Free University For All! by Silverhammer

posted 3 months ago, updated 8 minutes later

Should education be free for American citizens?...

Ya know, I was thinking...given that America is the superpower of the world, if they really want people to succeed...we'd have free universities.

If I was to start my own government, even a small one, I realize that the more 'tools' you put in the hands of the people, and not only the wealthy who can easily afford university degrees...the better off we'd all be.

If they want to be a doctor, train them for free.
If a person wants to be a carpenter, train them for free.

And doctors wouldn't make the money they do now. It would be a fair system.

Everyone would make a very livable wage. We wouldn't need health care insurance to the same degree because most health care costs would be manageable.

Why should a doctor make more than a carpenter, soldier or whatever? They each provide a valuable service.

Ask any Pre-Med student why they chose the medical field and I bet 8 out of 10 would flippantly respond, "THE MONEY!

I wouldn't mind my taxes going to that kind of cause as much as I do when it goes for war or some other bullshit.

posted by johnH56

Much of Europe has free education- well rationed education. As I understand things, kids finish up what is equivalent to our high school at age 16. They are tested and placed based on the result of tests and other factors. University tends to be awarded on the basis of meritocracy. People of means can by pass the system. Much like a Swedish millionaire can leave the country instead of waiting 3 plus years for a knee transplant.

Europe is proof that free higher education does not produce income equality and also that free higher education results in some limiting of the opportunity. No society can afford to educate all its people to their ultimate possibility. Remember someone has got to take out the garbage,; build the sewers and do lots of other dirty work.

I will grant that income disparity in much of Europe is not as wide as was once found in America. But income disparity has been much less of a problem these last few years as all suffer an economic recession that has fallen even harder, according to the government, on the rich.

Write in Guestbook Send Private Message

posted by ChelseaLad

When I was in Mexico City, they were proud to point out the the University there is practically free. I don't see a lot of American wanting to live in Mexico because it is an haven for the intellectual. But a lot of our US doctors go to Mexico to study in their Med Schools because ours are full, even though they cost a lot of money to attend. In fact there is nothing free, even education. Somebody is paying. The student loan system is a way for people to pay back society for the monies they are getting. Congress just passed legislation that will move the program from the private sector to the public sector. The legislation will contain options for borrowers to pay back the monies through some public service. A great lesson in life is if you want something of value, it's costs something. An education is the best investment in something of value you will ever make. I invested in an MBA Degree and it has paid me back tremendously.

Write in Guestbook Send Private Message

posted by Silverhammer

johnH56: "Remember someone has got to take out the garbage,; build the sewers and do lots of other dirty work."

True, but in my view, those careers are equally as important as a doctor's career is to the public, or a politician's career is to the citizenry. If no one wanted to do the 'dirty jobs', we'd be in a hell of a mess...as you might agree.

Write in Guestbook Send Private Message

posted by Silverhammer

To ChelseaLad: The difference is, you were able to afford it. Does it not seem possible to you that there may be even one person out there who has the makings to be a great scientist, doctor, statesman, etc. but is unable to afford the skyrocketing costs of higher education? If the poor, but intelligent aren't able to improve themselves, then yes, they will do as they do now and take on low-ranking government jobs, rubbish truck drivers, cab drivers, dishwashers, etc...regardless of whether they are 18 or 80 years old. Just because you see a grizzled old man washing dishes at your favorite restaurant, doesn't mean the he is a dimwit who can't read well enough to be considered for higher education. Sometimes we can struggle and get ahead in life and sometimes life kicks you in the teeth, regardless of how hard we struggle.

Write in Guestbook Send Private Message

Flag as inappropriate

Search Eons

my eons

profile

explore

groups

people

games

Free University For All!

posted 3 months ago, updated 8 minutes later

Comments

Comment preview:

Silverhammer