The Unemployment Vortex is like a Polar Vortex.

       On a fashionably bitter cold day, how fashionable is it to be unemployed for more than 26 weeks? If you think a Polar Vortex is cold, consider an Unemployment Vortex during a Polar Vortex. In fact an Unemployment Vortex in any kind of weather can't be a whole lot of fun. It's just hard to enjoy such bitter cold outside when it's probably fairly cold inside. Ya know what makes the cold seem even colder? An empty stomach.
       Speaking of fashion, if you've been unemployed for any extended period, you're not likely in the mood to join into conversations about the latest vacation to the Caribbean or plans for jetting off to the Mediterranean. You're more likely to be interested in hearing about a job opening at the local D Q Dairy Queen, or the news that Burger King is offering Assistant manager training.
       By the way, do you know what the training for assistant manager for a fast food means? An entry level burger flipper pay for added responsibility with future prospects of someday becoming a manager at an older less profitable location with the warning to make it successful or you'll be replaced with another assistant manager trainee. And you should be grateful for the opportunity. And here's the worst part, you really are grateful for this poverty building job. That's because you can now join the Poverty Vortex. You'll be a full fledged member of the new Poverty Vortex, especially designed by Congress as a favor to you and your family. Hope they can count on your vote.
       Of course it could be worse, in fact it is worse for 1.3 million good citizens and their families. There will be a vote coming up in Congress in the not too distant future on this issue. Some will befriend the unemployed by voting to reinstate extended unemployment compensation, and some will befriend the unemployed by relieving them of the humility of choosing not to work because you got used to the free ride.
       And free ride it has been. What with taking home half of what you were making before you lost your job. Hmm, lost just isn't the right word. Likely you didn't "lose" your job, you know right where it went. But now that you aren't working for pay anymore you probably can't afford your mortgage, and all extras are ended, like going out on the town or the kids music lessons, but at least you were able to put food on the table. Used to be able.