well some people are surprised that their boss would lay them off specifically so they wouldn't have to pay out a benefit. Not everyone joins a company understanding that management is the enemy.

How exactly does a company plan a layoff date such that nobody who is "close" to a vest date isn't affected? The only way would be to have guaranteed employment up to the vest date - that isn't going to happen.

Giving two weeks notice is not required but it is standard for employees as a common courtesy. Why is it that employees are held to this standard but employers are not? laying someone off right before they vest is a cheap, disgraceful move.

They are legally allowed to fire some one at any time.

Firing someone specifically so they can't get the stock options without any notice is a dick move and I'm perfectly within my rights to criticize them for it.

You are definitely within your rights to criticize, nobody is denying that. It doesn't mean that you aren't wrong though.