That’ll show ‘em. Missouri ends unemployment benefits extension.

With a callous disregard for human life, Republicans and tea party dunderheads have somehow justified cutting tens of thousands of unemployed victims of the Great Recession as a way of “weaning ourselves off of the federal government.”

What a place to make a stand. For them, cutting off other Americans only source of income is a “victory."

According to Republican State Sen. Jim Lembke:

Cap Times: "We have to take a stand and say, `When is enough enough?' and … hopefully shame them into doing the right thing and quit spending money that they don't have."

That’s right, it’s actually “shameful” to help the unemployed stay sheltered, clothed and fed as we’re coming off a massive economic collapse.

In Missouri, about 10,000 people would immediately be cut off from additional jobless payments … And extended unemployment benefits would be denied to about 24,000 additional residents who otherwise are projected to become eligible … marking a significant victory for Republican fiscal hawks who are crusading against government spending … Missouri will become the only state to voluntarily quit a federal stimulus program that offers extended benefits.

This unimaginable course of action is now trending nationwide:

Utah Senate President Michael Waddoups said the states need to set an example of self-sufficiency. "Somebody has to start pulling back from the federal government somewhere." Michigan's action came with catch, also cutting state jobless benefits from 26 to 20 weeks starting in 2012. The Florida House has passed a similar state benefits reduction. Arkansas' legislature this week gave final approval to a bill shaving off one week of eligibility for state jobless benefits.

All of this coming from a state where, “Missouri Republican senators also are holding up federal stimulus money for education.”

So to sum up, channeling the mean spirited darkness lurking in the hearts of conservatives everywhere, they’re sick convoluted philosophy is to weed out the weak first:

Sen. Brian Nieves, a Republican from Washington, Mo., said he has no intention of compromising his position. "The people … expect us to at least start the process of weaning ourselves off of the federal government."

By starting with the unemployed? Rachel Maddow covered the broader topic the other night;