I've been a business man since my dad made me pay for the baskets that I used to sell wild produce that I picked in our road side stand. I appreciate the post about being a businessman. I DO NOT do it for the money as hard as that might be to believe. I LOVE to create an efficient and profitable business. It's like a work of art. Of course, I have to make money to continue, but I[m afraid to divide out my profit to find my hourly wage. I have ALWAYS worked more than EIGHTY hours a week like MOST business people. I'm NOT bitching because it was my choice. If I went broke tomorrow, I'd be working the next day. J Paul Getty said it best. If I lost all my money today, I'd be a millionaire in a year and I believe him.

Until America returns to the principles that created this great nation, find the courage to take a strong stand on dishonesty, corruption and theft in DC, Wall Street and corporate America and we bring values, integrity and work ethics back into the heart of America, do we really expect our economic situation to improve? Go to: youtube.com/watch?v=cMnSp4qEXNM&NR=1 to listen to just one of reason we are in a heap of doodoo. We have become an apathetic people. We leave the REAL problems for others to fix and the problem is no one does anything. Stephen Covey says: “If we keep doing what we're doing, we're going to keep getting what we're getting,” and, “There are three constants in life…change, choice and principles.” It's high time for those who are jobless, broke, almost broke, scared, angry and tired of our fearless leaders depleting our tax dollars to get involved. A change in our political offices are desperately needed by the people who idly sit. I encourage each of you to write letters to your elected officials. Ask your Congress why they can retire with the same pay after only one term, why home loans were given to people who were high risk and why they exempted themselves from the healthcare reform we were given. I'm disappointed, I'm frustrated, I'm angry and I send more letters to my elected officials weekly than I care to admit. I'm neither a Democrat nor Republican, but as an Independent small business owner participating for the good of this country. Are all of us here? A friend asked this week, "During what administrations have we the people flourished most successfully?" An interesting question... Come on America, let's not turn into another Greece. Get involved constructively before our situation worsens.

Media Mark, unless an individual has had an opportunity to own a company and run it with their own blood, sweat and tears, the person who doesn't understand an employer's challenges hasn't a clue. If they think being unemployed is tough, they should try owning a business. Only then will they realize the tenacity and dedication of an entrepreneur who creates jobs for others. Only then will they understand how their dream can be adversely affected by those who take advantage of the system. My father did what it took to pay the mortgage and put food on the table (a full time day job and a part-time evening job). One of the problems today is that many people don’t want to do what it takes. The jobs illegal immigrants are performing is proof. Albeit these jobs aren’t ‘ideal’ for the majority of Americans, they are jobs that 'could' help lighten the financial load on families and our country. Collecting the check is not a ‘bonanza’ for all, but it certainly is for many. The collective sum as it presently stands is already adding to our skyrocketing debt without extending the benefit. I'm for helping people when they need help, but not for those that live on or abuse our tax dollars year after year. The cynicism in me says, let's extend unemployment benefits for those who have contributed to society; let’s end social welfare programs; let’s help people here in the US get on their feet with the billions of dollars earmarked to foreign aid, especially to those countries who despise America. Wouldn’t that be a real stimulus. (Google US Foreign Aid and it may make you feel anything but warm and fuzzy.)

Our current administration also thinks like Mark; that if they believe something that it is 'proven." Sorry to inform you but NOTHING has been "proven" except that you have a strong tendency to think that you are the judge jury and executioner

that last comment is the status of the Democratic party that is about to get voted out of office. I've been a businessman for my entire adult life and have learned that there are those who have enough pride to work for what they get and a new and growing portion of our country who want to be provided for. It's frightening and if Congress doesn't change hands in November we are ALL in deep kimshi. btw, it's also typical that narcissism helps someone think that they can tell others what to discuss or not.

Time to end this discussion, as no one is changing anyone's mind here.

excellent response. Some areas of the country HAVE lost jobs that will never return. Other parts of the country have little to no unemployment. MOVE.

Well....either via these comments or via email, I have been accused of being cold, heartless, without a shred of compassion, and told that I will die a lonely old man...all because of my very realistic article that neither the government nor the economy can afford to be paying TWO YEARS of unemployment benefits. To clarify...I do indeed feel for those who are unemployed. The hard, cold realities are: 1). Many of the jobs that have been lost are in sectors where they're not coming back. It is time for those from those sectors to move on with their lives. And, yes, many are waiting around for their jobs to come back. 2). We,as a nation, are over a trillion in the hole. While many of us might WISH to give the unemployed a long safety net, we simply can't afford any more spending by the government. 3). If you don't believe that there are those who see unemployment as a vacation, you live in a different world than I do. Doubtless there are many people desperate for a job. But there are also those who don't want one. 4). The few cannot take care of the many. There are simply too many people for this equation to go on. People are going to have to do what it takes to care of themselves and their families. The government can't do it. It isn't a question of wanting to or not wanting to. It is a question of CAN'T. The Europeans are beginning to realize this. Why can't America? Before it's too late?? 5). No, I'm not a Republican. Nor am I a Democrat. I hate both parties equally. Neither represents me, nor most of the American people. Only their own egos.

I completely agree with the author. I have several people on unemployment ins who come in to my auto parts stores. NONE of them are looking for work to my knowledge since there is NO unemployment in our area. They are working on car projects etc etc and laughing about their "vacation." I agree that it is politically impossible to say this, but anyone who is unemployed for longer that a couple of months is NOT really looking for work.

Why don't you push the powers that be to stop paying UI benefits to illegals in CO - that might help with the increased FUTA taxes/premiums paid by local small businesses and free up some desperately needed cash for the well-documented budget shortfall the State conintues to deal with?

There are currently 30 million un-employed and under-employed American workers. These are middle class Americans who have never asked for public 'handouts' in their lives, but they have always paid taxes to support those on 'permanent' public assitance programs of many kinds. They have lost their homes, exhausted their UI benefits and many are now living in shelters. The CO Legislative Council Economics Staff predict the unemployment rate in CO to INCREASE by nearly full percentage points - to 9.2% by the end of 2012. Job losses are expected to continue thoughout this year, next year and the next. The unemployed can not find work in this state. Why is there even an argument that it is acceptable to push unemployed, middle class workers into shelters and on the streets?

Several responses. First, I'm not blaming the "victim." I don't think that most people LIKE to get a "paltry check" from the government. But I have noticed something strange in my clients over the years. They seem to get much more motivated to find a job when the money starts to run out, or they perceive it is getting too low. Secondly, the people we know are not an accurate sample of people. I'll bet you know people very similar to the ones I know. Good, solid motivated people who have pride in themselves and want to provide for their families. But if you don't think there are those out there who work the system to stay on the government dole, we live in different universes. Third, the problem is not principally whether or not people are trying to find jobs. It is what we, as a nation, can afford, both nationally and as businesses. I feel for the gentleman who got rid of employees because he could not afford the unemployment insurance anymore. That story is repeated thousands of times. We need an employee now, but we're hesitating because of the taxes associated with an employee, adding a very large additional burden on a small company. And the government can't afford more deficits...that hurts everyone. But, fourth, there is another problem in this country that goes beyond the unemployment issue. That is entitlement. Many people see the problem as being businesses who, as one commenter said below, "won't open their purse strings." Now, at large companies, this may be a problem, but most small businesses, which compose the bulk of American employment, aren't raking in the money. And NO ONE is entitled to DEMAND a job or that businesses hire. But this last is a topic for a whole other post....

John, I enjoyed your perspective...though, I don't completely agree with everything. Before 2007, I would have never even considered collecting unemployment. Erroneously--as others have pointed out or admitted--I thought I would somehow be taking advantage of our social system. However, after years of paying hefty sums as a single male, and being laid off from full-time employment, I did reconsidered. Thank God my spouse had a good job and could provide for us. I still have flashbacks about the possibility of sleeping inside my storage facility in the winter, bathing at the gym, and eating fast food (read $1.00 happy meals daily). If it wasn't for her earnings that's probably what could have happened. If I were single, I would have been must proud of it...to have raised from the ashes and develop a successful company in less than 2 years. However, could you imagine doing that with children? We all know I am not the exception, but the rule of these past 2-3 years. John, I know you are not advocating for everyone to be an entrepreneur (I am) but stop blaming the victim. I must admit that I don't know ANYONE that is happy about their unemployment situation. Happy they are getting a (paltry) check, probably. I was, for a brief few months. But almost everyone commenting seems to know A LOT of people happy about both...really? Stop blaming the victim, John. I know you are a smart and probably compassionate fellow. And, I'm sure the system needs a bit of reform. But to me, the argument for stopping unemployment payments, is the same mentality the military brass had (some still do) regarding PTSD. As if a soldier had to deny it's vulnerability and weakness and wasn't entitled to seek help...for as long as he/she felt it needed to do so. Part of what makes this country great is the fact that just about anyone can start and operate a business. Another reason for greatness is that there is a wonderful safety net. Best of luck to everyone, OPM

Oh, sigh... John, I suppose I should suggest a few more things to think about. 1) Of course there are many ways to make money and I applaud those who have rolled up their sleeves and went to work finding or creating ways to make money. I have seen several people lately with a small wheeled suitcase with window washing tools hanging on the outside canvassing the neighborhoods trying to make a few bucks. 2) I live in the same world as you John. Luckily our small part of the world is called Colorado where our unemployment is not extreme and our population is young, healthily, well educated and enterprising. I’m sure there are people who are gaming the system. If you are suggesting that we need to better regulate this system for both individuals AND businesses - absolutely. Can you tell us what percentage of the people who receive these benefits would rather watch Oprah and vegetate - 1%, 5%, 20%, 90% ? 3) Your "union bashing in passing" was just a dig to get attention. Is the real reason for job loss because of the unions, or corporations finding cheaper alternatives by outsourcing. Hey this may come as a shock to you but your "coaching" services may soon be (if not already) be provided by somebody in a foreign land - are you going to dip into the unemployment bonanza? 4) Our biggest is challenge is unemployment. Many of the jobs we have lost will never come back and this shouldn't be a news flash. We need to develop some sane trade, tax and retraining policies that will create new jobs. Got any ideas? Lastly I don’t think you are a cruel and heartless … Writing an article and offering little in the way of solutions – yes.

I have some ways to incentivize the job market. Halt a large part of government spending. Slash government programs and cut budgets. Then the government would need less money. The less money they need the less they will tax you and me. The less taxes we pay, the more money we will have in our pockets. With the additional money in our pockets the more we will spend. When you and I spend money, the more goods need to be created to replace the products being consumed. Job growth is spurred by the consumption of goods and services, supply and demand, and the cessation of burdensome taxes imposed onto us by our elected officials.

Your opinion just adds to the enigma assigned to the unemployed. The unemployment is over 9%. When I see the news showing thousands of applicants standing in line for a few jobs, do you have any real data as to the number of the unemployed who don't want to work? Is it 100%, 90%, 80%? Using the 80/20 rule, are 80% of the unemployed bums, or is it 20%? You don't know. I suspect like everything else in politics today, we spend 90% of the time talking about less that 1% of the problems in this country. Unemployment insurance for the unemployed is necessary. Painting the unemployed as a population of people who just want a free ride just adds makes things worse. Reducing unemployment benefits does not reduce the current unemployment rate. The privilige of having your opinion published on this magazine should be used to discuss the real causes of unemployment and stop taking the path of least resistance. Unemployment is an insurance. An insurance to help the unemployed and should not be a system that belittles the applicant. I would change the system to make it easier to receive unemployment, and pay for it by reducing the very expensive and burdenson beaurocracy that we have established to catch that small percentage of individuals who do not want to work, happy to stay home and watch Oprah for a fraction of what they can make working. We need to help address the many issues causing people to stay unemployed beyond the economy.

Oh, sigh....I suppose I should answer some of Neil's comments. But first, to Media Mark --- my kid would doubtless agree with "cruel and heartless," but I know that my birth was legitimate, thank you. 1). Businesses create jobs when there is a need for additional help with the business AND they can afford to do so. Hitting businesses with more unemployment taxes is NOT the answer, but the extensions must be paid for....and this is how. 2). I never said everyone can be an entrepreneur...at least not permanently. But there is temporary work, part time work, and many opportunities and ways to make money that don't require an actual job. 3). I don't know what world you live in, Neil, but I know for a FACT that some...not all, but some...of the unemployed make a living out of being unemployed. Many people want a job, but many want to watch Oprah and vegetate in front of the idiot box and have the rest of us take care of them. Open your eyes and don't be foolish about this! 4. Yes, I know that the government figures are lies, darned lies and extravagant lies and that unemployment is about 18%. So? People STILL have to move on from the jobs they were doing that have disappeared. Unemployment payments help those who are not terribly motivated stay unmotivated. 5). My "union bashing" was only in passing, but unions, by making American labor uncompetitive, have cost this country hundreds of thousands of jobs. 6). We have both an unemployment problem AND an unemployment insurance problem.

Mark, you're right - not everyone wants to be unemployed. But sadly there are a staggering number of unemployed individuals who make it their life's work. I lived in a town where opening their unemployment envelope was their most challenging yet rewarding job. Even when a job was handed to them it was short lived followed by a multitude of reasons not to work. And when unemployment ran out, they turned to welfare. These are the individuals who abuse the programs that were established to help people get back on their feet. Continual enabling of these individuals are a financial burden to society which doesn't serve that person, a community or a nation well. I believe it’s idealistic to expect those with the purse strings to open them up and create jobs unless they so desire. I don’t believe it’s their responsibility to provide a job for me or you. I do believe however that we are all given the opportunity to make our own way. If others can do it and have done it, what’s stopping you and me from opening our own purse strings and creating jobs for others? Unemployment is tough and I sympathize. I know, I was there in my younger years.

"A cruel, heartless bastard?" Why, thank you. I don't think I've received such a nice compliment in years!

John, You have proven that you ARE a cruel and heartless bastard. Do you think anyone REALLY want to be unemployed? And if they could find a job right now, I wager that most unemployed would take it in an instant. Yet I am willing to bet you call yourself a "compassionate conservative"! Do you really think that unemployment benefits we are preventing people from finding work? It seems more likely that you not posting a job opening is preventing someone from find work! The simple fact remains right now, that there are significantly more applicants that there are jobs in virtually every company. And until those with the purse string start opening them up and creating jobs, the unemployment situation will not improve. I winder what your writings would have said during the great depression and subsequent recovery?

I can't say that you presented any real substance as to why we should not extend unemployment benefits. Some points you should consider: - Businesses hire additional employees when their sales or markets are growing or they need to invest in the future because they see opportunity. - You are right that most people receiving unemployment benefits don't go out and buy cars and TV sets, they buy the necessities of life like food, clothing and rent. - Your assertion that everyone can or should be an entrepreneur is wishful thinking. - You act like people have hit some kind on bonanza by collecting a small check from the government rather than having a good paying job. Some of the people receiving unemployment may even be your neighbors. - The real unemployment rate is about double that of the official rate or 18% - do you have any idea of how many people that is? - Your union bashing is a straw man. Union employment has been shrinking for decades. - So would you have us return to the era of the 1930’s with bread lines? - Unemployment insurance was designed to be a short term measure; the problem is that we are in a predicament that is going to take many years to get out of. - We have an unemployment problem not an unemployment insurance problem – what remedies do you suggest to grow our job base? It should be obvious that the business and government policies of the last few decades have not worked. We need creative solutions to grow employment and get our economy going again – if we don’t we may end up with a large permanent underclass. And yes I took Econ 101 and in fact I earned two advanced degrees in the subject.

Annie ---- I have dealt with the unemployed every day of my life for the past 30 years. I know well what they go through, and, to a great degree, sympathize. But, realistically, there are some jobs that just aren't coming back, and people need to move on. There ARE 10,000 ways to make money without have a "real job." I've worked for myself for most of 35 years now without having a "real job." It isn't easy and isn't always fun, but those who count on someone else to pay their salary are ALWAYS at risk. Perhaps I WILL write an article on how to earn income without a j--o--b. Thanks for the story idea!

Well done! I was an employer until I was burned by dishonest employee. I hired a person based on an interview and an in-depth resumé. After three months and lots of coaching, it was very clear this person could never live up to most of the resumé, so I fired her. That was in April 2008. She is STILL receiving unemployment benefits from me more than two years later and my unemployment insurance taxes have skyrocketed more than 800%. Because of this, I have resigned all clients that would require me to have employees, and let the rest of the staff go. So, net result of the "compassionate" action of extending unemployment is that one bad apple cost another two jobs. Until the government reverses its anti-business course, I will not hire another employee. Period.

Great article,... It takes some intelligence to run this country, not solely emotions.

There are currently 14 million people out of work.Do you honestly believe that pulling the plug on this life line will allow 14 million unemployed Americans to "instantly" or quickly find ways to earn income?? And when they can't, THEN what? Two years is NOTHING in these dire economic times to try to find work! Especially for many unemployed that are sandwiched in between retirement age and the age after which businesses do not want to hire. I don't even want to see an article written by someone who has NOT PERSONALLY experienced what the unemployed are going through right now. Perhaps a better article from John might be "14 Million Ways to INSTANTLY earn HIGH income".