Student Loan Forgiveness

So much to write about on this issue. So many people have stated their opinions, and many are backbiting and small minded.

College education has always been costly. For the student, the family and society. It has rarely ever been truly free. Those who got a 'free' ride in College or University most likely gave their talents to the athletic department, or music department, or maybe even a science lab doing heavy research. The last two have always been rare. The first one most likely.

Those students ‘earned’ their scholarships. But someone always paid for them one way or another.

Either you were gifted with a rare talent, or you came from a wealthy family able to pay the cost. Either way, someone else paid for your college education.

The federal and state governments also pay for students. They subsidize the costly infrastructure of universities in every state of the union.

But here is the bottom line: higher education should be free for all. Every person deserves to obtain the highest level of education they are capable of. This benefits everyone. The student, employers, commerce, society and government. Those with exceptional educations go on to teach, research or invent the best society has to offer for everyone else.

The opposite is true if cost is used as barrier to education. Exceptionally bright students are forced to live a life of underperformance in most areas of life. Society is left to deal with the lowest common denominator, not the middle ground or highest. This scenario finds society shortchanging itself and its people.

If education has any value, it is the enrichment of the entire social order. Not just the few. Not just the rich. Not just the beautiful. Not just the influential.

Education belongs to society and is needed to develop the fullest range of talent and intellectual gifts within that society. Many nations know this and already make it happen. Not the USA. No, we have a cumbersome and unjust approach, just like medical care, and so many other life quality issues.

Student debt crushes people and their dreams, their abilities, and their financial futures. A dumb way to apportion the value of education. It is also a travesty of justice. That alone will create a price society can ill afford. But somehow we stupidly continue to do it.

And by the way, this opinion includes trades education. All education. Time for a change?

August 26, 2022

  

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