hear, hear!

I haven't received unemployment benefits since 1996. I had some good jobs over the next eight years despite faltering a few times. Today I do not receive any benefits other than food stamps, but life is comfortable enough for us right now.

There was a time when I had a high income and was happy to pay my fair share. I sought no "tax loopholes" and was unhappy with G.W. Bush's tax cuts for people like me.

On the other hand, I have hard experience with long-term unemployment, poverty, losing my place to live because I can't afford the rent. I was alone - no family members to support. I survived but I wouldn't wish that experience on anyone. Without community support I probably would not have made it out alive.