Unemployment benefits

Here are a few logical questions about the extension of unemployment compensation in the United States besides the obvious question: How will it be paid for?

We did not even start theorizing about extensions of benefits until unemployment hit 10 percent in May 2009. Why at 6 percent or 8 percent unemployment did nobody gets an extension (not even for one week), but at 9.5 percent unemployment rates everybody gets a 73-week extension?

Regular unemployment compensation is a state-by-state program. Economists consider 5 percent or less unemployment to be virtual full employment. Since unemployment rates are evidently important to extensions, then why are states like North Dakota (3.6 percent); South Dakota (4.5 percent), Nebraska (4.8 percent) and others in the 5 percent to 6 percent range receiving a federal extension of benefits?

Since a majority of the unemployed find a job within the first 26 weeks of state unemployment benefits, how do you justify giving the minority (which is less than 5 percent) another 73 weeks or more?

If unemployment is such a crushing circumstance, then why are dozens of “Fun Employment” websites popping up? These sites help people pursue fun hobbies, interests and entertainment while they are receiving unemployment benefits so they won’t be bored. Many of them blog that unemployment is the best thing that ever happened to them because they now have free time for fun pursuits. They don’t sound crushed. I thought while unemployed they were supposed to be pursuing jobs.

Greg Gardner, Waco

Home burglary claims up

The number of home burglary claims for Allstate Insurance customers in Central Texas jumped 5 percent last year. As an Allstate agent in Waco, this concerns me because I’ve seen how thefts disrupt lives.

With many Central Texans taking trips this summer, it’s vital for people to keep their homes locked up and their vacation plans under wraps. These steps can help prevent a home burglary:

* When you leave the house, even if it’s for just a few minutes, shut and lock all windows and doors, including the garage.

* An alarm system is an excellent crime deterrent, as long as used consistently.

* If you are going away for a long period, keep lights on a timer, have mail and newspaper deliveries stopped, and ask a trusted neighbor to pick up fliers left outside.

* Be careful when tweeting or posting Facebook updates about the vacation you’re on or the concert you’re at. Although your friends may seem trustworthy, you’d be surprised how quickly news spreads that you’re not home.

David Wilson, Waco

Appraisal board review

I just met with the Appraisal Review Board to protest my property taxes. The McLennan County Appraisal District was established under state law. The board of directors is appointed by and work for the taxing entities. The Appraisal Review Board is hired by and works for the board of directors who are hired by and work for the taxing entities.

The Appraisal Review Board is supposed to be an impartial board, but all the above are working for and being paid by the taxing entities who have their hands in my pocket getting the money to pay them.

Am I missing something here?

Jerrell Roy, Waco

‘Thank you very much!’

Harry Harelik’s Friday column [“You’re welcome very much!”] was well stated.

I know that a lot of people in retail and other service areas are nice and care about others. However, I also know that the majority could care less about me.

If they really care about themselves and their businesses, they should realize that the customer is the one who pays them. Most management and workers need some serious training in customer service.

Simple smiles, asking a customer’s wellbeing or saying “nice to see you,” “thank you very much” or “I appreciate your business,” would certainly go a long way toward building personal relationships.

Don Skiles, Gatesville

* * *

I invite Harry Harelik to visit the Brookshire’s grocery in Robinson. At checkout, customers are greeted with, “Did you find everything you needed?” You do not have to unload your shopping cart. You do not have to sack your purchases. And you are thanked for your patronage. Then your groceries are taken to your car and loaded.

You leave the store with a smile on your face, which lasts all day. Now, if family members are home to assist you in the unloading, your smile is sure to remain.

Ann Staas, Lorena

Presidential vacations ill-timed

So the president spent more taxpayer money on his recent vacation to Maine, while a majority of the people of the United States were just trying to keep their heads above water?

The unemployment rate keeps getting higher, more people are losing their homes, taxpayers keep having to support more of the president’s tax hikes and, thanks to Congress, we have a faulty health care system to look forward to. And this week we learned the president has more vacations planned this summer. How can he flaunt all this with most taxpayers wondering how long they can hold out?

Marilyn Johnson, Lorena