Reply #37: Huh?

[Hamlette]

would you be willing to rely on a volunteer reporting system? Just tell Americans, half of whom won't even vote, to just go find a computer (if they are unemployed they might not have one) and report that they are unemployed?

You say the data entered into the computer is "for analysis and review". Who does that? Is the information verified in any way?

Unemployment benefits are subject to random audits to determine ongoing eligibility. There is some measure of reliability that those people are able and available for work and looking for work, and are not working while claiming benefits. It is a highly automated system now. You might be shocked to know just how automated the process is already or how much information we actually gather. Big brother is already bigger than you think. (If you file a claim for unemployment benefits the computer automatically checks the social security computer system to verify your social security number and automatically checks the data filed by every employer in the country to verify wages. It also checks that same data throughout your claim to make sure you don't start a new job.)

Maybe we could set up a computer system that tracks everyone all the time to see what they are doing but frankly, if I'm not getting money from the government or my past employer, that is no one's business. It already freaks me in some ways to know how connected the unemployment and welfare offices in this country are. Most benefits are paid on a debit card so I can tell not only how much we paid you but exactly where you spent every penny of it. I also have access to your driving record, your full employment record, your social security record, we cross match with the tax commission and workers' compensation, I know the physical location where every employee in the state works, what property they own, etc. etc. etc.)