Long benefits let job seekers languish

During the past few days two stories seem to have melded together for me creating the irony which is called American politics.

First, "without people feeling the need to work to make a living, sheltered by state regulations that are excessively paternalistic and irrational, we will never stimulate a need for work." Now you might think that this came from some right-wing wacko who of all things is worried about the deficit. But, alas, it came from the communist leader of Cuba, Raul Castro, a few weeks ago.

Second, the Senate passed the extension of unemployment benefits to 99 weeks. That is almost two years. In some states, like Massachusetts, this comes to an annual payout of over $45,000 a year.

Come on, guys. Let's get real. I don't want anyone to lose their job, but I know from experience that the longer you are without work the less you want to work. The first three months are critical. Yes, you may have to take a job at less pay and stature, but you are being independent. When communist leaders are admitting failure at a nanny state we need to take notice.

Richard Francke

Bartlett