While it may seem like a kick in the teeth for the people who live paycheck to paycheck, many americans are able to save a good portion of their income for unforseen circumstances like a layoff. The fact that they are able to enjoy their free time doesn't make them rich or mean they don't need a job in the first place, they are just better able to plan their lives and likely have family/friends that can help them out should they be unemployed long term. They likely had a job where they never had 3+ consecutive weeks off in many years and they've just been freed from that. Sounds like a reason to celebrate to me. If the gov't is going to make contributions to unemployment mandatory, you may as well enjoy their benefits when you have the chance. It's not welfare, you ALREADY PAYED FOR IT.