Bondage

I remember how I felt during the four times I collected Unemployment Compensation. The amount recieved was not enough to cover the expenses the family was incurring. The money came from insurance that I had paid for during my periods of employment, however, it was distributed by the state government. The state had a number of rules that had to be followed, and followed exactly as they saw fit. Deviate slightly and the check would not be rendered, moreover, all checks could stop. I was just a number on a list at that time. Nobody in the state buracracy cared whether I recieved that check or not, only that the rules were followed. One time I went out of town for a job interview and missed my scheduled report time. The check was withheld for three weeks and I was required to report for a personal interview with a specialist. I felt trapped in the arms of government, like I was in bondage. As we approach 10% unemployment there are now many people that feel as I did. It is not fun to rely on someone to dole out a check that you need to keep going. It is demeaning to realize that you are not in control of your own destiny. Also, that there are forces beyond your control that could stop those checks from coming. Extensions are often given to maintain a stream of checks, as is now happening. Fortunately, I never stayed on unemployment insurance long enough to need an extension. But for many right now it must be nerve wracking to not know how long this is going to last. Many, many people in Detroit and elsewhere are in bondage to the government. Their very existance is threatened if the checks stop. Yet, nothing is being done to get the economic growth that is needed. I know of no person that is willing to open a new business at this time. I don't even know of any that are truely expanding their business. What is to become of us?