“Perhaps the most valuable and unifying investment that this country could make would be in the future of our children, and their right to a quality higher education if they chose that path.”
When did a quality higher education become a right? Your attitude reflects the “age of entitlement” mentality that asserts if people live in a prosperous country like the U.S. they are entitled to quality nourishment, housing, healthcare, employment, higher education, transportation, entertainment and leisure activities — all the things the upper class enjoys. It was never the intent of any article of the U.S. Constitution or subsequent amendments to guarantee such entitlements. It is only thru progressive Supreme Court interpretations of the general welfare clause that the federal government providing any of these entitlements is “legal”. The American Founders recognized that when the federal government is authorized to level the material possessions of the rich to provide an equal distribution of goods the government can deprive any of the people their equal rights to enjoy their lives, liberties and property.
If states want to be generous and tax their residents enough to provide free public higher education that is their prerogative. Individuals and families who oppose the high taxes can avoid living in the state or relocate to a less generous state. However, the only way to avoid paying federal higher education associated taxes is to leave the country.
The GI Bill provides educational assistance to servicemembers, veterans, and their dependents. It seems logical for student loans to be forgiven thru service to the country and there are some programs established to accomplish that.
The availability of low risk government backed student loans has escalated the costs of higher education. In many cases the market value of the education received is not comparable to the cost. Too many students blame the government loan program for their poor financial decisions. Its similar to blaming credit card companies for excessive credit card debt. Children in the U.S. are growing up without having learned financial responsibility and accountability. They are mimicking Congress.
