"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
Right now America is facing an immense debt crisis that could destroy our country's credit rating.
Now with that in mind, we ask: Is it time to rethink the way we issue unemployment benefits?
America's unemployment epidemic is truly sickening.
Millions have lost their jobs, and they have our most sincere sympathy.
But sadly, we can't afford to continue issuing extended benefits.
So, we think the long-term unemployed should perform community service in exchange for benefit checks.
We know many people have done everything in their power to find work, and still, they can't.
And we have to help them.
But if we ask for something in exchange for their benefits…we'd be helping them even more.
Look, we know there are people that abuse the system – they collect long-term unemployment because it's easier than job searching.
If they actually had to work for their checks, it wouldn't be so easy for them.
And we'd probably see the demand for unemployment drop.
Conversely, there are those who are ashamed of relying on handouts.
This is a solution for them, as well.
If they earn even a portion of their checks, they can stand a little taller…and feel a little less alone.
Unemployment is alienating. Those who've been out of work for too long tell us they aren't networking.
And experts say that's a crucial part of getting hired.
If the unemployed began logging a reasonable number of hours…And yes, they must have ample time to job search, too…they'd meet new people every day, and their chances of finding a job would improve.
So, then, would the country's finances.
Tell us what YOU think. SpeakOut@wbtv.com.
