The author is obviously presenting a false-choice. One option he does not even mention is that there could be an open an honest public debate about what to do,

The author is obviously presenting a false-choice. One option he does not even mention is that there could be an open an honest public debate about what to do, and at least make a new program (not UI), which would specifically and accountably address his issues. Another thing which is not directly addressed is that when UI ends, people get jobs. There is a large amount of literature to support this. In many cases, it is simply not worth it for people to find a job, because UI and other benefits can pay up to 90% of someone's fully employed salary.