Where is the unemployment compromise from politicians?

Democrats argue that Republicans are heartless monsters, seeking to break the backs of Americans who can't find work. With all of that drama, one might question whether Democrats are sufficiently seeking a compromise solution.

Republicans say that they would approve an extension of unemployment benefits if Democrats would find a way to pay for it, either out of unspent stimulus funds or from other sources. The GOP argument is shaky at best because funding for the unemployed wouldn't really add to the deficit in any measurable way.

This current debate, which leaves millions of Americans without benefits that they helped pay for all of their working careers, is probably the best example of why our political system could be reaching a point of being beyond repair.

If we can't lend a hand to those who have worked hard for two, three or four decades -- who lost their jobs through no fault of their own, and who for one reason or another are being met with near-impossible obstacles in finding new work -- then I believe we've lost our way as a nation.

Unemployed people aren't asking for much. Payments are usually just a fraction of what folks earned while employed. But the amount is a life preserver in rough seas -- a way to survive another day, week or month while searching for work. No one is asking for a yacht to weather the storm. But people do need some sort of flotation device in these unusually difficult times.

Washington politicians are kicking those who are down in an unprecedented manner. Punishing the innocent for no honorable reason. The majority of the long-time unemployed folks were perfectly functional and contributing members of society before the recession hit. If this political game of chicken doesn't stop, millions of previously self-sufficient Americans will essentially be on the street by the end of the summer.

As I have said before, the economy will collapse even further if unemployment benefits are cut off. A whole new wave of layoffs will follow. Folks who are currently employed have as much at stake in this battle as do the people looking for jobs.

This is a dangerous game being played by both parties, with the Republicans looking particularly bad. What should be a slam-dunk decision for the Senate has turned into yet another Washington fight that will have no winners.

Read more from columnist Eugene Robinson.