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Thom's blog
The Senate is abandoning the unemployed
Three days after Christmas, 1.3 million Americans will lose their unemployment benefits. And, another two million will stop receiving assistance if Congress doesn't extend long-term benefits by June. Our nation is barely pulling out of the worst recession since the Great Depression, and we're abandoning those who are out of work because of this economy. The unemployment rate is officially sever percent, but there are still at least three unemployed workers applying for every open job.
People on long-term unemployment aren't sitting around collecting checks - they're fighting like hell to be given a chance to get back to work, but the competition they face is intense. Rather than our government stepping up to be the employer of last resort, Republicans in Congress make the absurd argument that cutting off this economic lifeline will somehow help out-of-work Americans suddenly find that nonexistent job.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has announced that the Senate will vote in early January on a temporary extension of unemployment benefits, and that it's "just the first step" toward addressing income inequality in our nation. But, that date means that - even in the best case scenario - more than a million Americans will see a delay in unemployment benefits, which could be much longer if Republicans hold up or block the upcoming vote.
It is utterly un-American to abandon those who need our help. Our nation learned from history, and recognized the importance of keeping people from falling through the cracks, yet here we are, repeating those mistakes once again. We shouldn't be cutting unemployment benefits, we should be investing and creating jobs, which are the only real ways to help Americans get back to work.
-Thom
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Tonight on The Big Picture on RT TV at 7pm and 9pm... Myths & Legends of Christmas (check your local listings for stations or stream at RT, and catch past shows on Youtube)
Watch the video 'Last Hours' narrated by Thom Hartmann about the "time bomb" that is ticking underground, underwater and under ice... frozen methane that is now escaping and could trigger runaway climate change. www.lasthours.org
Have a question or comment for Thom? Grab your phone, hit record and send your video to YourTakeMyTake@gmail.com and we may air it on "The Big Picture."
Special Everything You Know Is Wrong: Myths & Legends of Christmas- Dr. Stephen Larsen, Center for Symbolic Studies.
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Thursday's Daily Stack 
The Big Picture- Nate Sweet, The Big Picture
Should cell phones be allowed on airplanes? Quote: "Ideally, you'd have every plant you own on a barge to move with currencies and changes in the economy." -- Jack Welch, Chairman and CEO of General Electric.
Hour Two: Christians, Atheists and...Satanists?! Oh My!- Dr. Michael Brown  Article: " Ea" by Encyclop�dia Britannica.
Hour Three: Prosperity works for poverty now- Ona Porter, Prosperity Works Quote: "The purpose of separation of church and state is to keep forever from these shores the ceaseless strife that has soaked the soil of Europe in blood for centuries" by James Madison. Geeky Science - How is climate change affecting evolution?
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Friday on The Thom Hartmann Program, 3-6pm ET
Hour One: KKK wants to impeach Obama- Richard Preston, Confederate White Knights.
Anything Goes Friday
Hour Two: The REAL scandal of Duck Dynasty- Rev. Bill Keller, Live Prayer.com
Hour Three: (Special late edition!!) Brunch With Bernie- Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) takes your calls
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Thom's Poll
Did Democrats do enough to prevent unemployment benefit cuts?
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Watch & Listen to Thom
Here's the Jim Jones Kool-Aid the GOP is Serving...
Let's protect the future of caterpillars, caribou & mankind
Thom Confronts The Grand Wizard of the KKK
Can the Economy Survive the Fed Taper?
Former NSA Official "No One is Watching the Watchers"
Or watch the Full "Big Picture" Show...
Full Show 12/19/13: Don't Drink the Republican Kool-Aid!
Thom talks with NSA whistleblower Bill Binney about the review panel's recommendations, Economics Professor Dr. Stephanie Kelton about what the Fed tapering means for the economy and Maryland Imperial Wizard Richard Preston about why the KKK wants to impeach President Obama. Thom takes viewer video questions and phone calls in "Your Take, My Take Live" and in tonight's "Daily Take" Thom explains why the Republicans Kool-Aid is tainted.
The Thom Hartmann Program December 19, 2013
Geeky Science: Global Warming and Evolution
Prosperity Works for Poverty Now
Boeing vs. Machinists' Union
Should Cell Phones be Allowed on Airplanes?
Christians, Atheists and...Satanists?! Oh My! |
 Would you like to help give a child with a very troubled background this feeling of peace? Thom and Louise Hartmann founded the New England Salem Children's Village (NESCV) in New Hampshire in 1979. With states delaying payment for the children they entrust to the village, they need help with cash flow. Can you help? Now on Facebook. |
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