[spiltmilk]

Hi. I have collected unemployment after my job was eliminated due to offshoring. The latest unemployment numbers show 9.8% (fake/cooked numbers) and 17% (real unemployment once underemployed/99ers) are counted. If you have continually been employed/held your business togther, be grateful. I am on week 22 of my initial unemployment claim. I have indirectly paid into the unemployment trust fund in the form of lower wages/benefits to account for this cost to the employers I've worked for over the 23 consecutive years I've held a job. Should there be an extension, I will collect from federal tax dollars. In this year, I've had enough federal tax withheld to finance my own unemployment check until mid July 2011.

Please explain how I am a leech. Thanks.

[TXConservative25]

I don’t think you, personally, are a leech and I’ve been through the same struggle of finding a job after graduation in the Obozo economy. However, strictly economically speaking, unemployment benefits do provide a disincentive to try as hard to find a job. Correct me if I’m mistaken, but all you have to do to collect your unemployment, is fill out 4 applications a week, no matter if you’re qualified or not, and no matter the quality of presentation of your application, resume, or your follow up, correct?

[upchuck]

Please explain how I am a leech. Thanks.

First, go back and reread my reply. I wrote:

Now I get upset when they say, “I don’t have to work, I’m on unemployment."

These folks are gaming the system. Using their unemployment benefits as a form of welfare while they while away the hours NOT seeking gainful employement.

I also wrote:

I want to say, “Enjoy my tax dollars you leech.”

They are, indeed, leeching my tax dollars. Yours, too. Go read this thread for a good explanation of how unemployment benefits are paid. It is not strictly a state run program financed exclusively by taxes paid by employers. A quick excerpt:

During times of high national unemployment, the Feds institute “extended benefits”. This is NOT Unemployment Insurance. No premiums are paid or collected for these benefits. The program is ADMINISTERED by the states but the benefits are simply expenditures of the Federal Budget.

I wish you much success in your job hunt. It ain't easy.

[bray]

Why are you unemployed is the real question. The Gummit stopped the drilling and now you are unemployed. If they didn’t have this check you and the rest of the workers would be knocking down their doors, but hey have bought you off. The real issue is why are you unemployed, you should be working and so should millions more.

Pray for America