i've been following this issue closely and reading alot about it. i've been reading all the tweets i could from the people effected by the termination of benefits. i've been reading reports and articles from economist, senators, congressmen, news analysts and blogs in general. i've thought alot about this issue. you suddenly have close to 4 million people facing the challenge of not having an income and not having a job. they are facing the tough challenge of being stranded and possibly losing their assets and maybe even their home, most thru no fault of their own. the gop is taking their usual stance that spending billions of dollars hasn't accomplished anything and the democrats are taking their position that they need to spend more to rescue the long term unemployed. in the meantime...the unemployed are stagnating or suffering....or both. they are at the mercy of the politicians, budgets and the election year. you know...these are these are some of the same arguments they used when they were cutting snap benefits. this is the same argument they have been using when they speak of cutting welfare and other social safety net programs. the unemployed have by definition worked and earned the right to collect unemployment insurance. but also by definition they have not earned the right to over a hundred weeks of unemployment. people who collect snap and welfare and other support programs have also worked...many of them all their lives. they too earned the right to utilize snap, welfare and medicaid in their time of need. but again...politicians say that they have not earned the right to collect these benefits over an extended time. they say people on welfare and snap are lazy and the programs are enabling them not to work. well...now they are using the same argument on people who are long term unemployed. the cbo report compiled and extrapolated by paul ryan...the ultimate expert on poverty...has decreed that entitlement programs give people a disincentive to work. the gop members of the senate are now saying the same about lui benefits. it enables the recipients to not look for a job and take an extended vacation at the tax payers expense.
there's a lesson in here somewhere....or maybe a warning we should all pay heed to. i'm sure alot of the 4 million long term unemployed didn't give much thought to the matter when the congress and senate were cutting snap benefits to the people that could least afford it. i'm sure most of those 4 million didn't think much about it when the farm bill passed and another cut to snap and a cut to the dollars received in welfare were cut...again...to the people who can least afford it. i'm quite certain that alot of the 4 million long term unemployed haven't given much thought to the homeless or the struggle for housing that has been going on the last year or so. the different housing first programs to benefit the chronically homeless are ultimately going to require the support of communities and grassroots organizations. i'm quite certain the long term unemployed really haven't given much thought to these programs or how they could get involved or help. however...i'm quite certain about something else. these 4 million people are probably giving alot of thought to alot of things they haven't in the past. they're feeling some of the frustration and anxiety that the homeless and those on welfare have been feeling for quite some time. they're beginning to feel the realization that politicians do not operate with their best interests in mind, but only out of partisan politics and political capital. i would think they're beginning to realize the politicians can and will cut their support without giving it a second thought.
now let me make something clear....i support long term unemployment benefits. i support and feel compassion for those looking for and unable to find unemployment. trust me...i know how you feel. that's enough explanation.
now here's my end point. we, as citizens of the united states and members of our own communities have to begin to be aware of and take responsibility for those of us who are temporarily unable to take care of themselves...regardless of the severity. we as human beings have to put forth compassion and understanding to those who are in a difficult circumstance, regardless of how bad that circumstance is for others or how good our own circumstance. if we don't and we allow our senators and congressmen to unashamedly and intentionally cut finances to the poor and homeless, it could then spread like a cancer and become an accepted practice.....like the denial of long term unemployment benefits. don't think you are immune. don't think that cutting snap and welfare to the poor has nothing to do with you. it does....obviously. when the issue settles and unemployment insurance is reinstated at some point, don't become complacent and forget.....it could happen again...except on a larger scale. will it be your social security retirement next? it very well could be. could it be increased taxes, costly insurance or fees? it already is. let this be a lesson.....a warning.....it starts in one segment of society and if it is accepted...it waits for an opportunity and spreads to another segment. if you do not stop this assault on the poor and the middle class it will continue. it you do not stop the politicians from breaking the back of the poor...and now the middle class...it will continue. it's time to let your voice be heard and say...enough....not just for what effects you...but what effects the poor, the disabled, the homeless and those struggling with housing and food issues. as you have hopefully learned....it could be you.
be aware. don't forget. stop it....now
see you around town