COP17; Russian election; Afghanistan

-- China agreed to participate in the discussion in COP17 where the extension of Kyoto Protocol is debated.

-- Thousands protested in Moscow demanding fair election.

-- 62 people killed in Afghanistan by attacks against Shiite Muslims.



Unemployment Insurance, pros and cons. "My life would have been very different if I had my unemployment insurance extended." vs. "Why should hourly wage workers pay for unemployed executive class claiming the money is needed to keep their houses?"

pros
  • keeps people from falling into welfare
  • motivates those who still keep looking for jobs
  • good for economy for the money will be spent
cons
  • may hinder new employment for the compensation, the free money. unethical
  • UI is not an welfare program. high income earners would get more
  • bad for economy for no revenue guaranteed
status quo
  • the number of long term job seekers jumped.
  • extension costs $50 billion, estimated
  • many joined in Occupy movement