thecolorblue has already paid unemployment insurance, via his employer, for exactly the situation he's in now. He is his own burden.

Do you expect lawyers or doctors to work for $20/hr? How about plumbers and electricians? But you expect a competent developer to work for $20/hr?

Unemployment benefits come come unemployment insurance. If the government is going to force us to pay the premiums, they best be willing to pay out the benefits.