The 99ers political clout score is...

As the 111th Congress is waning 99ers still have hope for relief. However, until any legislation for a TierV  emerges from committee, assume weeks of unemployment benefits beyond 99 weeks are unlikely. Since unemployment benefits are the most effective way to stimulate the economy why are the 99ers excluded from any legislative initiative with a reasonable chance of passing?  The answer is simple: 99ers have less political clout than almost any group.

It's nice to think that politicians follow their hearts to represent their constituency and legislate for the good of America. Unfortunately, that's rarely the case. Politicians always have to consider reelection. Reelection takes gobs of money and easily understood defensible policy decisions. 99ers and gobs of money are mutually exclusive. Defending extension of unemployment benefits beyond current historic levels requires detailed explanation: multiplier effect, job shortage, downward pressure on property values and wages, etc. Given nationwide employment at 75% or more and an electorate with a short attention span TierV is toxic. At least the 99ers can make a point at election time, right? No!

Republican 99ers are voting against their economic self interest and can be counted on to do the same in the future. If Democratic 99ers stay home or vote Republican, (see the recent compromise on tax cut extensions) clout is reduced so they're stuck voting for Democrats.  Independent 99ers can choose from the above. Big deal. Lisa Murkowski's write-in election is not the norm. Usually an independent 3rd part candidate is a spoiler, not an option.

The message is 99ers need to find an option to block voting. I have a thought that builds on last week's reframing the message theme. I'll explain tomorrow. In the meantime, what do you think 99ers can do to keep the message in the public eye?

Too much at stake.

The funding of unemployment benefits is destined to crash. I am not referring to the various levels of extensions in place (until Nov. 30) due to the current recession.  I'm also not talking about TierV/S3706 vital to 99ers and continuing economic stability. According to Politico, the initial 26 weeks of unemployment benefits, funded in partnership by the US government and each state is going crash. Bipartisan cooperation is necessary to avert the pending crisis. Good luck to everyone.

Historically the  party in power after a Presidential election loses seats in both houses of Congress in the next midterm election. Less than two weeks from the November 2010 elections the narrative continues accordingly. Contrary opinion also exists. Neither supposition really matters.

The approaching unemployment funding catastrophe speaks to 99ers and not yet 99ers alike. Voting is the only way to be heard. Staying home indicates indifference. Voter disinterest breeds Congressional disdain which creates further disasters.  Anger and apathy are comforts I cannot afford. Voting is my only option.

Outsourcing for comic relief

There is a new show on NBC called "Outsourced". It's about an American sent to manage a call center in Mubai for a novelty company that has sent order processing overseas. Yuk, yuk.

I am familiar with the "fish out of water/culture clash" scenario as a basis for sitcoms. It worked well in "My Favorite Martian", "Mork and Mindy" and "Northern Exposure". Others such as "Hogan's Heroes" and "Bridget Loves Bernie" were controversial. The reason the second grouping had problems was because the scenario is inherently unfunny. The same goes for "Outsourced".

There are many millions unemployed in the US. It is nearly impossible to get an exact count of the unemployed.. The same goes for the unemployment rate. Job creation is slow and many of the jobs that are created are not the same quality as the jobs lost.  Until this crisis is solved, economic recovery will be moderate at best. Outsourcing is a large part of the problem. Outsourcing isn't funny.

I am not calling for a petition drive or a phone protest. There are too many important things happening to spend energy on a television show.  Use "Outsourced" as a teachable moment. If someone is talking about "Outsourced", suggest the show's concept is offensive. Talking TV with the neighbors? Tell them outsourcing costs millions of jobs. "Outsourced" is nothing to laugh about.