As a matter of fact, DamosA, I do know their (3 people) situations very well. And I've candidly shared my opinions with them on their deadbeat adolescent ways. I don't think that all people receiving unemployment do so happily and take it laying down like my friends, and am merely pointing out that they're fucking those people over as well. I was inspired to reach out to them in another way after reading the front page of the NYT yesterday by Sabrina Tavernise in which economist Lawrence Katz calle ours a "lost decade". So yes, I do KNOW the situation of ALL my unemployed friends. They are whiney whiners and I think that you'd get along just great with them.
Well, your friends still have to pay taxes on their unemployment income, and despite their intentionally getting themselves fired, the sad truth is that there just aren't enough jobs out there, so that would just be different people on unemployment if your friends had kept their jobs.
Sheesh, with a "friend" like YOU, one can't help but wonder if YOU'RE the problem. Either YOU'RE the problem, or all of them are. And if ALL your friends are "deadbeats' as you claim - well then maybe you ought to just get new friends. Instead of whinning and bitching about how lousy your friends are.
I'll give you credit there DamosA. It's one thing to call your friends out on something but I wouldn't want my "friends" talking shit about me to everyone. That simply isn't what I would call being a friend. If you are moving on from them then fine but you don't lend yourself much credibility by talking shit about them. It's not only a good way to lose any credibility around your deadbeat friends but the other more responsible friends may lose trust in you as well...
The worst part of unemployment? As a self employed person, I am not entitled to such benefits if my company fails, yet I pay more into the system than someone who is employed by another. (7.5% to be exact) kiss the middle class goodbye, if you have not already done so.
But I agree, leeches suck.