dezhen -- yeah, I prefer that a boss be straight with me about getting fired/laid off. I think most managers are just afraid of upsetting people they're about to fire -- but they're getting fired/laid off just the same! Might as well be honest with them.
Kope -- true, a layoff can become an opportunity. Seeing it that way can help ease the pain (even if you're subsisting on ramen noodles for awhile).
There is a great streak of violence in every human being. If it is not channeled and understood, it will break out in war or in madness. ~Sam Peckinpah