Good news! Unemployment benefits might end for 2 million Americans

It looks like Congress won’t pass an unemployment extension in the lame-duck session. Without the extension, nearly 2 million unemployed workers will stop receiving checks. You won’t hear this too often, but that’s a good thing.

At one time, unemployment extensions were necessary, but they’re not anymore. Some workers are now able to collect unemployment for 99 weeks. If Congress passed another 26 week extension, it would cost around $56 billion more. This extension isn’t needed, and I’d argue that it would only make matters worse. Why? If you can’t find a job, any job, in 99 weeks, you’re probably not looking very hard (or at all).
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Thoughts on South Korea

As I write this, North Korea is once again threatening South Korea, and readying surface to air missiles. A few days ago, they attacked a South Korean island killing two civilians and two South Korean soldiers. You might also remember that North Korea was accused by the South of firing a torpedo that destroyed a naval vessel, killing 46 South Korean soldiers.

When will it end, or put another way, when will it begin? When will the threats, attacks, production of nuclear weapons, and arms sales to unstable nations end? Unfortunately, it looks like it will only end when war begins, or should I say continues, since the Koreas have technically been at war since the middle of last century. » read more

Texas to consider an “Arizona-style” illegal immigration law

Here’s a bit of good news: Texas State Rep. Debbie Riddle has sponsored an “Arizona-style” law to deal with illegal immigration. With large Republican majorities in the House and Senate, this bill might actually have a chance of passing. Although, from what I’ve read in the past, Governor Rick Perry doesn’t seem anxious to force illegal aliens to obey our laws.

Not surprisingly, those on the loony left are already preparing their talking points. Texas State Rep. Mike Villarreal makes this poor point:

“All of the studies have calculated a net positive to our economy,” Villarreal said. “Even considering any services which we provide to our own citizens that they may take advantage of.”

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Keith Olbermann is back on the air after much ado about nothing

After being suspended for giving campaign contributions to 3 liberal Democrats without MSNBC’s permission, Keith Olbermann will be back on the air. The suspension lasted for only two shows, and follows a great deal of criticism about the move.

I don’t like Keith Olbermann, I don’t watch his show, and politically, we’re about as opposite as you can get. With that said, suspending him was absolute nonsense. MSNBC’s policy on political donations is absolutely necessary for reporters and anchors who are trusted to be neutral and detached from the news they are reporting. Keith Olbermann is anything but neutral, and only an idiot wouldn’t realize that he is an unabashed liberal. By the way, there’s nothing wrong with that, since his show is opinion-based.
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If the TSA wants to fondle passengers, consumers should boycott the airlines

Just when you think the government couldn’t get more intrusive, they come up with another way to violate its citizens. First, we had body scanners that give a somewhat revealing picture of those who pass through it. Now, we have “security checks” that border on sexual assault.

In this video, a woman recounts her experience going through security at a U.S. airport with her children. She decided to opt-out of the full body scan because of fears about radiation and the images that would be produced. Instead, the male security officer groped her body, including her genitals and breasts. After he was finished with her, he wanted to move on to her daughters. Please check out this video. Should this be happening in the United States?

My only solution is to boycott the airlines. If the government is going to continue this sort of intrusive search, then consumers should find an alternate means of transportation.