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We (in the US, at least) are paying able bodied people not to work, precisely in order to have them not work. The policy being that it is better for the entire society if all the laid-off service economy people (retail, hospitality, entertainment, restaurants, etc.) stay home. If we did not pay them, they would find other work, which would require them to leave home. Which would be counter to the public health policies. Staying home is the _point_ of the policy, not a side-effect.


Right, I said still paying. We have vaccines and everyone is out and about, and schools are in-person again. Why are we still paying?


Have you seen India this week? Michigan?

Airlines are still working at skeleton staff. Most of the country has little/no indoor restaurant seating. Sporting events are highly limited. Concerts and Conferences aren't happening - or even scheduled to happen in most cases.

The current federal Unemployment extension is thru Sept 6. Which might be a bit pessimistic, but IMO better to leave some margin for safety.


Why are interest rates still so low?




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