[wanderin]

They should start their own business or go back to school to learn a new trade.

In Oregon, if you go to school, you are not available for work. End of your unemployment benefits as income. A counselor at the employment office kindly warns people filing for benefits of this tidbit.

A great incentive to go to school.

[visualops]

End of your unemployment benefits as income

That's a big part of the problem! People consider unemployment benefits an entitlement and a way to make money until something they like comes along.
Many people can't see beyond today, and think things will never change, and live beyond their means.
They had an article about this extension business, and mentioned a family, where the husband had been out of work since June. He actually counted on the extension, and now that benefits are running out, his wife is only now considering getting a job.
Cripes, that is just plain stupid!
Whatever happened to common sense?