An Extension of Unemployment Benefits Still Uncertain

I'm reminded by looking back on last year's posts that this is by no means a great time of year for jobless Americans who are facing the end of their unemployment benefits (the deal struck last year this time included an extension). It appears that the future for an extension of benefits is still in the air, with Republicans against it.

I'm not sure how the idea that being unemployed was a cushy set-up entered into the rationale, but it's no such thing. No one is collecting money hand over fist and living it up. Ending unemployment benefits does nothing to create jobs, and since those benefits go right back out into the economy, ending them has an anti-stimulative effect. Not going ahead with an extension may act as a disincentive to continuing to look for work. I also wonder when I hear people talk about a "culture of dependency" whether they've stopped to consider that people are actually dependent by mere biology on food, water, heat and shelter.