What has been overlooked in this discussion is the $1 billion aid package that was passed by Congress to bring about assistance to the troubled Eastern European country. In a report, according The Root, ‘hoping to save geopolitical face in the wake of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s masterful jump shot over international law, the U.S. is promising a fresh wave of economic and military support to tip regional scales back its way.’
$1 billion has been given to Ukraine with the promise of more aid and there’s a problem here in the United States. The problem is lack of jobs. Think on this. With unemployment insurance cut from 73 weeks to 26 weeks in many states for 2.2 million Americans, Congress decided to overlook the needs of their constituents to provide money overseas.
When asked about extending the unemployment insurance, House Speaker, John Boehner (R-Ohio) said, ‘we have always said that we’re willing to look at extending emergency unemployment benefits again, if Democrats can come up with a plan that is fiscally responsible, and gets to the root of the problem by helping to create more private-sector jobs.’
The action(s) of Congressional leaders have shown where their priority lies.
Unemployed Americans are facing such a huge dilemma. They are seeking work but see how Congress is dishing out aid to other countries. While there are many Americans who support giving aid to Ukraine, there’s an overwhelming number who wish Congress would use that many at home to create more jobs, contracts, and opportunities. “But, ultimately, it’s about who holds enough influence and clout in Washington to determine which way the policy wind blows. Jobless Americans seeking an end to legislative impasse just don’t have the $1 million to drop on Capitol Hill lobbyists—like the Ukrainians did just last year as partisan conflict in Kiev bubbled.
While it’s important to care for other nations, Congressional leaders must take care of home – their constituents.
Source: The Root
Dr. Sinclair Grey III is a speaker, activist, author of (5) books, business consultant, life coach, and liberator of persons from all intellectual, social and cultural walks of life. He is a committed advocate for change. Email: drgrey@sinclairgrey.org. Follow him on Twitter @drsinclairgrey. Visit his website: www.sinclairgrey.org
Article Appeared @http://www.kulturekritic.com/2014/04/news/congress-has-money-for-the-ukraine-but-not-for-americas-unemployed/