A matter of bad timing

A matter of bad timing

Akron Beacon Journal: Sen. George Voinovich rightly jabs his congressional colleagues for failing to practice fiscal discipline. He makes a strong case for confronting squarely the country’s projected budget deficits.

His timing also is woefully off. The Ohio Republican joined in rejecting to move forward legislation that would have extended unemployment compensation and otherwise served the poor and vulnerable. As it is, 98,000 Ohioans have lost their jobless benefits since the start of June. Another 83,000 will follow by July Fourth.

Their plight offers a reminder that the economy remains fragile; long-term unemployment is at its highest point since the late 1940s. This isn’t the moment to ask those down on their luck to sacrifice. This economy requires bolstering.