The President Takes a Stand

I’m glad the President called out the Republicans today on their opposition to extending unemployment benefits.
Unfortunately, this is something I know a little bit about. I’ve lived it over the past year. I’ve also lived with the sometimes crazy rules that come the financial assistance, which is appreciated and much-needed.
The Wall Street Journal keeps telling me that I’m being a drain on the economy by taking the unemployment benefits, and that I have no incentive to go out and get a job. Wrong on both counts.
The nation needs me out there buying my Starbucks latte, and as more and more Americans lose the little financial security that comes with unemployment benefits, businesses across the nation will find themselves losing customers at a time when they are desperately needed. As for an incentive to work, I have it. That’s why I’m freelancing as much as I can. But whether I’m motivated or not—and I’m more motivated than the assholes at the Journal who do not respond to my phone calls and emails—there are precious few jobs out there.
It’s a scary time. And it’s easy for a lot of us to feel left behind. Because we have been.
The President was right to behave as though he is that advocate. He was right to take a stand.