Those are the words that exemplifies retiring Republican Senator Jim Bunning’s indifference to the plight of thousands upon thousands of Americans whose sole means of survival is the government’s unemployment benefits.

For nearly all unemployed Americans, unemployment benefits represent their last line of defense against being destitute.  Many are wondering where they are going to turn to when the checks stop coming in.

Critics argue that by supporting any measure of unemployment benefits extension, the government will in fact be creating a nation of hobos, citing parallels in history, where most of those out of the workforce for over two years failed to successfully reintegrate into the working class, and ended up as traveling hobos, seeking mini jobs here and there, wherever they could find it.

But proponents argue that these are special times.  They are putting forth a simple proposition: show us the jobs, and we will gladly take them.  Unfortunately for critics, the proponents of unemployment benefits extension are correct.  The numbers don’t lie: there simply are not enough jobs for everyone that needs one.  One can argue principle all day long, but when the numbers show that the principle is moot, then what can you say about those that still push for its adherence?

Thanks to Bunning’s foolish stand, the Senate is now not in a position to vote on the extensions.  The soonest that they Senate can revisit this is Tuesday, several days after the expiration of the previous unemployment extension provision.  It appears that senators and staff members are milling about to ascertain the implications of letting the programs lapse for a few days.

Once again, out of touch officials have put their personal conviction, however misplaced, ahead of that which is good for the people of the United States.  If they do this often enough, it won’t take long before people take matters into their own hands.  History is replete with stories of what happens to leaders who ignore their constituents.