, have fallen on deaf ears. Inquiries to ensure reporting accuracy to both the Majority Leader’s office and the House Ways and Means Committee have gone unanswered.

June 2, often cited as the critical breaking point for this issue approaches rapidly. However, many states have a cutoff of unemployment aid during the week ending May 23rd. For example, individuals who do not exhaust all their regular benefits by the end of that week, will become ineligible to move to an emergency tier, referred to as Tier I.

The week after May 23rd, those currently within an emergency tier, will no longer be able to move to the next Tier. In addition, Congress will enjoy its long weekend off during the Memorial Day weekend. Thus, when they return the question remains will they act quickly enough before June 2 to stop the bleeding?

Unemployment benefits are confusing. An example is if your Tier II benefits expire June 9, you will receive no further benefits. Whereas all funding for the EUC program will have been exhausted on June 2, 2010.

Recently cited figures of an unemployment rate of 9.9% is a manipulation of numbers. This feel good number feels good to only those currently employed or retired. The remainder of the country, feeling the effects of a job-less creating administration and a legislation unwilling to revisit and address the fate of millions, is left to wonder whether its government will continue to hide its collective head in the sand, hoping no one notices as children go hungry and families are forced into the streets.

Posted by Aasems Jacob on May 10, 2010. Filed under economy,National News,WorldNewsVine. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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47 Responses to Congress silence deafening as unemployment extensions expire

Ashado

May 10, 2010 at 8:45 pm

I am appalled that the United States Government is bailing out Greece; while there are American’s right here who are literally suffering. Oh the President isn’t calling it that now; he is calling it “The European Defense Fund” instead of calling it “The Greece Bailout”, which of course is what it is!! Political spin, who do they think they are fooling? As an example last week I read article after article declaring that April was a good month for unemployment as 290,000 jobs where added. In fact I read one article that stated the President gave a speech on how elated he was with this good news. Good news? Unemployment rose in April to 9.9%. So to spin that they basically said that all of the long-term unemployed have not been looking for jobs and decided in April to go out and look for work, so it rose the rate to 9.9%. WHAT? I have never heard of such an idiotic story in all my life. Does this Administration and Government actually think that we 99ers are sitting at home enjoying being unemployed? All I know is that this Administration and Congress should all be ashamed of themselves.

It is our money they are sending over there to Greece; each and every American tax payer will be paying 22% of this bailout. If our Government can’t help America’s unemployed then I say vote them all out of office and let’s start fresh with a Government who remembers that they are only there to work for the people.

Please sign this petition that demands that the Administration and Congress help out the long-term unemployed right here in the United States before they send any funds over to Greece.

Like or Dislike: 0 0
- sally brown
  
  May 10, 2010 at 9:26 pm
  
  you are so true
  
  Like or Dislike: 0 0
- L. Rosser-- '99er
  
  May 10, 2010 at 10:03 pm
  
  DO NOT FORGET TO BE REGISTERED TO VOTE– ELECTION DAY IS NOV 4 2010
  
  MAY BE MIDTERMS BUT A GOOD PLACE TO START VOTING OUT EVERY SINGLE ELECTED OFFICIAL~
  
  OBAMA IS NEXT– HE KNOWS NOTHING
  
  THE RICHEST NATION IN THE WORLD??? AND WE CAN’T EVEN PROVIDE OUR OWN PEOPLE THE BASIC NECESSITIES OF LIFE???!! — JOBS .. FOOD .. SHELTER
  
  I SAY BS!! TO THAT … PERIOD
  
  DON’T FORGET TO SIGN THE TIER V TO SURVIVE PETITION AT change.org
  
  I WAS going to be a TEACHER– NOW MY LIFE IS RUINED….. FOREVER
  
  Like or Dislike: 0 0
- TimOregon
  
  May 11, 2010 at 12:23 am
  
  I agree. We need to take care of our own FIRST.
  
  Like or Dislike: 0 0
- T. Cahill
  
  May 11, 2010 at 2:05 pm
  
  While I in essence agree with your sentiments Ashado, the trouble lies in the fact that too much of the world is intertwined. The U.S. government does a lot of its short term loans through Europe. The bleeding in Greece is one of those trickle down effects, with the UK and France in the wings.
  
  When “they” start shoving paper money (not the real thing but that imaginary kind) all over, the possibilities for disaster increase geometrically. For instance, with the euro falling, U.S. exports are now more costly in Europe. So Europeans buy more of their own “stuff” since our “stuff” is now too costly. This hurts us even more (which should be obvious).
  
  This financial, man-made disaster hit not just here in the U.S., but worldwide. Yes, we most certainly need to take care of ourselves.
  
  The statement keeps being made, not unfounded in some cases, that election time is coming. Out with the old, in with the new – well that doesn’t seem to work for us. Neither does keep the old, forget the new. Or vice versa.
  
  We just can’t seem to get a handle on getting it right. What we need are people in Washington who understand that they are not an entity unto themselves, but responsible for the lives and fair representation of the citizens of this country.
  
  Unfortunately, for too long (just looking at the last few years of the 1990s and first eight year in the 21st century) American’s having been blindly going along with anything and everything – and not keeping a handle on who’s doing what nor do we appear to have (in most cases), the backbone to demand fair representation.
  
  Long winded reply, my apologies. However, Congress does need to get its act together and acquire an attention span larger than a pre-schoolers. Multi-tasking appears to be beyond them. Arguing and nit picking and greed is a ripe formula for power hungry seeking individuals who forget why they are in Washington in the first place.
  
  But, we let them get away with it. We became complacent. We’re too darn trusting for our own good really.
  
  Hey, not to worry. At least those on the Hill don’t have to have the worries the rest of us do. Shouldn’t that make you happy? (Sarcasm of course)
  
  Like or Dislike: 0 0
  - Martine
    
    May 15, 2010 at 11:32 pm
    
    PLEASE DONT GIVE UP HOPE. IF YOU WANT TO HELP SOMEONE WHO’S WILLING TO TRAVEL TO DC TO HAND DELIVER OUR PETITION PLEASE CHECK THIS OUT AS WE ALL KNOW A PERSON IS MUCH HARDER TO IGNORE THAN A FAX!!
    
    Like or Dislike: 0 0
    - Martine
      
      May 15, 2010 at 11:41 pm
      
      THIS IS THE WEBSITE!!!
      
      Like or Dislike: 0 0
Ashado

May 10, 2010 at 8:46 pm

Please sign this petition that demands that the Administration and Congress help out the long-term unemployed right here in the United States before they send any funds over to Greece.

Like or Dislike: 0 0
- T. Cahill
  
  May 11, 2010 at 2:13 pm
  
  Hi again Ashado, sorry but due to an abuse of the commenting section, urls to outside sources are not published. It’s unfortunate, but it was being misused by many site-wide, so that feature is disabled. In fact, when you comment, as you submit any url is stripped from the incoming comment. That does “hold up” the process as the program first checks for any possible inserted urls.
  
  So no need to hit the submit button more than once, it’s just the database making sure all is well.
  
  Also, this is just a little heads up if anyone has been wondering. I mentioned this in earlier comment/post replies, but I’ll add it again here.
  
  Like or Dislike: 0 0
  - Will
    
    May 11, 2010 at 10:29 pm
    
    i believe this is a trigger to martial law. :(
    
    Like or Dislike: 0 0
Sylvia

May 10, 2010 at 9:16 pm

What is happening with our government??? Let’s not worry about Greece and show more concern for us unemployed in the U.S. We 99′rs want to work, but cannot find work as they are simply not hiring. Also, once you pass a certain age, it is extremely impossible as they want the youngest of people to pay a smaller salary. A Tier V is a necessary item and this being an election year, should be a priority.

Like or Dislike: 0 0
Sylvia

May 10, 2010 at 9:23 pm

I find this to be quite upsetting that the U.S. can help out Greece, but not the unemployed living in the U.S. Tier V is a necessary item that HAS to be implemented as soon as possible. When you get to be a certain age, employers will hire a younger person even tho the matured might have more experience and knowledge of the working force. This is an election year and to get our votes, us unemployed must get help ASAP!!!!

Like or Dislike: 0 0
sally brown

May 10, 2010 at 9:24 pm

being out of work is no fun.how do we pay bills

Like or Dislike: 0 0
Sign this now! Get everyone you know to sign it now!

May 10, 2010 at 9:31 pm

Get everyone you know to sign this petition! We just pasted 25,000 signers this weekend, and the number is growing! Get your husband, wife, neighbors, friends, mom, dad, kids, everyone you possibly know to sign this petition!

They won’t listen unless we keep up immense pressure. Call your U.S. Senators and put pressure on them. We will see this though!

Sign this now!

Like or Dislike: 0 0
- T. Cahill
  
  May 11, 2010 at 2:16 pm
  
  Again, sorry but if you read above you will see why there is no url to “sign this now.”
  
  You are welcome to contact WNV with suggestions for possible follow up news stories and/or petitions and/or facts.
  
  The Contact Us button is at the very top of the page. Please use an email versus the phone lines to help us keep our own costs down. Thanks!
  
  Like or Dislike: 0 0
  - Will
    
    May 11, 2010 at 10:24 pm
    
    it will be martial law by then
    
    Like or Dislike: 0 0
TracyA

May 10, 2010 at 9:42 pm

As long as politicians can feed their families, they could care less if you can feed yours.

Like or Dislike: 0 0
Administrator

May 10, 2010 at 10:31 pm

Okay folks, I know how upset everyone is and I have no problems allowing people to vent, or express ideas however, WorldNewsVine cannot nor will not advocate or allow posting of actions of civil disobedience.

Talks of peaceful marches and demonstrations are fine, but the rest I cannot allow comments of that nature on the site

I don’t have the answer to these questions but I can assure you, we are as proactively involved regarding contacting the proper sources in Washington to both disprove rumors and to get to the truth. Unfortunately at this time, no one in D.C. seems to be talking….

Keep in touch with the site, and remember getting worked up to the point of advocating any type of civil disobedience not only will cause you undue stress but, it will also place others close to you at unnecessary risks….

Personally, I feel a march on D.C. (peaceful) would be great the only problem with actions such as that (and believe those in Washington realize this as well) where is anyone going to get the money to get everyone there… they have us by the “tail” that is for certain and getting mad and stating they want the Democrats out because they are being realistic regarding the fact that there are enough republicans to block any efforts is somewhat ridiculous… let us not forget which political party got us in the mess in the first place…

As tough a decision that it may be, I would start looking at what I used to call “job shopping” that is temporary job services… at least the possibility of having some monies coming in, will not cancel out the ability to apply for food stamps, rent supplemental, and even HEAP to help with the energy bills…

I really can’t envision this situation getting any worse but, it certainly does not appear to be getting any better anytime in the near future. During the Bush administration, his first term which was won under questionable conditions, wasn’t any much better than things are now… it eventually turned around and there were approximately 30 months of stabilization before it fell apart again…

I doubt anyone has the answers to solve this problem, and I honestly feel that many in Washington feel the same way and are clueless as what to do… The GOP has always had the upper-hand when it comes to financial powers and they certainly can play the markets when things are not going the way they want… you take a handful of wealthy donors that want something or kowtow to the GOP just decide to do a sell-off in the markets… well, there is nothing anyone can do to stop them, they have the money and lack the popularity just like the bullies in the schoolyards as we were growing-up… just pray to god these people simply just go away…

Like or Dislike: 0 0
- sally
  
  May 10, 2010 at 11:03 pm
  
  I appreciate your input administrator. Thanks for listening and giving encouraging suggestions.
  
  I too am one of the unemployed. The state closed my place of work to balance the budget. I am really scared.
  
  Like or Dislike: 0 0
- T. Cahill
  
  May 11, 2010 at 2:28 pm
  
  I’m with you on this one. But I wonder if “the ability to organize” is a tool American’s have in their tool kits? I don’t mean that as an insult, but we do tend to let things fall as they may (99ers and unemployed the exception) unless it’s for some stupid purpose like the Tea Party people. They rally for change, yet do not appear to have any real, new, innovative and workable ideas FOR change. In fact, some have insulted the intelligence of those responding within the framework of unemployment and the serious concerns of the lives of so many. In other words, a break off of yet another self-centered group of people. What is wrong with us?
  
  Peaceful assembly YES. Do something YES. And that does mean YOU reading. Sitting back waiting for the next guy to take action has been the downfall of this country. Now I repeat PEACEFUL yet effective assembly. LARGE CROWDS of individuals appearing on TV and newspapers PEACEFULLY amassing. Lots of people make a pretty impressive “picture”.
  
  Suggestions made urging people to contact TV, radio, and offline newspapers within your own community have been made over and over by many of those commenting. Have you done your share today?
  
  What’s needed is for people to realize they do have personal power, and the right to contact Washington. These are not kings and queens on high to be bowed to, they are “regular people” we put where they are – and as a citizen it is your responsibility and duty to keep them in line.
  
  Ever been at a preschool? Kids need constant supervision and vigilant individuals paying attention to them, and Congress is no exception.
  
  Like or Dislike: 0 0
  - admin
    
    May 11, 2010 at 11:05 pm
    
    Regardless… talks of any outward civil disobedience will get one’s comments removed, those are the rudimental principles, the foundation of this site, no violence, no threats…
    
    As far as the pre-school thing, never been there, I was born at 42 years of age, with diploma in hand… :)
    
    Once again, I have no idea of what will be done next, and with many of those stuck in this rut, facing retirement in a few years, alternatives will need to be looked into… Whether it is self-employment ventures, working multiple part-time jobs, I don’t what to say… I have been in this boat myself since the Bush administration came into office… first, over 1,000 telecom workers per day were losing their jobs when Bush entered office, for the rest that managed to hang-on to their positions found all their retirement “missing” and what was done about that? Nothing… so I suspect “nothing” else will be done about this situation either… From there, I worked positions so far from my chosen/trained field I thought I would never re-enter my field again… and still, those opportunities that do arise, are often temporary assignments, some long-term, some not… it’s all about adjustment, and to many that have lost their one and only job after thirty years of reaching over and shutting off the alarm clock and traveling that same route traveled so many times in the past, this is not an adjustment this is a total shock that should not be turned into devastation.. Yes, assistance in the form of unemployment is necessary but once again, it is not the answer, at least not the answer I am looking for…
    
    Rest assured, turning to the “streets” to protest will get you somewhere alrighty, it will turn that “shock” into total devastation, chances are actions like that will have in front of a judge on charges that one, you can’t afford, two fined you can’t afford, and three a prison sentence in order if you can’t handle either one and/or two which is not going to do you, nor your kin a bit of good… Not to mention follow you forever seeking employment.. you will simply be labeled a troublemaker.. it is a “Catch-22″ that those in the government know they have the many trapped in…
    
    Rallies are one thing, productive or not however, WorldNewsVine will not, as many news organization will not either, advocate such actions simply due to the legal implications for the site… so the answer is still no..
    
    Like or Dislike: 0 0
    - T. Cahill
      
      May 12, 2010 at 12:23 am
      
      I understand where you are coming from and do not disagree in the slightest so I’m a tad confused at the power with which you replied to my reply of your remarks. In fact, I reinforced that yes as individuals we do hold power, but that that power must be applied within the limits of the law. Hence, my reason for capitalizing PEACEFUL over and over. I do think that rallies would be helpful and that citizens of this country have the right to get the permits required and hold rallies within one’s town, state or (if you can afford the trip) Washington itself. There is no revolt in any of my statement – not here and not anywhere on the website.
      
      Like or Dislike: 0 0
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JimH

May 11, 2010 at 1:32 am

What I find equally deafening is the silence in the news media. Two months ago, a day wouldn’t go by without one of the large operations (such as Associated Press) covering the progress (or lack thereof) of the filing deadline renewal bill (or, as they called it – the “extension”).

I haven’t seen a single word from them since Obama put his pen to that bill. This is especially disturbing now that we’re just weeks away from Tiers 1-4 disappearing.

Like or Dislike: 0 0
- T. Cahill
  
  May 11, 2010 at 2:30 pm
  
  Hi JimH – agreed. Please read my reply just above.
  
  Like or Dislike: 0 0
- admin
  
  May 11, 2010 at 11:26 pm
  
  WorldNewsVine is hardly the “CNN” you seek however, more so than not, in many of our articles we achieve placement over what you are referring to as “media” sources, this site is not a “blog” per se… we produce original articles with some yes, turning into blog postings..
  
  Next, why are those “media” sources not doing anything about this? Much the same reason these articles to produce information are getting hard to come by, those in Washington aren’t talking, and believe me if they were, we would all know about it… WorldNewsVine was in fact the first news outlet on the internet to break the news that “no new weeks” were available within the bill, now named H.R.4213 that started out as a new “jobs bill” that Bunning fought…
  
  I have had confidential conversations with some of these contacts in Washington, and as promised information is just that confidential however, one must open their eyes and realize as many larger media sources have already, that the GOP are steadfast in doing absolutely nothing but to obstruct until mid-term elections are held… their belief is that it will give them the upper-hand and it appears to be working… that is to say Jane and Joe Citizen are becoming convinced that change need be in order in which case, they will make a decision based upon anger and disgust… this will lead to the American workforce doing nothing more than “cutting off their nose, to spite their faces”…
  
  You don’t find the big boy unions such as the AFL-CIO falling for this GOP BS… no you will not, and in fact are quite willing to work with VPOTUS for solutions… this is going to be one long hot summer, and with that not only will the unemployed suffer but the small businesses that have been suffering the greatest recession over the last 10 years, those in the small seasonal coastal towns in New England for example, will be the ones that hurt as well, many closing down…
  
  I can remember the days of traveling to Old Orchard Beach, ME during the peak of the summer season or even Hampton Beach in New Hampshire with the traffic backed up 20 miles to get to the beach and attractions… I can tell you this, and have many a discussion with business owners in those areas, today this summer as the last past 10, you won’t have to worry about traffic being backed up for 20 miles, your worst fears will be getting stuck at traffic lights in “hub” of those once packed and popular vacation spots… Old Orchard Beach has seen more Canadian’s (always been a Canadian vacation spot) then you will see U.S. Citizen’s on vacation…
  
  The bottom-line is that this has been going on for over 10 years now, and no one appears to have the answer to what can only be called complete stupidity in the handling of the economy during the Bush administration… lost pensions, graft, and then the idiot gives “back” rebates to taxpayers? I’m sorry however, a budget surplus was completely blown away by idiots that now people are rushing to place back in office….
  
  I, myself am a Democrat and voted the party line however, this I can say, I personally believe that Hillary Clinton would have been the better choice for the Office of the President of the United States, she had business leaders behind her, not throngs of unemployed college students that have really nothing to contribute to the jobs market with the exception of their own flesh and bones… that is not going to create jobs.. so we have what we have, it is change but change that is slow in coming and obstruction behavior by politicians trying to win back a majority, and as we can see refuse to help unemployed anyway, is not going to right a wrong it will simply make matters worse…
  
  Now, that’s a blog post…
  
  Like or Dislike: 0 0
  - JimH
    
    May 12, 2010 at 2:15 am
    
    I certainly didn’t mean to belittle the impact of this site, but you’ve got to admit that it doesn’t have the reach that AP does. Its stories appear in newspapers, television and internet sites everywhere.
    
    My point was just that: The word isn’t getting out to the people. While the readers here may know what a “99er” is, and the difficulties we’re going through, the average person does not. The media has manipulated them into submission by heavy use of the words “unemployment extension” when they could just as easily – and more accurately – call it a “filing deadline renewal.”
    
    I STRONGLY believe in unions. I firmly believe we’d be a better country if every occupation had one. But the fact is that ever since Reagan’s “union busting” of the air traffic controllers back in the early 80′s, corporations have been given a green light to dispose of them using any means available. As a result, there ARE no “big boy unions” anymore. Their influence has been all but eliminated. Do you really think such suicidal bills such as NAFTA would have been passed if politicians relied on campaign contributions from unions?
    
    You’re quite right, this has been coming for some time now. Personally, I believe it started right about the time the phrase “trickle down economics” entered our language.
    
    Trickle down economics does exist…. and we’re now receiving what’s been trickling down for over a quarter century. It’s going to take at least that long to return to where we were, but that’s only going to happen if we start working on it today. The biggest problem is that no one can agree on what the problem is, much less agree on a solution.
    
    Like or Dislike: 0 0
    - admin
      
      May 13, 2010 at 9:37 am
      
      None taken, I am just pointing out there is intuitively obvious reason they are not, that being the old adage of “beating a dead horse”… that, and pressure works both ways risking otherwise established working relationships between the press (or big boyz as you refer) and Washington… freedom of speech and press only goes so far… in fact today they are arguing this same measure (secrecy) is being debated…
      
      Like or Dislike: 0 0
    - Diane
      
      May 13, 2010 at 3:08 pm
      
      Interesting though that it wasn’t until this news site starting using the term 99ers that it became as well known as it is today. While not “invented” here, the use of it was picked up by many “big boys” and used to this day. Just saying.
      
      Like or Dislike: 0 0
J Cooper

May 11, 2010 at 6:54 am

I am a resident of Ohio, been unemployed since Jan 2009, I am on a Tier 3, which will run out on June 7th. I pay for my medical thru Cobra with my unemployment, my car payment, and support myself and grandaughter whom I have custody of. I cannot find another job, because of my age. I know that Sherrod Brown is doing everything possible to extend unemployment, but we need congress to act now and stop putting us Americans who have worked so hard on the back burner. I honestly don’t think we’re asking to too much. To lose your job after 33 years is devastating, I have worked since I was 16 years old, but to lose your benefits is absurd.

Like or Dislike: 0 0
- T. Cahill
  
  May 11, 2010 at 2:34 pm
  
  Hi JCooper, suggestion call Senator Brown’s office today. All Ohio residents call. The man tried to stand up for us, and particularly Ohio, in mid April. His appeal, well we see was ignored. Don’t think for one minute that you cannot pick up the phone and call.
  
  Suggestion – being firm yet polite gets much more attention than rude and abusive. I know that should be obvious, but when people get scared they tend to throw “manners” out the window and scream and yell.
  
  Everyone should be on the phone today calling their representatives. Time is running out. The Senate(dot)gov website has all contact information. And remember Washington runs on Eastern time…
  
  Like or Dislike: 0 0
  - JimH
    
    May 11, 2010 at 3:20 pm
    
    I have called Sen. Brown’s office repeatedly trying to get some word on the progress. Either he keeps his staff woefully uninformed, or he specifically tells them to say nothing.
    
    Like or Dislike: 0 0
Tiffany

May 11, 2010 at 7:09 am

If this President donated tax payer money to the Greece Fund it was to protect the interest of the American people. Due to the fact, that America invest heavily in Europe and vice versa. We were not the only country to assist in this matter. However, I am one of the 99ers who have been applying for a full-time job and praying for us all. I have several college degrees including a Master Degree, but my recent degree is in Fashion Studies. After, President Obama signed the Jobs Bill, I have been on several interview (9 to be exact in a month) and no offers. However, I did snag a part-time position as a Fashion Merchandiser. I am unable to pay my rent on the salary that I currently earn. I am looking into getting assistance as stated above in the administrator’s comment. I am concerned about what is going on in Congress regarding the silence, but sometimes silence is a good thing. I am hopeful that they are trying to figure out a way to assist the American people in confidentiality. Due to the continuous blockage from the Republican Party! Trust me they are aware of our needs as well as God. Please be encouraged and continue to submit your resumes as I continue to do in hope of a brighter future. I will continue to pray for the Unemployed, the President, and the Country.

Like or Dislike: 0 0
Marisia

May 11, 2010 at 7:55 am

Yes,our government is willing to help any country but its own. It is hard to believe, but it is true. We need help here in America…hello, hello…

Like or Dislike: 0 0
alex

May 11, 2010 at 8:11 am

WE WILL NOT FORGET!! Next election – let Congress feel the sting of the unemployment lines!!! – How many years have you paid taxes? 30? 40? Your government bails out bankers and Wallstreet execs using your tax dollars – but unemployment is allowed to expire? Congress wasn’t worried about the deficit when that big insurance company and Wall Street execs were giving themselves bonuses with taxpayer money! What happened to “by the people” or “for the people”? Or are the big campaign contributors the only “people” who count to congress? They are playing games and going on vacation while you are wondering how to feed your kids? 10% unemployment carries 10% of the vote! Use it!!

Like or Dislike: 0 0
- Mick
  
  May 11, 2010 at 9:42 am
  
  I understand the need to elect different politicians so new ideas can re-invigorate the legislative process and the therapeutic impact having a say in the elective process can have. But the end result will likely be the same, a Congress filled with shills working for the corporations who helped get or keep them there. Until money is removed from the process we will not have a truly responsive government.
  
  Like or Dislike: 0 0
Dan

May 11, 2010 at 9:21 am

Our Government need’s to get to work now and address this.The president need’s to get involved and let them know this need’s to be addressed Now. Any old-timer who is up for re-election in November is Gone in my book. The long term unemployed have continued to suffer throughout all this bickering.We have had continued lapses in Benefit’s throughout the last year that continues to put us in a sinking hole. If we can donate money to Greece we sure as Hell better be able to take care of our own citizen’s, Who lost there Job through no fault of there own. If an orginization can come up with the mean’s to get us to Washington, I will be the first one in line to March. I am beyond Fed up with this.

Like or Dislike: 0 0
al

May 11, 2010 at 12:39 pm

Only a sucker would believe the 10% unemployment myth. or 9.7 or 9.9%. Notice anything particularly odd about these numbers? It’s only once in recent times that was even permitted to be printed. The true number howvers at 17 +/- 3%. Most of you don’t even know what precision / accuracy are in real terms so just stick with this: 15. Or 17. Not 10.

Like or Dislike: 0 0
- T. Cahill
  
  May 12, 2010 at 12:30 am
  
  Actually we worked the math today and the number appears to be approximately 15.9% plus another 9.1% who are “underemployed” (working part time when they need full time and/or getting paid a whole lot less than what we were all used to). Trust me, we looked the numbers over inside and out and they were going to be a part of this news story, but it just got too convoluted.
  
  Like or Dislike: 0 0
Jim

May 11, 2010 at 12:49 pm

WE SEND MONEY ALL OVER THE WORLD AND CHOSE TO NOT HELP THOSE AT HOME. WE NEED TO HELP THOSE IN THE UNITED STATES BEFOR WE HELP THOSE IN OTHER PLACES. WE NEED TO VOTE OUT ALL THE SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVE THAT HAVE OR WILL NOT RESPOND TO A TIER 5! IF YOU COME FROM ANOTHER COUNTRY YOU GET MORE HELP THAN THOSE THAT ARE BORN HERE.

VOTE OUT, VOTE OUT ALL THE SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES THAT HAVE TURNED THIER BACKS ON US TO HELP THOSE IN OTHER PLACES.

WE NEED TO RISE UP AND VOTE THESE PEOPLE OUT!

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Michele

May 11, 2010 at 2:31 pm

I am unemployed and live in the state of Nebraska where apparently our unemployment rate is not high enough to warrent additional help beyond Tier II. I am wondering how the specific unemployment rate of any state makes an unemployed person any more capable of providing for their family? Unemployed is unemployed, correct? Feels the same to me and my children who have to go without.

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Ashado

May 11, 2010 at 6:31 pm

Ms. Cahill and Administration: Thank you so much for your responses and allowing us to vent in a civil manner on this site. The stress is so high amongst us, the unemployed, that we feel backed into a corner. It is like beating your head against a brick wall. Trying to get across to these politicians, including our President, just how urgent this extension is to us is futile. Don’t they realize that people are loosing their utilities and homes? Not to mention self-confidence and self-esteem! Don’t they understand that a good majority of unemployed are middle aged men and women (dads and moms) who have been loyal employees for 10,20,30 years in the same business/corporation etc.? We are not talking about just a handful of unemployed people in our Country, we are talking about 15.3 million people as of April! Our Government never-ever hesitated to take taxes out of our payroll checks did they?

I believe our present Government, each and every one of them from both parties, have put themselves so high up on that pedestal that they have lost sight of who they are working for. We, the citizens of the United States, are their employers. They don’t or won’t acknowledge us now; but come November and every election after that we can make our voices heard!!! We have to clean house in the voting booths until we are back to a Government that actually cares about the Citizens of the United States.

“that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

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- T. Cahill
  
  May 12, 2010 at 12:34 am
  
  Hi Ashado, we’re happy you are a reader and wish the news was good news. However, as stated above by “admin” what’s happening now is the byproduct of a decade of neglect and greed. We all knew it would be a long haul to get it all straightened out. It’s the setting of priorities that needs addressing (my opinion), and yes it would be nice if those in Congress would stop trying to add the pork they do don’t like to admit that they are doing (looks bad during an election year) and just tend to business.
  
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JB

May 12, 2010 at 2:13 am

Unemployed are dying with no jobs and congress cant give them any more checks? WTF? Help our country before Greece. Come On!

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tom britt

May 12, 2010 at 8:13 pm

the unemployed are banning together and are going to vote as one to replace all in congress who oppose tier 5.we will all work and campain for that goal. after all besides looking for a job we have nothing else to do.

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Rob

May 14, 2010 at 5:43 pm

Listen folks,

Writing about your anger here is good for the soul, but the Senators and Congressmen are not reading it. Let’s work together to get their attention to help the long term unemployed by contacting them directly.

Find your Senators and Congress members here:

and

Go to the page that allows you to email them. Keep it simple. Be respectful. Ask that they support Tier five UI extensions for those who have exhausted all benefits and sign it.

Additionally, Call them at both their Washington DC office and Local office. Be brief and respectful. Ask them to please support Tier Five extensions to the unemployed, and supply your Zip Code.

Additionally Contact Senator Reid, as the Senate Majority leader And Speaker Pelosi as the Speaker of the House. You may phone them as well, or do both.

Make this a daily part of your Job search. Simply email and call daily. Every time you do it is another brick in the wall. All of us working together can make a difference. This is the only way.

Thanks!

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