2010 Unemployment Extension News: Pres. Obama Wants Final Senate Vote...So Do We (VIDEO)

President Obama, much like the rest of America, is ready for the Senate to vote one way or the other on 2010 Unemployment Extension legislation. The 2010 unemployment benefits extension measures, crafted and promoted by Senate Democrats like current Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev), has been under Republican-led minority filibuster for weeks now because it costs too much.

See video of President Obama's official opinion on spending the money needed to extend unemployment benefits through November to the millions of Americans who need them.

Partisan Senate Minority Continues To Block 2010 Unemployment Extension and Small Business Growth, Says President Obama

In the interim, millions of jobless Americans have seen (and felt) their unemployment benefits run out as the Senate went on their ten-day Fourth of July vacations recess. No special emergency sessions for them; after all, we're only talking about the future and security of hundreds of thousands of American families here. I suppose it's a misguided compliment to "we the people"; Congress considers big banks in need of a hand out now and then, but feels the American people can weather anything through sheer perseverance and integrity.

Unfortunately, when a hard-working American citizen is unemployed, perseverance doesn't always pay the rent. Nor does integrity buy groceries or the electric bill. Unemployment benefits, which Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) refers to as a "disincentive" to seek new employment, can help pay for these things. Unemployment benefits can help ensure a person doesn't find themselves sitting on the curb with what's left of their belongings, with their children looking up at them in disappointment.

More to the point, Americans pay taxes on their unemployment earnings; spending, liquid Americans also pay sales taxes on most purchases they are fortunate enough to make. Taxes drive the economy, infrastructure and social care (which EVERY elderly, staunchly-republican American needs to realize is EXACTLY what pays for their affordable healthcare) that make our country better than anyone else's. For any Republican Senators who voted to block these provisions, who don't feel the 2010 unemployment extension bills (find detailed info on the bills here) will help stimulate America financially, I beg them to consider the alternatives.

No 2010 Unemployment Extension Could Lead To Whole New Level of Economic Recession

Without unemployment benefit extensions, I foresee more walk-aways on inflated home mortgages, which will drive the home sales and credit markets down for a long time, as those foreclosed families are unable to make new home purchases for several years. The homeowner is also walking away from the property taxes on these homes, which help secure important funds to local municipalities. Homes that cannot be sold at auction and are written off may stand vacant, downgrading the overall property value of the area and inviting an increase in crime.

More credit card bills will go unpaid, as families with an unemployed member who are fortunate enough to at least house themselves are able to pay for only the bare necessities: utilities, food, healthcare and gas in the car. If Senate Republicans would just get to a vote on these unemployment extension measures, the American public could at least take a breath before their heads dip back under the water.

Without a vote to approve the 2010 unemployment extension provisions, even President Obama says millions more will face losing everything and starting over after years of American work force service. How is that going to stimulate anything but a crime wave, rise in the suicide rate or worse: the complete depression of the American economy and morale. (Find out how your Senator has been voting on this issue here. Note: The death of Sen. Byrd required Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) to vote 'nay' on an immediate vote to keep the measure alive. Sen. Reid strongly supports the 2010 unemployment extension.)

Right now, it is estimated the number of millions of unemployed living without jobless benefits will only rise in the coming weeks and months. Americans are waiting for an answer. Americans, Senators, are waiting for a final vote on their livelihoods. Their homes. Their fate.

And remember: this November, we will be heading to the polls. The ballot is the great equalizer, and it doesn't cost a dime to cast a vote.

We are watching, and we are many.