There are no free lunches
By Samantha Cotten | Managing & Sports Editor
Everyone loves free stuff. Americans flock to free food, free T-shirts and even free trinkets without a second thought about how those things became “free” in the first place. Remember folks, there are no free lunches.
On Sept. 22, the House approved a measure that would extend America’s unemployment benefits again. According to CNNMoney.com, more than a million people could receive an additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits in states with jobless rates higher than 8.5 percent. Already 29 states qualify for this extension, including Indiana.
I sympathize with the millions of Americans currently out of work, but proponents of the extension are refusing to acknowledge one crucial hindrance of the plan. With a $1.4 billion price tag, according to the Congressional Budget Office, the 13-week extension is likely to be more harmful to the economy than beneficial.
Although the number of people filing for unemployment benefits is on the decline, more than 1.4 million workers are scheduled to lose their benefits at the end of this year. The 13-week extension would supplement the 26 weeks of benefits most states offer, and the federally funded extension of up to an extra 20-53 weeks, depending on where you live.
In case you can’t do the math, that’s a possible total of 79 weeks…before the new proposed extension. If the 13-week extension passes the Senate, the unemployed could have up to 92 weeks to find another job, which is equivalent to 23 months, and just shy of two years.
Extending the benefits will not make a difference in the already record-high unemployment rate. In fact, it may make the numbers even worse. The availability of benefits gives the unemployed time to find a job, but a job suitable for their talents and needs. The longer benefits are available, the longer the unemployed may wait to find that suitable position.
Unfortunately, we are in a recession. Finding any job is difficult, especially finding a “suitable” one. It’s time that Americans step up to the plate and take the job that will get them by, even if that means suggesting fries with a customer’s meal. I believe doing what it takes to feed your family is more respectful than sitting on your ass for two years in hopes of saving your already non-existent dignity.
I realize that many Americans currently receiving unemployment genuinely need the help, but I can’t help but notice the many people simply abusing the system. By applying for positions that they are unqualified for, or not applying at all, people are using the program as a long-term source of income, rather than a temporary help. It’s unfair, it’s wrong and its expensive.
We, as a country, can’t afford another bailout. According to USDebtClock.org, as of Sept. 30, the national debt of the United States was $11,775,725,279,766.09. Although a $1.4 billion unemployment extension doesn’t seem like much in comparison, one has to ask when the bailouts will end?
By the way, the government will never pay off that debt. As of today every American owes $38,355.94, including the millions of people who are unemployed. Someday someone will have to pay off that debt, whether that is us, our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren or maybe all of the above.
Instead of throwing money at bailouts, extensions and welfare systems every time something goes slightly astray, the government and the American people need to take responsibility for our actions. Putting off the costs is only causing our country more harm than help.
After all, there are no free lunches.
