It's Tea Time

I've read quite a few articles today on this subject, and one thing I noticed immediately was that the current length of time you can collect unemployment was omitted from nearly all of them.

I feel it is extremely important that people understand exactly how long you can collect unemployment at this point in time, and then think about whether or not you think these folks really could not find a job:

Unemployment insurance was intended as temporary relief for the jobless. Workers originally could collect benefits for up to 26 weeks, in most circumstances, and up to 39 weeks in areas of high unemployment.

But under multiple extensions already passed by Congress, workers can now collect payments for as long as 99 weeks — nearly two years — in states with the highest unemployment rates. Half of those on unemployment now have been receiving benefits for more than six months.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0610/38990_Page2.html#ixzz0rs0ViyWS

It frustrates me that when telling such an important story, a story we all have a vested interest in, most leave out what is the most pertinent piece of information.

Now I don't want to devolve into a tirade on how many of these articles are back-handed swipes at Republican's. I am weary of such fights. I will however point out that in the articles which did not include the information above, one thing was included:

Washington Post

Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) joined a united Republican caucus in voting to block the measure

Seattle Times

Republicans continue blockade of federal aid bill

Dallas News

Senate Republican's cite deficit, kill state fiscal aid

Associated Press

Stymied by GOP, Democrats at loss on jobs agenda

OzarksFirst.com

Republicans Block Extension of Unemployment Benefits

LA Times

Senate Republicans on Thursday once again blocked legislation to reinstate long-term unemployment benefits for people who have exhausted their aid, prolonging a stalemate that has left more than a million people without federal help.

Examiner

Unemployment benefits extension denied: Republicans defeat Democrats' jobs bill

New York Magazine

Republicans Kill Democrats’ Unemployment Relief Bill

I could go on, but it's Friday, and it's time to start enjoying the day!