Shots Backfired!

An interesting editorial was posted in the NY times by an unnamed author. It definitely comes from a democratic point of view and is aimed at making Republicans look neglectful and non-supportive of the people in their states. The author speaks of governors threating to turn away federal aid that will increase access to unemployment benefits in states like Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and calls it a bad decision.

The author accuses the Republican party of being “more interested in ideological warfare” than actually trying to help the country and backs up this claim by pointing to the “political posturing” from governors like Bobby Jindal of Louisiana who are threatening to reject funds from the stimulus bill. The author also states that recent polls from NY Times/CBS survey show that more people think Republicans and Democrats should be working in a bipartisan way.

The article tells of how stimulus money can be used to extend benefits to a wider range of people who normally would not qualify. It is stated that this change has happened in at least half the states and that the changes were positive. It also says that unemployed workers are worst off in the south because unemployment benefits are harder to qualify for. The author uses data from the National Employment Law Project to back up these claims.

The article also explains that the opposing governors think increasing access to unemployment insurance would raise state taxes. The argument against this is, its too soon to tell, and the benefits go right back into the economy by workers who are paying for rent, food, and other living expenses. The author also says that more unemployment workers would be protected and advance southern states into the 21st century.

In the end the author says this: “Governors like Mr. Jindal should be worrying about how to end this recession while helping constituents feed and house their families — not about finding ways to revive tired election-year arguments about big spending versus small government. “

The most reliable sources used were the NY Times/CBS survey and the data from the NELP. I went to the NELP web site and theres an announcement that says “A NELP spreadsheet showing the unemployment recipient rates by state, average and maximum benefits is also available upon request.”

I find this argument convincing for three reasons. Number one because I lean toward the democratic side and number two I've been granted and rejected unemployment benefits in the great state of Texas at times when I needed it most. Third is because Bobby Jindal is a puppet and his Republican party speech after Obamas address the other night pissed me off. As he was speaking I saw the strings lifting his little hands as he spoke. He probably had a gun to his head the whole time.

It makes me mad that who ever is controlling the republicans tries to use someone who is young and of non white ethnicity to convince people that their way is best. The republican party got what they deserved. And they want to make this guy president? If this is a war of ideology then the shot from the republican party back fired.