Is Sen. Jim Bunning right to hold up unemployment benefits?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
There's a great political game of gotcha going on right now in our nation's capital, and it all comes down to one man: retiring Republican Senator Jim Bunning.
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/03/02/art.bunning.jpg caption="Sen. Jim Bunning (R-KY)"]
The Kentucky lawmaker is the only senator to block an extension of unemployment benefits that could help millions of jobless Americans.
But Bunning says he's against the $10 billion aid package because it isn't paid for and he doesn't want to add to the deficit.
The one-man filibuster is also blocking federal flood insurance, small business loans and an extension of federal highway funding - which means more than 2,000 workers are on paid furloughs.
So far it's been pretty much radio silence from Bunning's fellow Republicans.
And Democrats are loving it - pointing out that Bunning didn't make such noise under the Bush administration when there were two unpaid wars along with Bush's tax cuts. The Democrats are challenging their GOP colleagues to come out and defend what Bunning is doing.
After all, the Republicans are making hay railing about Democrats spending the country into bankruptcy. With all the preaching of fiscal conservatism - they should support Bunning's move to stop unemployment benefits if there is no money to pay for them, right? The Republicans probably wish he would just go away.
Meanwhile Bunning isn't exactly acting like a statesman. After one Democrat criticized his move on the Senate floor, Bunning reportedly muttered "tough ****." And the senator gave the middle finger to a reporter who tried to question him.
Here’s my question to you: Is Sen. Jim Bunning right to hold up unemployment benefits because there's no money to pay for them?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
J.D. writes:
No money? When did that ever prevent the Republicans from passing legislation that they had no way of paying for? What a hypocrite! And a jerk too! There were other ways to make his point instead of on the backs of the unemployed.
Perry in Council Bluffs, Iowa writes:
A senator who is trying to follow the rule of law that he and the rest of Congress pay now, that is the real headline.
Minesh in Troy, Michigan writes:
Senator Bunning is right. He can stand on principle as he is not running for re-election. He is basically calling the bluff of the Democrats to not add to the deficit. If Democrats cannot find $10 billion from the stimulus funds, how will they fund $1 trillion health care reform monstrosity?
Leta in Chicago writes:
Funny how no one objected to giving trillions to the big banks and AIG. I guess Main Street really isn't important. We should all just shut up and give the rich what little money we have and die off peacefully so we won't bother them anymore.
Fred writes:
Of course he's right! I'm in a debt-management program now and have been for 16 months. Our government should do the same!
Chad writes:
According to this administration, he is the devil for doing so. There is nothing wrong for him to want to know where the money is coming from... it's called being responsible. The claims of it being an emergency situation are blown out of proportion. People on unemployment know their benefits are expiring and should be prepared for that. It isn't up the government to support everyone on a permanent basis.
Chris writes:
Plenty of money left in the stimulus package to pay for it. Oh yeah, I forgot, that's to buy votes closer to November. Our government is a joke. All of them!
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Jack, since when is "anything" Washington approves ever PAID FOR? I'm sure The good senator from Kentucky isn't missing any meals. The official "Jerk of the Senate" just wants to go out with a "bang" and he doesn't care if some 5 year old somewhere has to go to bed hungry.....This guy is a real piece of work. Shame on Kentucky.
Mark
Oklahoma City
I think that the timing is questionable in regards to Bunning being so concerned about our ballooning deficit. Since we don't have any money to pay as we go, why have a Congress? Sorry Senators and Representatives, we just don't have any money to pay your salaries, your healthcare, your retirement, etc. It seems that then the politicians may get a sense of what the unemployed feel like, especially these "career" politicians.
Atlanta, GA
Gee! If Bunning found himself in that predicament he would be the one railing the loudest. As long as these fat cat Senators have health coverage for life, guaranteed retirement for life, even if they go to jail..why worry about the stupid American people. TERM LIMITS, BABY, TERM LI,MITS. It's the only way to stop this insanity. One other little tidbit! Between the Afghan and Iraq wars 12-14 billion a month, Hmmm! That's Ok! but where's the money coming from? Right from the printing press, just like the Republicans did it for their 8 year rule.
He is dead wrong. There is no money to pay for anything, but as in all cases, the person who works for a living and supports the country will have to pay the price. They are the only ones who can. Everyone else rides on their back.
I know this is hurting alot of people temporarily, it wont last long, he is just sending a important message to the spend crazy democrats, that they cant keep throwing money around like water, there just isnt any left, what the democrats are doing is leaving a legacy of taxes and big bills for all our children.
They should find ways to create jobs sensibly, not just make the deficit bigger and bigger, till it will never get paid off.
Since Pay-Go was passed into law by Obama less than one month ago, my question is why are Democrats and most Republicans supporting this bill that is largely unpaid for?
No Jack! and I have a question for you. Why is it that all the crap has to fall on the little guy, the just barely middle class, trying to stay afloat, average citizen? There's a lot of pain out here and Washington would do well to pay attention.
Rebecca
Las Vegas
You know... I really do not want to defend him: but as the rule of the law concurs...
First Unanimous concent is a rule of the senate as a house and does not and can not side step the normal procedures of a bill found regulated by the Constitution: it is meant as a method to set its own method for self control: and does not imply that it can be used to pass a bill: so as is normal: a senator of the floor rejected it.
Second: he is right: no representation without taxation: no bill can pass or be raised where the taxation of the people is not considered as the only ability to raise revenue found in either house. The ease of fiat just digs a deeper hole...
Unanimous consent still requires the signature of the President: and if it is not in the Constitution: what business is it of Congress anyway? If it is not in the Constitution the Fed has no business deliberating upon it. Unless it concerns only federal employees: it holds not water and thus Bunning is right by default.
Law sucks some times: but seek the individual states and not the Fed for such things...
He is playing games with the lives of the suffering unemployed. I have been out of work for 18 months and after hundreds of applications and resumes, I am no closer to landing a job. The little bit that I receive for unemployment helps pay the mortgage and put food on the table. There are no extras. Without an extension I will surely lose my home that I have been paying for the last 19 years.
He needs to stop playing partisan politics and for just once think about the American people. He has a job, a roof over his head, and food on his table. Many of us are about to lose it all!!!!
I think it is wrong to hold up the benefits. Right now there are so many people loosing everything they have and that little bit of unemployment that they get is the only thing keeping them going. People can protest it if they want but what happens when the benefits stop and all of the people who were receiving the benefits have no income again. More houses will be foreclosed on, more people in homeless shelters and living on the streets, more starving children because the parents have no money to buy them food. Think about the people who have nothing and will have nothing. Stop thinking abou the rich and the people who don't need that right now. I live in an area where the unemployment rate is over 15%. Do you know how many people that is in an area?
I wonder how he would feel if he was one of those depending on that unemployment check to make ends meets? He gets to spend his $173,000 salary that we pay for so I guess he doesn't really care what impact it has on the 15 million plus who are unemployed. When you look at his record, he's never worried about being fiscally responsible before so why start now and deny the money to those that need it the most? Maybe all the unemployed people in Kentucky can go live at his house until they find jobs; wonder how he'd like that?
Weren't the Democrats in the majority in Congress since 2004? If not then by 2006 they had majorities. All this talk about Bush running wild while the Democrats could do nothing is pure political nonsense. Some Democrats had to approve (vote yes) for all those programs to happen.
Burring has a point though, the already passed stimulus package could fund this program. Why not use that?
Senator Bunning is absolutely correct. Didn't Democrats just pass their "pay-go" law within the last week or 2? it seems that Democrats don't want to follow their own law. There is plenty of unspent money left in the stimulus spending bill. Why not use that money for this spending bill that is being held up? For Democrats who are wondering where he was on this spending issue during the Bush years, I would why these Democrats pushed for pay-go, and now won't follow it. Or those who complained about spending in the Bush years, but now are spending even more than he did.
Jack;
No! Where was Sen. Bunning when Bush was spending trillions on wars off the books? Where was Bunning when he voted for two Bush unfunded tax cuts totaling several trillion dollars for the wealthiest in the country? This is the action of a man spurnned by his party, who wants to cause trouble and show his extremely large mean streak on the backs of the most vulnerable in our country. What happens to those who can't pay their COBRA and the insurance companies cancel them? And when they won't be re-instated because of pre-existing conditions or expensive current treatment? Let's hope there is a special place in hell for a man who values a stupid basketball game and his inflated self worth more than the hundreds of thousands of the unemployed, furloughed workers, and safety transportation programs.
Bunning must be the one they sent to China to see if America can borrow more money .
My question is: How long are we supposed to keep extending unemployment benefits - 1 year, 2 years, 5 years? Just think of all the jobs that would be available if the millions of illegals would have to give up the jobs they are doing here now.
I believe in the principal of pay as you go, but this is an emergency and it is a relatively small amount of money, compared to the hurt it will cause to so many if the bill does not go forward without further delay. He has made his point, and now is the time to let it go. I believe that he has accomplished a lot. The democrats will be less likely to allow another such emergency from happening. With better planning they can get back to pay as you go. But you need to question why he has suddenly seen the light. He voted against pay as you go and he never questioned the many programs that were not funded during the Bush years. And I do not think he had the stats to get into the Hall of Fame. He was a good pitcher, but not quite Hall of Fame material.
I would say he was right if I thought for one minute that it was a heartfelt conviction of his. This case has a vey bad odor. According to a statement made by Sen. Reid this morning, this guy voted against Pay as You Go. Now he wants to singlehandedly hold up these payments because there is no money?
Jack –
Bunning optimizes the term "being out of touch". My husband has always worked and a year ago found himself laid off. Without unemployment we are going to loose our home. Should I send my mortgage to Bunning?!?!
I wonder what would happen if members of Congress didn't have healthcare, didn't get regular pay raises, didn't have retirement, didn't get paid if they didn't show up for work–sick or not–and had to have "cost saving days"–that's where you don't get paid and have to stay home at the company's convenience? What would happen if every decision Congress made had a personal and profound impact on their personal life?
Republican Senator Jim Bunning said he does not want the extension of unemployment benefits to add to the federal deficit. Of course, Republican Senator Jim Bunning has run two wars on credit for almost a decade!
The implicit message of Sen. Bunning's single-handed gesture is that the unemployed should be allowed to miss their rent check, let their health care insurance lapse and prevent millions of Americans from having adequate food on their tables. Republican Senator Jim Bunning's sentiment is the Republican goal and core belief that the federal food assistance program is too generous. The Republican goal and core belief is to scrap and eliminate Social Security and Medicare-Medicaid for 'The Good of America' under their faux banner of new found fiscal responsibility!
Is the Republican Party's goal and core belief trying to tell us that a return to 1930s bread lines is OK?
Slicing Millions of American's from unemployment benefits is simply a opening move to lay the format for unveiling the Republican plan and goal of eliminating Social Security and Medicare-Medicaid entirely under their faux banner of new found fiscal responsibility.
This is such distortion....Is HE really the one holding it up?
He is simply being responsible in saying..Have a plan to pay for the benifits. He is not saying don't give the benifits.
I think he is right. He is looking long term (thinking of your children and grandchildren).
Damn tooting! Someone's got to stop the bleeding. The Republicans were forbidden to stop Bush from spending the country into bankruptcy for no good reason, but by God they can sure stop Obama from spending one penny to help Americans and get the country and economy on track to recovery.
He has no right to hold up enemployment at all because if he believes when there is no money not to pay for something then why is he still drawing a pay check when the Nation is brok. I bet he will cash a retirement check with no money to pay for it either.
Of course he's right. It's about time someone called Obama on his make believe paygo plan. The democrats are spending like crazy and they have no idea how it can possibly be paid for.
Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are deep in debt with future debts of over 100 trillion dollars and now they are pushing the healthcare bill which, if passed, well add trillions more in unfunded debt.
For Bunning to hold up 10 billion dollars isn't much, but maybe it will make the news media pay attention to what the future has in store for our children.
Bunning is exactly right and he should be admired for having the guts to say what many of us think! He isn't trying to deny unemployment benefits to people. He is simply demanding that the government pay for it as the Democrats wanted in their PayGo bill. What good is the bill if it is immediately shoved aside when an issue comes up?
Under Obama, Reid and Pelosi we have wasted billions of dollars and threatened our sovernty. If our officials aren't willing to take a stand on this issue and find a way to pay for the benefits given without putting us further into debt, it's time to replace Congress with responsible legislators!
If there's no money to pay for extending jobless benefits to the jobless, then there's no money to send to Chile, Haiti, or any other country anytime there is a disaster somewhere; and there's no money to extend tax breaks to all their wealthy corporate buddies, and there's no money for wars, and there's no money to assist companies with outsourcing jobs to other countries and still allowing them to have commerce inside this country. Period. It's time to get brazen here, folks. Big Sam the Business man is walking all over us average Joe's and our government is allowing this. Where is the outrage? Is it time for old-school tactics? Really, who IS watching the workingpeople's backs, if not the workingpeople themselves? Can we count on the unions to finally step up to the plate and say "enough is enough, we're not putting up with it" or is their national leadership in bed with big business and politicians as well?
The whole America is living on credi,why not give some help to unempoyed?
Sacramento CA.
No he's wrong to do that. But it serves the government for him to do that, to confuse the issue of government spending. The curse of the law, the grey areas like when is it a good time to print money they don't have. But the Lord sayeth not to vex the poor so I know Bunner is wrong. Cut elsewhere.
Maybe we should thank him. It's helping me remember what Republicans stand for. They are the party of NO to the people and for stopping the democrats in operating a government in distress.. They run up the debt with two wars for God only knows why. And leave the country broke. Feed the rich for eight long years on tax cuts and let the poor pick up the tab. Take bribes from lobbyist and grease the hands of cooperate America. And blow their horns on how God is blessing us through all this. Devils horns if you ask me.
Is the reason there is no money to pay for this now due to the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy and the two unfunded wars he voted for gladly? His hypocrisy is apparently ruled by who is getting the money in question. Federal workers and the unemployed need not apply. It looks like old Jim might have caught one too many wild pitches in the head while he was at bat and now it shows.
Did they withhold money from GM and Merrill-Lynch when they needed it, Jack? Are they withholding money from the DEA when there's a failed drug policy in this country? The unemployed are easy targets and don't hurt Jim Bunning's pension check, Jack. As an elite member of the worst 5 in the Senate coupled with his heartless remarks about Ruth Bader Ginsburg; I'm beginning to believe that Senators should pass psychological examinations every year. Jim Bounning's elevator is a few floors short of the lobby.
Republican say that they are for fiscal responsibility, but their actions spoke volumes for the past eight year. Finally, a Republican who is actually standing up for his beliefs, albeit belatedly. And here is the rub. Any cuts in spending will hurt somebody. In this case, over a million Americans. Sadly, there will be much more similar pain before our fiscal house is in order.
No he should have moved to stop all Senate pay and give up his pension since there is no money to pay them or his benefits.
You bet he is right; and while he is at it I hope he can suspend pay to every teacher in public school who has failed at teaching math and accountability to the educated idiots running our economy into hell!
God Bless You Senator Bunning!
Unemployment checks is NOT the time to take a stand on whether their is enough money; people NEED their money to survive and take care of their families. He should allow the extension- none of the programs or plans have any money to back them- we have lived on spening credit cards for the past year.... there are other ways to come up with $ or cut expenditures in other programs – not unemplyment 100% wrong!!!
The guy is a lame duck who is po'd at both parties and is playing a nasty game of I'll get all you back ! The Repubs need to denounce this whack job...he is showing how bad the stance of the Repubs are and not helping the cause but hurting every man, woman and child who depends on the money to live on so he could be a pompous windbag!
Hello Jack,
Jim Bunning is only the problem to the extent of his past participation in the bankrupting America.
Fellow citizens, help for the unemployed, and all others who can no longer care for themselves, must come from family, friends and neighbors.
Mike
Jack,
This guy is just making a statement. He is just trying to press the government into a quicker way to resolve economic stress. People need jobless benefits in order to survive until we as a nation come up with solutions to the lack of work. Bunning is not being part of the solution, he is becomming part of the problem..
Postal Joe,
Rock Hill NY
What Bunning is doing is shameful.
Do we need Senators or the Senate? They do not represent the population. Let the House of Represenatives make the decisions. Think of all the money we would save.
I understand his intent. However, doing this will only hurt people. He should have picked a better way to make his point.
Probably sounded like a good idea in the beginning to draw attention to the Democrats adding to the deficit, but once he realized the American people support this emergency spending bill his pride just won't let him give up.
No Jack, he is waiting for the Country to go bust so that he and his rich Republican friends can buy it back for less than a penny on the dollar of debt. Seems like both parties have lost the plot!
john Battiloro
White Plains, NY
Hey,
We could reduce the deficit by as much as Sen. Bunnings salary. I'd love that to happen.
A.C. Farley
Funny how no one objected to giving trillions to the big banks and AIG. I guess Main Street really isn't important. We should all just shut up and give the rich what little money we have and die off peaceably so we won't bother them anymore.
Bunning is an embarrassment. I would like to see him survive without his Senate pension, his Senate health care and all his connections. Let him live on $369 a week. After all, that is what is keeping all of us on the public dole.
Maybe he can get in line for some of the unemployment benefits that he is holding up.
If Bunning does not get his way, then we might actually see what our credit line max really is. On the other hand, if you want an uprising, I suppose that would be a good way to do it.
Senator Bunning has a right to insist on pay as you go but he refuses to answer why he has waited until now to do it after agreeing with all of the Bush unfunded mandates. Perhaps a good place to start removing funds would be for unfunded aid to Kentucky. Perhaps that would get more attention from his "supporters" in his home state.
This is another example of why the filibuster rule should be eliminated. A simple majority vote should be sufficient to enact or defeat Senate bills. If the opposition doesn't like, as someone said, "that's what elections are for".
I am a pretty moderate guy and I support Bunnings move. When is a good time to start actually paying for all these entitlements without borrowing from China? Like the good Senator said, this is not about if we should provide the extension of benefits, but if we are actually going to pay for them instead of throw it on our perpetual credit card. Use some of that left over TARP money or cut spending somewhere else.
What a bum if the loser wasn't quiting I would say don't re-elect him thats way he is probably making his big pay as you go stand.
We bail out Wall Street, who kept their profits as we covered their losses, but can’t bail out people who are barely hanging on? This guy is heartless. Oh, that’s right, silly me, he has his, so the hell with us. Maybe if Reid throws in more tax breaks for the rich Bunning will relent.
Good for Bunniing....wake up everyone...HE IS RIGHT....when are we going to stop spending $$$.
Mr. Bunning is an idiot. What he is doing makes no sense. This is another reason why we need term limits for our representatives and senators.
This sudden desire by Senator Bunning to become fiscally responsible smells a lot like Republican obstructionism. Where has he been hiding all these years. A competent Congressman would find a win-win solution. Others, such as Jim Bunning, are only interested in we-win, you-lose solutions.
I'm unemployed but at some point you just can't pay for everything. It looks like the only person that can make a hard, and unpopular, call is a guy who is retiring. All of us need to understand that hard decisions will have to be made very soon and we might as well start now. Better for me to take some pain than my children.
Bunting is absolutely right! It wasn't Bush, but Obama and the Dems who in February crowed about PAYGO. When are they ever going to do something they say.
I looked up the definition of Democracy, and nowhere was a mention of one man being allowed to hold the country hostage. This man needs to be thrown out....or thrown IN to a padded cell.
How is it he found money to offset tax cuts under Bush, for high income groups and corporations? Apparently he doesn't remember he's from an Appalachian state. Shame brother, shame.
Can we then assume that Senator Bunning will not take his salary nor his pension if the government will incur greater debt to pay them? Lots of luck with that!
Unemployed people should stop taking adavntage of the people that are working hard and are paying for their free ride.
Why now, why not when there was a republican president?
Of course not. He is a pompous fool who is trying to further his own political agenda at the expense of people in need. And, really, you would think that he would try to improve his image. But, no – he shouts at and gives the finger to reporters. Completely asinine.
Where have Bunning's outrage and principles been up to now? Nowhere. This is yet another political stunt, one that directly impacts thousands of Americans. Shame on you Senator.
It's important that the government start accounting for it's spending; however, Sen. Bunning's remedy isn't helping. Every day he delays this bill it costs more to turn those benefits back on. Additionally unemployment money is often spent by those that receive it as they are in no position to save it, boosting the economy and in turn tax revenue. The same can be said for small business loans and highway projects.
In effect the Senators choice of tactics to argue for fiscal responsibility are themselves fiscally irresponsible.
Yes he is right to insist on PAYGO. Although he should insist with using the "excrement" term and middle finger gestures...I don't really see how anyone can object to PAYGO, both sides insist on it when it is convenient; and as you said Jack WE ALL have to shoulder the deficit.
Jack,
Regardless of if what Sen. Bunning is doing is "right," Sen. Bunning has secured this place in Senatorial history not as a Statesmen. President Eisenhower once said that "a Statesmen is a policiian who has been dead for 20 years," and regardless of the passage of time, Sen. Bunning will not be remembered as a Statesmen. Not to mention that he is considered one of the most obtuse senators, to put it nicely.
Bunning can set an example for all of us. Because of the huge debt, there is no money to pay his salary. Bunning should renouce his pay.
The Dems just passed "Pay-Go". He is just following the rules.
Jack, what's the big deal? Just cut a few hammers and toilet seats out of the Pentagon budget and you'll be able to cover the $10B for unemployment benefits.
He has no problem giving money away to foreign nations for disaster relief., but he has a problem for emergency funding for his own citizens who are hurting mainly because of our government policies.
Jack you know I respect the senators decision. After all, he was elected to think independently. I also think he should use common sense and he is lacking it at this very moment. The Democrats fare no better in my opinion. They are in Charge and are acting like a bunch of elementary kids. The Democrats have the ability to work around this Senator and get the job done. Instead, they want to play "POLITICS". They are just as bad in my opinion. They should be VOTED out of OFFICE NOV 2010, ALL INCUMBENTS....
Yes he is absolutely right. It's time someone stepped up to the plate and let Obama know that the spending wildly and for everything has to stop. This is a symbolic act I believe to let Democrats know we won't stand for it any longer. And every conservative, independent, and republican should be waving the flag behind him right now. This bill will get passed and it will be retroactive but Bunning will have made them wary of future spending. Of course the Democrats are such idiots thay probably will keep it up anyway. But at least someone will have tried.
Why are the people with the most money in this country against those who are down on their luck? Unemployment is NOT welfare. The majority of the funds are paid by employers, not the public. It is also temporary. The extensions are not adding additional benefits to those receiving them, just allowing those receiving them to go through all the existing tiers. When their tiers are up for them, the benefits end for that person. It is too bad we live in a society where the rich say, "I am just fine, thank you; too bad, so sad you are not. It's not my problem!"
I think I have the answer to Jim Bunnings request. How about we stop his salary, and his soon to be received retirement benefits, and cut the healthcare for all of the obstructionist republicans in congress.
Let Mr. Bunning go home with no health care and no money and see how he likes it. The rest of us who were hardworking Americans but now out of work through no fault of our own could use the money.
If Bunning is serious about paying for things, then he should propose rolling back the Bush tax cuts as a solution. Otherwise he's just throwing curveballs.
Mr. Bunning is making a statement of paying for the bill at the wrong time and at the expense of the poor (unemployed). I did not see a motion on the floor as to where the relief money for Chile is coming from...did you??
I understand his views and agree that it must be paid for but this is an emergency bill and many lives depend on this bill. NOT at time to make a statement!
Hell yeah he should hold up the extension. I feel for the people that need the benefits, but the government doesn't have the money to pay for it. Didn't Obama tell US citizens at a recent town hall meeting that they should make cuts if it meant paying for their child tuition? Sounds like the government doesn't follow suit. In 50 years, the federal deficit will be over 35 trillion dollars at this rate.
Re:fixing congress – Eliminate the aisle and make these children sit next to each other. Maybe they will learn to play nice.
no...but if it has to be paid for; how about suspending all benefits
to congress for 6 months and that should take care of it
rita ,san angelo,tx
I find it hard to believe that this one man has that much power and he is not even the president. The unemployed need to survive and it is either the unemployment system or the welfare system, so what will it be. I think we need to unemploy the entire congress so they can see what is happening in the real world where most of us live.
Does he ever think about the fact that the money from unemployment benefits do recycle back in to economy....groceries, gas...etc?
Hey Jack !
Just another say no Republican ! What's new! I quess the attitude is if we say no they will look better in the fall. They dont care it does nothing to hurt them just the people who really cannot afford it are hurt so what's the big deal. Americans are gatting fed up with this and personally I hope term limits ( supreme court to) are in the future!
Love your comments Jack THX Glenn
No, he is not right. It is not the fault of the unemployed that there are not enough available jobs. Congress should work to create jobs first before considering ending unemployment benefits, It is not the unemployed's fault that the economy collapsed. Millions of families will suffer because of Jim Bunning. There are other programs that could be cut without taking food away from children.
Bunning is right and he has touched the tip of an ice berg, an ice berg revealing the meaning of "bankrupt government" as one that cannot afford the promises made to its citizens.
I support the Senator and all tax payers should support him. Don't spend money we don't have and payback the money you borrowed! I tell my clients to live within their means and the USA needs to do the same. As a CFP I wish our government would show more common sense. This is not a Republican or Democrat issue this is survival of our country. The Debt Load is the anchor which this country my not be able to carry. By the way, we are not $12.5 Trillion in debt it is more like $42.5 Trillion if you count the money Uncle Sam has borrowed from Social Security and given to Medicare. We need to fix the national budget ASAP.
Jack, and everybody else...
The problem isn't with Bunning...although you might question his decision making capabilities, or his motives...the problem is with the system. If 99 out of 100 Senators do not have a problem with an item, we should not be led around by the nose by one who does. This business about trying to decide if we need a simple, or olympic grade majority is nonesense...the fact that one vote of 100 can result in this fiasco is ridiculous.
jack i just want to ask did he real know the impact? they may have some who will lose house , car ,some may suicide because it was they last hope. for the name of GOD we ask him and all who are behind this to stop and vote for before the catastroph
Hypocrisy. Plain and simple. It seems to me that the republicans in general are perfectly willing to spend money when it benefits their district, their State, their PAC contributors, big corporations, or the wealthy in general. When it comes to the middle class or the poor, they can only be shamed into action. Yes spending needs to be cut, yes deficits need to be reduced. But let's start by ending corporate welfare, closing the tax loopholes for the wealthy, and rolling back tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires. Not by leaving those who have paid unemployment insurance with no benefits.
He has a right to object, but his behavior (nasty, rude, defiant) and previous actions – (voting for wars and other things that ran up the deficit and voting against pay go) don't support his claim of being concerned now.
He is a disgrace.
Yes , Bunning is correct. What happened to 8% or less unemployment with the stimulus? We the people were told
in February / March unemployment would be 8% or less
if we spent $ 800 (B).
I think Bunning decision to stop unemploment extension while the US is in one the deepest recessions is a heartless move. He maybe trying to make a point about the deficit, but its on the back of a lot of out of work Americans. While they argue, and debate the issue we know have to hope and pray that either we get that job we interviewed for or that we will continue to be able to have the money to pay our Cobra Insurance so that we can keep our health care for our children and ourselves. He maybe right but his timing is horrendous!
Jack, unemployment benefits have been extended, in some states, up to 99 weeks already. That's nearly two years of benefits! Senator Bunning, while silent during the Bush years, is indeed not "acting like a statesman," but he is doing precisely what JFK described during our race to the moon: "To do these things not because they are easy, but because they are hard."
Voting to inevitably extend entitlements without paying for them is easy to do. Standing up for the next generation is that which is hard. Pay as we go, and our children will thank us; ignore that dictum, and we'll be known in history as the "Worst Generation."
It is sad that one senator has to do this alone. Where are the other 99? Washington must learn to say "we can't afford it" –four simple words that we commoners use regularly, but our senators can't say without getting tongue-tied
The worst possible time to filibuster on one hand and the best time on another. Lots of publicity for making a point about the deficit. Quite shameful for the outcome of 400,000 unemployed. Families well being should never be put to a political duel. Alright "rich boy" you've made your point. Retire and and enjoy your spoils.
He is dead right on principle, but dead wrong in practice. He can't send a political message about the deficit and spending at the expense of American workers who are struggling to make ends meet.
Does he still have a paycheck coming in? Think so...Look around you and tell us benefits are over, we go where and how? You gonna feed my family when I can't? Life is hard and we all feel it. Feel US!
Maybe Senator Bunning should give up his paycheck to defray some of the costs. That would be the statesman-like thing to do. Oh, wait a minute, I just woke up from that dream! He's holding up this bill not for a principal but because he doesn't care. He's leaving office and hopes this will take him out of obscurity. Let's face it until now who the heck had ever heard of Jim Bunning except his constituents?
I'm amazed and thankful that someone in Congress still has the common sense to ask "how will we pay for it?" If the other members feel that it is critical to extend unemployment benefits could they manage to find some less critical expenditure in the federal budget to offset the cost. It's easy to be in favor of something that you don't have to pay for. It's not so easy to stand up for what's right.
Those of us who have worked with numbers for yrs and understand realize Congress is slowly destroying America......a goal? One needs to think about that....you never let a crisis go without capitalizing on it as the Whitehouse says. First one needs to create a major crisis to take total control however. People see it coming and are angy and scared.
Jack C
WA
I bet this sob's paycheck won't bounce or some millionaire's farm subsidy payment isn't held up....
Vote them all out. Due this for the next ten election. this may break the banks and all the people who buy the elected people. GET PEOPLE WHO THINK FOR THE PEOPLE NOT THE BIG MONEY.
Jack, maybe Sen. Bunning should try living on 229.00 a week and the other senators as well. Easy to talk when you have jobs.
Karen
Miss.
I can't understand what the problem is. The politicians couldn't our wallets out fast enough when the banking industry needed the bailout that can't accounted for. It's a joke albeit a bad one.
Wake up America, Bunning is right. It is time that we all learn that before we spend we must have the money in place . The country does not have an unlimited line of credit with China.
Being a life-long resident of Kentucky, the Great Commonwealth that has produced such statesmen as Abraham Lincoln and Henry Clay, I am ashamed that Jim Bunning, and Mitch McConnel for that matter, "represent" me. Bunning's demeanor and attitude are just plain rude and unprofessional, even if his stance on the issue is right (which it isn't). He's little more than an embarrasment to all Kentuckians. He should be ashamed of himself........
I wish I were rich enough to be a Republican.
BOYCOTT KENTUCKY.....
Don't visit, don't invest in, don't spend any of your AMERICAN money in Kentucky until the folks there vote this JERK OUT....
If he truly believes in pay as you go.... then why didnt he vote for THAT bill. Change the word 'unemployment' to Banks, investors and Tax cuts for the wealthiest 2% of Americans and see if he'll vote for that. The only reason why the republicans are quiet is because THEY KNOW this affects the average person who is wondering why they arent getting the same treatment as the banks and big business. Americans didnt agree with that either but they still went ahead and bailed THEM out!
i can see what his worries are but can he see the worries of low income families that are dependent of this benefit to meet ends meets, and the 10% of the american population that are unemployment at the moment, perhaps he will not be oppose to this bill if he and his family dependent absolutely on this benefit
One word sums up Senator Bunning's position: hypocritical! Why would the Senator vote against “PayGo” or pay as you go when it was introduced a few weeks ago if he is so concerned with the deficit? Hypocricy Jack, Bunning should go back to what he knows best; namely Baseball – I'm sure he can coach some little league team; the Senate job is way over his head
Jim Bunning is WRONG in holding up this legislation.....ONLY BECAUSE he should have said "NO" many times before while he sat in the Senate during George Bush's 8 years of fiscal recklessness; Congress and Senator Bunning KNEW from Bush's track record that President Bush would never veto any Congressional spending bill. So where was Bunning then? Sitting in the BULLPEN?
Mr .Bunning should NOT be allowed to hold up millions of folks from receiving benefits in these trying times of unemployment as well as road projects for the good of the country . The republicans ALL look like fools with this as representation of their kind . Having approved tax cuts and 2 wars ....he is responsible for the difficulties we face and should step up to the plate for the people .
Gee, and the Dems just passed the Pay as you Go bill. Guess it doesn't apply here. When will it apply then?
I would like to shake his hand. After working for years and saving every cent I am forced to watch the money I have disappear. The more that congress increase the deficit the less my money is worth. I should have just got a bigger house and taken the kids to Disneyland.
Don from PA
I believe Sen. Bunting is retiring soon and will be receiving a substantial pension subsidized by the American tax payer. Can we afford his pension? No, but he will receive it without fail or debate and it too will add to the growing deficit. I'd rather pay hard working Americans who every morning go to work to rebuild our failing infra-structure with there own hands. Have the concerned Senator renounce his pension for the sake of the deficit.
Jack,
Sen. Bunning's stand is idiotic. He is not putting the horse before the cart, he is shooting all the people on the cart. Talk about hitting someone who is down. This man is in too high of a position to plead "good intentions". Did His Lordship Bunning consider that these people paid into unemployment, some for probably as long as he has been in Congress. Holding a hard working American's money to prove a point is (to who?) is the lowest for of low. What's next, let them eat cake.
Ed Truncale
Member of the Common Sense Party
Erial, NJ
The question is not is Jim Bunning right to hold up the pay of unemployed American's who aren't working the question is why do we waste taxpayers money funding senators like Jim Bunning who obviously aren't working.
I feel sorry for Senator Bunning because he was forced to miss the Kentucky/SC game. Apparently, he has realized that DOING HIS JOB is more important than watching a basketball game. As to HOW he does his job...Senator Bunning has effectively caused the, albeit temporary, unemployment of 2000 DOT workers, stopped payment of Medicare reimbursement to doctors for services already performed, and numerouis other programs. Where was his staunch resolve when voting to fund TWO wars under the Bush administration?
I think that Sen. Bunning should back up his tough stance by giving ba ck HIS gov't backed entitlements (his generous pension and his generous health care coverage) both provided by the taxpayer. Your welcome Mr. Bunning
Guess it is OK if, like these conservative Republicans, you subscribe to the idea that all Americans are lazy, worthless, bums that should live like our neighbors south of the border. Central Valley, CA.
Republican Senator Jim Bunning is just the latest example of our broken government....
I truly believe that our politicians couldn't run a pair of stockings
Democrats act as Robin Hood with country credit card instead sword. I would like when they cry out for poor constituents to buy their votes they pay for dog bones from their own wallet. Just put all debts on their cards. I guess even one spending law paid only by dems dries out humanitarian tears of these criminals with crooked agenda.
He's absolutely correct. It's not about politics. Let's do what we say we are going to do. Cut spending – balance the budget. I can't spend money I don't have (or if I do, I go in debt). We have to pay the bills eventually – or maybe our grandchildren will do it because we want it all now. Conservatives that don't support Bunning, have elections to win. Liberals that criticize / politicize this issue have the power to overturn this "injustice to the people" but prefer to make this a media issue. Stop the politics – do the work of the people. Last partisan Congress we had was under Reagan!
Jack: Bunnings paycheck should be stopped until there is money to pay for it.
Then he should be forced to return all of his previous government paychecks that the American taxpayer has paid in the past, since I'm sure there wasn't money to pay those with either.
He is wrong. The country is in recession, and with rock bottom interest rates, fiscal policy is the only tool the government has left to help the economy. The same arguments about high deficits and the National Debt were made during the Great Depression, and it was made worse by raising taxes.
All they have to do is take a pay cut themselfs, and give to us that need it the most. THAT WILL HELP.
As a voter from the state of Kentucky this man and Mr.MITCH MCCONNELL are a big joke to this country. I hope the people of this great state wake up in the next election and vote them out of office.
Yeah, the deficit is a big problem and it probably should have been addressed more years ago, but stopping unemployment benefits certainly isn't the answer. I think it's the responsibility of our congress to help figure out how to create the jobs that so many people that are on unemployment desparately need. My question is: has this Senator or any of the senators and congress people had to feel any of the effect of being unemployed themselves and the worry of discontinuation of benefits? My initial reaction to this question is: I don't think they have. And until they can feel the effect of all this, is when a decision of this magnitude can be made.
Jack I think that idiot wants to cut off unemployment payments it should be just for the people from his state. We should also cut off his health insurance and his pension which there is probably no money for.
what a bum if the loser wasn't quitting I would say don't re-elect him, thats why he is probably making his big pay as you go stand now.
He's a Foul mouthed, Gutless wimp – taking a stand now that he's retiring and there is no risk of lhim osing his job This is shameful behavior by Bunning and his do nothing republicans. He single handedly is endangering peoples lives, and causing unnecessary hardship to millions of Americans. We should furlough him without pay, make him uneligible for COBRA and unemployment. Where is the respect and compassion for fellow Americans in need? Did he make the same "pay as you go" stand when the Repubs were in power. What a joke of an elected official he and his cohorts are. It's enough to make you sick.
Jack,
He's wrong. Many people need unemployment now, and that's what matters. He should care about the people who need help. I also think that they should extend unemployment for a year. I'm unemployed and REALLY need it. They should ground NASA and use it's $17. Billion budget to help pay for it.
There is not one person in Washington
that will put anyone above their own agenda.
It is time the Voter got the right to fire a person that can not do their Job. They are all a bunch of fools. This Country was here before them
& with any luck it will be here if we can get rid of them.
Thank You Michele
PS That goes for both sides I will not vote party just who ever is in I will cast my vote so they are gone. They are all just fools Nothing has changed !
FOOLS ALL OF THEM !
Jack,
These arrogant scapegoating politicians need to be personally held to the standard(s) they inflict on the American people. If they approve bail outs for wall street or earmark pet pork projects for their districts, and then turn around and withhold basic benefits to the rest of the country. -
Jack let's withhold their paychecks and medical benefits for themselves and their families. I'm willing to bet that this Kentucky blow-hard wouldn't have wasted more valuable time talking about a basketball game after he finished "objecting" to what amounts to nothing. What an ass?!
Jack,
This man has run aground. I would honor his and his parties principles if history did not bear out the very opposite! This is Custers Last Stand for someone who wants to leave the Well with newly found integrity!
Could we please let these folks play out their uselessness away from the camera..Between Bunning , Shelby endangering our National security, the blatant and rarely corrected lies of Boneher, Mcconnel, Kyl, palin, bachman, cantor, Mccain selling his soul, and the rest we should be spared the looped scenes!
Not to mention the Arrogance of the Reid, Pelosi, Dodd group.
Enough -clean house on both sides of the aisle! And hurry!
We've been paying for everthing with funny money for years. Why pick on this. I'd call this pitch a stinker, way outside. Get it together Jim or your constituents will send you back to the minors.
The problem is that congress has spent money on many new programs without thought of having to have enough money to pay the help. Democrats know that republicans will have to give in and extend the budget, that's why they feel no pressure to curb spending otherwise. Bunting should have agreed with a short extension, then put pressure on congress for a long-term solution. If congress can't pay the help, we certainly can't afford new programs like health care.
As much as it hurts me to say it, I don't think we should continue to pour money into unemployment benefits. While there are many Americans who need these benefits during this very tough time, I just don't think that this money exists. What happens if this unemployment crisis lasts for the next three years? Are we going to subsidize everyone's employment until then. . . especially when many of the unemployed actually earn more in benefits than many of the employed?
Under Senate rules Senator Bunning has a right to object and thereby threaten a filibuster but the Senate rules also provide a way around a filibuster. It requires a supermajority to envoke cloture but that is what should have been done early on so that the Senators would be on record as to how they stand on the extension. I blame both parties for trying to avoid responsibility.
Here are some easy ways for Senator Bunting to stand up to his convictions and pay for the bill
1) Give his warchest funds to the U.S. coffers for the bill. He is retiring, and therefore does not need the money for fundraising.
2) GIve up his bloated pension plan and return to the U.S. coffers.
3) Return his salary that he is earning this year to the U.S. coffers.
4) Start paying for his own haircuts. Why do we subsidize the Congress by paying for their haircuts??
Congressman Bunting try living on minimum for awhile! So you could hit a baseball. Big Deal.
C B from Wisconsin
Ask yourself this question. Where should we spend our money? Should we spend it on the wars that were started by the former age of Republican rule in countries where we are not wanted? Should we support and help the average person who is willing to work but cannot find employment? Many viable people 55 and older are especially vulnerable. I say Bunning is criminal and standing in the way of helping our citizens. There are too many middle class, and middle aged people struggling to survive here at home. They need help.
I can't believe we put people like this into office. Where is his obligation or concern to the people who are on the verge of losing everything!
No, Bunning's wrong...Big time! He's a Bully using his "Bully-pulpit" to Besmirch OBama, Belittle Democrats, and Belittle Benevolent Americans just trying to make a Buck. Shame on Bunning! Where was he when Bush was Busting the deficit and Bruising the American people?! Bunning's a Bum Jack.
Yes, we all must follow the newly passed law, and pay as we go. Why not use some of that stimulus package money that is being paid back by the banks?
Senator Bunning does not have the right to block the extention of unemployment benefits. Not only are his own constituents affected, but the rest of represented Americans' across the country. How about polling America to see how we, the people, feel?
Ray
Charlotte, NC
I'm sure my opinion won't be read because it's a much too liberal view for CNN, but I'd like to see Sen. Bunning live on unemployment benefits for 1/2 of a week, let alone 8 months. People aren't on unemployment because they like it. They are on it because of all the bad real estate loans the banks made to the extremely rich to purchase their 3rd and 4th vacation properties that they couldn't pay for, which put pressure on the banks to make up the lost interest by raising the interest rates on the middle class, who couldn't pay for the unrealistic increases in their payments. The rest of this slippery slide in the economy is common knowledge. Jobs are being lost because of the banks irresponsible lending policies to the rich, not the middle class. Now they have to pay the price of extended unemployment benefits because of the thousands of jobs that have been lost because of their actions.
Unfortunately, no one in Congress understands who pays for all their deficit spending - we all do! It is way overdue that some one finally recognize the spending has got to stop. And, what better time to bring this issue to the foreground by denying payment to the unemployed. Shame on the rest of them for not doing the right thing, find a way to fund those without jobs without costing the rest of us for years to come. Where are the Democrats and Independents and Republicans with an equal sense of NO MORE DEFICIT SPENDING!
GregM
North Carolina
I applaud Sen. Bunning for having the spine to finally say – enough. Better late in bucking the debt than continuing the idiocy of more and more debt. Didn't they just recently pass the pay-as-you-go bill into law? If his colleagues are really serious about the debt, then let the clowns find the funds to pay for it. When will the RepubliCrats realize that only an economic moron will cut taxes and raise spending at the same time?
What do you do when you are 12.3 Trillion Dollars in debt? When the FDIC/Treasury has borrowed 23 Trillion in the past 1 1/2 yrs.? Spend more money according to Democrats....after weekly billions of dollars being promised by Obama as he flys around the Country, they now have another 150 Billion dollar so called jobs bill in the works which includes:
Bail out for people who have Chicken Farms
Money for a Sheet Museum
Put the Congress in jail please – they are crazy !
Jane J
WI
This country wasn't outraged when the Republicans declared that they were going to stop everything so they could bring down this President. Why should Sen Bunning be condemned for being the Star of Act 22 of this stupid play.
I voice the same sentiments as Ashley..."I think that the timing is questionable in regards to Bunning being so concerned about our ballooning deficit."
Regardless of being Republican or Democratic, the bigger issue equally important to Healthcare Reform is Unemployment Benefits. Legislation needs to pass IMMEDIATELY to extend the current unemployment compensation program AND add additional tiers (beyond Tier 4 Unemployment Benefits) for the long term unemployed like myself.
Thank you for your consideration.
Stockton, CA
How is it I am not surprised that congress passes a new rule and now they don’t want to follow it? At least this one is out in the open instead of behind closed doors. Maybe I should go on unemployment for a few years. Think of it as preretirement.
Dan
I have been unemployed since Sept. And I have nothing but my benefits to depend on. So if Bunning wants to block my benefits, then he needs to come and tell my wife and two little girls that we will have to move because daddy can't afford to pay his mortgage. All because Bunning wants to stop something that he thinks does not affect him directly. Here is the reality of it all. If people do not get there benefits. Then they will get money by any mean. So Bunning don't get mad, nor don't be surprised when some one rob's you for your money,as you are trying to rob millions of American of their money.
R.A. Conner
Ft. Worth, TX
Unfortunately, I do agree with the Senator. I also believe that our Country is on the verge of bankruptcy. This recent governmental squabble is only the beginning of many major and painful cutbacks to come. Wallstreet excluded of course. I am very nervous about the current state of our government as they continue act like a bunch of immature crybabies only interested in keeping thier lobbying contributors happy. I'm pretty sure the founding Fathers did not have this type of greedy, self-interested Government in mind.
Collect taxes to pay for programs. What a novel idea. Get a clue politicians.
Jack,
As a superpower that by choice and circumstance has found itself to be a role model for other nations (both big and small), the United States is held to an ethical expectation. It is disappointing that the senator has put stubborn partisan publicity stunts in front of safeguarding not only that American philosophy, but also the downtrodden American.
If Sen Bunning feels Unemployment should be paid for , then his salary makes the deficit larger too. Let's see him not have an income and see how he likes it.! I have worked for over 35 years. Being laid off is not anything I would wish on anyone.
Stockton, CA
Jack:
On what planet has Senator Bunning been living on these past 10 years? Where was he when the Republican Congress approved two unfunded wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that cost us trillions of dollars? And, was it not George Bush and the Republican Congress that gave two huge unfunded tax cuts to the rich and famous?
These Republicans care nothing about the American people. The right wing has been duped again. Hello.
Bunning is holding the very people most severely affected by the financial crisis hostage. His current posturing is pushing people literally into the streets. This is nothing new – just ask Mary and Joseph. Perhaps we should have a bake sale for mangers.
Jim Bunning is bitter man who is looking for his 15mins. He will not be running for another term so the American people are not his concern anymore. It's sad to see a senator take a stand like this when DEMS & REPS are finally on the same page on a topic that actually helps Americans.
Jack... after a republican president and a republican congress (2001 to 2006) funded two wars on the borrowed dime, a new federal department (Homeland Security) on another borrowed dime, all while simultaneously introducing tax cuts for the top 10% income brackets which, with both actions combined, DOUBLED the national debt from $5 trillion to $10 trillion..... the only words I have to say to Senator Bunning and any republican claiming to be concerned about the national debt is this: "You lack complete C-R-E-D-I-B-I-L-I-T-Y!"
Did Bunning ever say NO to Bush about not having money to support the tax cuts for the RICH and the 2 wars that he didn't pay for? Did he ever say NO when they borrowed from China and made such a big debt? Has Benner and Kyl ever been without food or a place to sleep? Any Christian would take money from their pocket and give to the laid off workers.
Jim Bunning should be commended for having the guts to stand up to labor unions and the free spending Democrats in this matter. Too many (of course not all) of the beneficiaries are able bodied (in many cases young men) choosing to stay home on the tax payers dollar rather than get out in the workforce and take what is available in work. Benefits have been extended long enough in this cycle, particularly when we do not have the money in the treasury. This benefit is NOT an entitlement and frequently becomes a disincentive to work.
I guess after spending trillions, 10 billion is to much to waste on Americans. The ploytricks and games that are being played in Washington (And we know why) Has America's livelyhood hanging in the balance. Their kids are fed and their bills are paid so they play thier games. It is obvious we are being punished for who we voted for if only the President would go out on a limb for us as we did for him.
He's the poster child for the gop and is just following their checklist:
– obstructionism – check
– say 'no' to everything – no let's amend this ... say 'no' to any bill which will help Americans, say 'yes' to spending on wars of choice and anything that will benefit large corporations – check
– hypocrasy – check
– following Cheney's example and cursing on the floor of the Senate – check
Yep, the guy's a republican, and he's a poor excuse for a representative and a man. On the other hand he is good fodder for the late night comedians.
Republican had tax cut,got us in 2 wars and all the pork they took back home did not think about what they spent.Now the Democrats are trying to help people and trying to cut back the wars, trying to get health care for lots of people and they are mad.Kentucky has 2 idiots that need to go jump in the ocean.
Guess it is OK, .if, like many conservatives in the Senate, you subscribe to the idea that all unemployed Americans are lazy, worthless, bums that should go hungry. and live in shacks. Central Valley, CA.
I guess it depends mostly on if your unemployed or not. If your one of the unlucky, layed off, cut back, lost job as a result of dropped orders, bad economy, or just plain lazy. You probably are wondering how your going to eat your next meal not to mention your family if you have one.
On the other hand if you are one of the 90% employed it probably wouldn,t really matter to you. Luckily I have a good, secure job. Government worker.
What I really have a problem with is that one, 1 man has so much power in this country ( Dem. or Rep. I don't really care) that he can say that people he doesent even know or know of will eat or be able to pay their bills. I read in my daily news that this will affect 1.2 million people in this country. Thats 1,200,000 people. Thats a crying shame.
I want to know if he tried to stop the bank bailouts too??? I am unemployed and have been for a year...I NEED this money...The deficit is so HUGE because of they handed over to the banks with no questions asked..or so it seems.
Where was Bunning when Bush handed over millions to the banks? I hate politicians...ALL of them!!!
What a hypocrite! Bunning had no problem voting to run up the biggest deficit in history by voting for fat cat tax cuts and sending kids off to die in pointless wars. Now he wants to make the unemployed his party created by tanking the economy suffer for his past blind partisan stupidity? There are just no words for how outrageous this is. Strike three, Bunning, you're out!
Hi Jack,
I am basically a liberal, although I find that I drift to the conservative side on monetary issues. Sen. Bunning has a valid point about paying for stuff upfront. Unfortunately, he has chosen an issue that effects so many people in need. I think that we all should file this
incident away into the back of our minds and imagine the days to come that people will be UNAVOIDABLY hurt because the government CANNOT help them!! Our governent is indeed broken!
Ron P
East Brunswick, NJ
Uh no. This strike me as a male "Marie Antoinette." This guy needs help and so does his buddy Senator Kyl. It is a pitty that these folk aren't forced to be like with normal families during their off time, to understand what actually goes on at the unemployment office, the social services offices, food pantries and such. After seeing no paycheck, unpaid rent/house note or lack healthcare bills, they'd wonder how we stand it. We just do because that is the American Way to screw us over while they take bags of our taxpayer monies home with them.
I think Bunning wants to go out with a bang and this is one way to do it! He's not thinking about the people he would be hurting and frankly doesn't give a damm. This is the highest unemployment rate since the depression and for him to act like such an idiot is disgraceful. Why do they always seem to find their principles, and I use that term loosely, when it comes to the poor,disabled,senior citizens and the unemployed? They are willing to pass bills paid for or not when it comes to the rich, because of course that would be good for the countrty and the economy! HYPOCRITE!
Well Jack, he does have that right, and the people ,as his boss,have the right to terminate him and his health ins. and his pension but good luck with that.
Yes he is right. Pointing out that he didn't vote against unfunded spending under Bush is like faulting an alcoholic for recognizing they have a problem and need to change.
Obama is living up to his word from the campaign trail of wanting to "spread the wealth." Unfortunately, the economy is so bad there's not enough to redistribute. End result is massive unfunded spending because Obama knows that sooner or later voters will realize that spreading the wealth is just another way of saying you give involuntarily and government redistributes. If you want proof of voters getting wise, just look to Massachusetts.
So kudos to Bunning for calling out Obama on this issue. If the President is really for deficit reduction, time to walk the talk.
by the way tell bugsbunny he is not funny! and dont forget we pay for his family to eat and we can also stop! but itsnt it some type of law that avoids idiots like this to be in office. Budget deficit was pushed over by republicans and now look at the U.S. its starting to stand for Use Somebody. Itsnt doing nothing for the people the same as killing them? when you know they need this due to government break down. Im asking for BugsBunny's resignation today as a citizen of the United States! Why? because we the people can do that!
Yes its great that someone in the federal government has finally taken budgets seriously! Every spending bill they try to pass should have a way to pay for it, or it shouldn't be passed. I don't care if its for unemployed people or blind puppies with three legs, this isn't about tugging on heart strings, its about purse strings. And mine as a tax payer would like to be closed!
Jack, This is just another example of the hypocrisy exhibited by many in Congress. The GOP is largely responsible for the national deficit & made no effort during the last Administration to address it. Now ... this Senator is willing to withhold emergency funds set aside for these types of circumstances, to harm those who are in dire economic straights, just to make political hay. The fact that other Republican Senators are willing to just sit by and harm Americans when there are alternatives brings into graphic relief the truly feckless intent of these so called public servants.
Public Option through Reconciliation: ABSOLUTELY! Why can't I have access to the same health care the Congress of the United States enjoys?
Sen. BUnning (himself) knows he is wrong for all of a sudden, siteing his conservative values as the reason for stopping unemployment benefits. He had over 9 years to be conservative and choses this time to quit spending. When Americans are suffering from a job crisis. It's like playing 9 innings of baseball and quiting before the other team gets a chance to bat in the bottom of the ninth, because your arm is tired. Being a Hall of Fame pithcher, he knows you can't quit the game at the top of the ninth. STOP HOLDING UP THE GAME BUNNING, AND PITCH!
I saw the video clip yesterday where he repeatedly exclaimed "Excuse me!" to Dana Bash as she tried to question him on this very issue. There is no excuse for him or his actions. Arrogant clowns like this are the reason the approval rate of Congress is so low. The very people he is denying a livelihood are the same people he supposedly works for. He already has the job, so perhaps WE should vote on whether his benefits should be kept or extended.
No it's not right, but can the media be surprised that Republican wants to leave the lower and middle classes without any help? Is it a surprise that Republicans only want to reduce spending on programs that aren't actually their own? I think the real shocker is that Senate Republicans aren't doing things like this more often, it's not like they care for the average american outside of the voting booth.
Bunning is calling Democrat bluff about their plan to reduce deficit.
If Bunning and his cronies were serious about reducing the deficit...and solving our other problems...it's easy. Rescind the REAGAN tax cuts, and let the fat cats they really represent start paying their fair share again, outlaw ALL paid lobbying of any sort, and get rid of the demonic concept of corporate personhood. Do those things, and you'd be amazed how many problems could be solved. But with the Republicans virtually 100% ruled by big money interests and Obama and the Democrats not doing much better, I'm not holding my breath...
Senator Bunning has absolutely no right to be using Americans in his political power play to further his own belief/agenda. Tell him the money can come from Congress's extremely generous pension plan funded by us taxpayers, especially because he intends to retire and collect it. What about all the money that the US has promised and given to help all the people in Haiti and now Chile. DID HE QUESTION/BLOCK THAT? What about all of our own people across the US that need the help to survive? Vegas has the highest foreclosure rate, has been slammed by the President, and has the 2nd highest unemployment rate......and Bunning flips the bird to the press? He should be ashamed of himself!
Michele -Las Vegas, NV
Not buying something when there's no money to pay for it? What a concept!! Of course he should oppose it. Not to mention that this is yet another costly and unacceptable socialist substitute for solving the underlying problem- in this case, the job shortage. 8.5 million jobs could be readily made available by making eVerify mandatory and by cross-referencing the Social Security and IRS databases when employers hire. And an additional 1.5 million jobs by making employers prove there aren't qualified Americans before issuing work visas. This would not only curtail the need for extended unemployment benefits but would also reduce our combined state, local, and federal tax burden by well over $1 trillion/10 years instead of spending money to create jobs and pay for unemployment. Not to mention increase tax revenues, boost our economy, and restore law and order to immigration. We owe Sen. Bunning a round of applause.
This Bunning throws a hell of a changeup. He votes for unneeded fat cat tax cuts and sends kids off to die in pointless unfunded wars, helps run up the biggest budget deficit in history while tanking the world economy, and then takes it out on those who are unemployed because of his previous blind partisan stupidity.
Strike three, Bunning, you're out!
Senator Bunning is correct. Its time our government take responsibilty and not indebt our children. I do not think borrowing money from China whom hates us or printing fiat money which has degraded my savings for retirement is the answer. I live in a depressed area of southern Ohio and free government help has caused our young men to not want work but free handouts. They have becom professinals at beating the system.
People ask why Senator Bunning has waited until now to decry spending with no way to pay for it. Perhaps one reason is the recent preening and fake fiscal responsibility by Democrats when they passed their "pay go" bill. They made a big deal about passing it, but now don't want to follow it.
This senator is not the problem, those that want to spend endlessly without funding a prgram are the problem. This blank check mentality must stop! The tax payer care bare only so much, what happens once these endless entitlements break the tax payers back? What then?
I hope more senators follow this huys lead.
I am ashamed to be a Kentuckian. I believe in fiscal conservancy but not at the expense of respectable families and small businesses. Where were Senator Bunning's convictions when the Senate voted to distribute billions to corporations? What did throwing money at large corporations accomplish? As a private real estate investor who provides quality long term housing to low-income families, it has become increasingly difficult to obtain financing even with excellent credit collateral, and capability on the best of deals. It would seem the only things that bring Kentucky into the national spotlight are horses and their backsides.
Jack, I guess in the republicans' eyes it's OK to provide 2 billion of borrowed dollars over the six years that we funded the monthly paychecks to the 100,000 members of the Sons of Iraq, but when it comes to taking care of American citizens... well, for the republicans, that's "out of the question!"
Paul
Yorktown, Virginia
Jack,
Perhaps since there is no money, Senator Bunning should refuse to take his salary, and Cadillac medical plan, retirement, and all the other great things he available to him, all which cost taxpayer money.
I hope the people posting comments are aware that there are many Americans that are not "qualified" to collect unemployment, even though they worked several years and have lost their jobs. Most people employed by a tax exempt establishment such as Parochial schools just do without if they are unable to find another job. In the current economy with people unable to pay tuition for private schools, many of these workers (usually with less wages and no tenure allowed) are struggling to survive. They cannot receive any assistance because of their former employees exemption from paying unemployment taxes.
Why isn't someone questioning institutions like the Catholic Church about their treatment of their former employees?
Make every employer pay unemployment taxes so everyone can benefit.
Mr. Bunning made a name in baseball with his ability to use his fingers forcefully. However, this time he is wrong to poke his finger into the wound of the already suffering unemployed. It is sickening for a guy, who allowed almost a trillion dollars to bail out big businesses, to block 1% of that amount to those who are unfortunate to be out of work as a result of the 8 years of his and his party's policies.
We all know how America got in this situation. We are all to blame. The question is what to do about it? Seems no one is doing anything. It is business as usual. The same business that put us here is taking us down deeper into the Abyss. When will America say STOP? Enough is enough?
Recycle Congress, Regulate the Ins. Co. so everyone can afford them, Divorce the Commercial banks from Wall St. and Regulate them. Make the wealthy pay their fare share of taxes and quit stealing from our 401 K's!
Lets vote out all incumbents!! Lets also hope that they still count our votes!
I give Senator Jim Bunning two BIG thumbs up. Its high time one of our ELECETED officials stands up for what he believes, however unpopular it is, how ever right or wrong it is. As an american who was unemployed from 11-2007 to 02-2010, I can appreciate the need for unemployement benefits, but I do not think it should be funded by increasing the national debt.
Only if he wants struggling families to go under. Another great decision by a somewhat questionable moral man.
Jack; is it cheaper to pay for unemployment compensation, Jobs, etc, etc, to help feed, clothe and house the unemployed or to pay for the hospitalization and subsequent burial of those affected by the horrible recession caused by the same people now denying them financial help?
Congress has known for longer than I have been alive (I was born before WWII) that "There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch." (TANSTAAFL) Apologies to Robert Heinlein...
To wait til now to protest is worse than Grandstanding, it is akin to 'piracy'.