So, it's not just me.

Being an unemployed middle aged guy with a family to support, I thought it was just me feeling desparate and helpless in these economic times. Now I know better.

I've been unemployed for over 6 months after being laid off from a construction job. Before that, I had an IT job for 6+ years before that job was outsourced. I have placed close to 100 applications and had one interview. My unemployment runs out in 3 to 4 weeks. After that, we will probably lose our home, if we can't sell it.

My point isn't to garner pity from anyone. Just telling my story. I found information on some House Resolutions that are working their way through the approval process. The resolutions, if passed, would extend unemployment benefits to those already receiving them. They are: (click on them for more info) S. 2544, The Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2008 , H.R. 5749, the Emergency Extended Unemployment Compensation Act , H.R. 4934, The Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 2008 and H.R. 5688, The TARGET Act.

If you click on the bills and go to the links, scroll down and read the comments. This was an eye-opener for me. You'll see hundreds of comments from desparate people, just like me. Qualified people who are eager to work, but the jobs aren't out there. Let me rephrase that- there are some jobs out there if you want to work for minimum wage. I'm not too proud to do a minimum wage job, but the problem is, if I cut my income by 50 or 60%, I can't afford to keep my house or feed my family. Before some a-hole writes me and says I'm over extended, or will just have to cut back, please reconsider. I have no credit card debt. Only a modest mortgage and monthly expenses and one low car payment. Anyone who says they can cut their income in half and still make it is an idiot or has benefitted from tax cuts. Guess whose house I'll be looking at when my family goes hungry?

Trying to see beyond my own experience and especially after reading the comments of so many others, I think I have a better understanding of the situation. Being a bit prone to conspiracies, I may have it figured out.

The present economic situation in this country and the dire straits so many people find themselves in may not be a mistake or lack of foresight. It may be a plan that is working perfectly. Stay with me here; if the govt. can get the people to the point where they depend on what the govt. chooses to give them, then the govt. will ultimately control us. You'll get x amount of food and if you don't have anywhere to live, we have a place for you. Of course you'll have to work for what you get, doing what the govt. wants you to do. And you won't complain or you'll get less.

Time will tell if that's the plan, but it looks to me like that's where we're headed.