First: The purpose of unemployment insurance is to provide some income while you remain unemployed. That's why it's called "unemployment insurance" and not "get a job, any job, insurance."<p>Second: It's a form of insurance. When you have a job, you (via your employer) pay into an unemployment insurance pool; when unemployed, you draw from it. It's not government money, it's <i>your money</i>, via a government program. This is why you get higher UI benefits if you had a higher salary. It's why when you're self employed and don't pay into the system, you get nothing if your business folds. Etc.<p>Third: it sounds like you're the sort who has an issue with any government assistance period. That's fine, but it doesn't give you the right to expect others to martyr themselves in the name of your ideals.<p>Fourth: the oft-repeated mythical welfare queen imagery leaves a very bad impression of you. Make your argument; don't bring up side issues, particularly "dog whistle" ones.