08.10.04
Posted in education at 7:03 pm by
I’m hopeful that John Kerry is a man of his word, because his words give me hope. Kerry’s educational plan offers students a large incentive to go to 4 year public universities very cheaply (some sources report that it would be free) if they offer to volunteer for a period of two years after college. What a phenomenal plan! It is my deep desire that it would work, I’ll have to see it to believe it.
One thing that troubles me about this plan is that it would seem that students who don’t go to college are short changed. I would love to see this plan further extended to vocational education and apprenticeship programs. But, then again we’re talking about a lot of money and the liklihood of something of this magnitude happening in one fell swoop is next to none. When it comes down to it though, I feel that the US Government investing in the education of the public is really just that: an investment. Something you’ll see a return on in the future.
The biggest problem with the underfunding of students in higher education–which happens in our current administration–is not that students can’t afford an education. The biggest problem is that those who could afford an education anyway (read: the wealthy) get their educations, and those who can’t afford it are stuck in a vortex unable on the whole to climb out of that vortex. (Not that there aren’t glowing counterexamples–but I believe those counterexamples to be the exeption rather than the rule.)
Who should pay? Ah, the question of all questions. Why, the rich, of course. You see, those who can afford to INVEST in K-12 AND higher educational reform should do so, with the understanding that our long-term economy will benefit from supporting educational and vocational programs for all people. Wealthy folks will continue to own businesses and as our economy grows due to a better educated society their businesses benefit.
I know this has turned into a rather broad entry, however, I believe that educational reform will drastically influence the very fabric of our society and make it a better place for all. This is why I’m hopeful for Kerry’s plan for education reform. I do admit though that it seems a bit fantastic; that’s what gives me concern. It seems like in election season politicians tell us what we want to hear. It may be that Kerry knows just what I’d like to hear…let’s hope that’s because he’d like to do it rather than him just wanting my vote. At any rate the woeful underfunding of education needs to cease, at least if we’ve any hope of a truly growing economy in the future.
I don’t need it all at the same time, Mr. Kerry. If it takes two or three years so we can successfully implement a sustainable program for long-term student aid, no problem. I’ll still vote for you. At least we both agree that something must be done.
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Posted in education at 7:03 pm by
I’m hopeful that John Kerry is a man of his word, because his words give me hope. Kerry’s educational plan offers students a large incentive to go to 4 year public universities very cheaply (some sources report that it would be free) if they offer to volunteer for a period of two years after college. What a phenomenal plan! It is my deep desire that it would work, I’ll have to see it to believe it.
One thing that troubles me about this plan is that it would seem that students who don’t go to college are short changed. I would love to see this plan further extended to vocational education and apprenticeship programs. But, then again we’re talking about a lot of money and the liklihood of something of this magnitude happening in one fell swoop is next to none. When it comes down to it though, I feel that the US Government investing in the education of the public is really just that: an investment. Something you’ll see a return on in the future.
The biggest problem with the underfunding of students in higher education–which happens in our current administration–is not that students can’t afford an education. The biggest problem is that those who could afford an education anyway (read: the wealthy) get their educations, and those who can’t afford it are stuck in a vortex unable on the whole to climb out of that vortex. (Not that there aren’t glowing counterexamples–but I believe those counterexamples to be the exeption rather than the rule.)
Who should pay? Ah, the question of all questions. Why, the rich, of course. You see, those who can afford to INVEST in K-12 AND higher educational reform should do so, with the understanding that our long-term economy will benefit from supporting educational and vocational programs for all people. Wealthy folks will continue to own businesses and as our economy grows due to a better educated society their businesses benefit.
I know this has turned into a rather broad entry, however, I believe that educational reform will drastically influence the very fabric of our society and make it a better place for all. This is why I’m hopeful for Kerry’s plan for education reform. I do admit though that it seems a bit fantastic; that’s what gives me concern. It seems like in election season politicians tell us what we want to hear. It may be that Kerry knows just what I’d like to hear…let’s hope that’s because he’d like to do it rather than him just wanting my vote. At any rate the woeful underfunding of education needs to cease, at least if we’ve any hope of a truly growing economy in the future.
I don’t need it all at the same time, Mr. Kerry. If it takes two or three years so we can successfully implement a sustainable program for long-term student aid, no problem. I’ll still vote for you. At least we both agree that something must be done.
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JaPickleO said,
August 11, 2004 at 4:17 pm
BC, do you really think that educational institutions will allow for reform? I totally agree with you that it needs to be reformed but I wonder how much of a role the government should play in subsidizing more student debt for education. I don’t know if I understood all that, I’m slow. I will reread this post several times so that I might try to get it. All I can truly say is “Can you be so sure that everyone wants the bread (education) you are offering?” I think that there is a strong assumption that by throwing more money at it it will be fixed. I also wonder if the masses left in the vortex really desire education or is it financial success they are after. I don’t believe that they see education as the launching board for that. In fact, I would wager that they would prefer to get tickets to see Korn or Method and Red in the hopes of becoming a rap/rock/porn star or other form of famous personality over getting 4 years of free college. I don’t believe that getting a college education is as elusive for the poor as you would think. Those that want it may have to work harder for it, take longer to finish it, but in the end they will VALUE it above all else. And if I am labeled a counter example then I guess it would seem that those of us shining examples still aren’t good enough by our own merit and labors to be considered a traditional graduate, unless we are affixed with the Affirmative Action Approval sticker.
Brandon said,
August 11, 2004 at 6:49 pm
1. Kerry isn’t proposing more student debt. This is a plan that supports more studet grant money–free money for college.
2. Characterizing this program as “throwing money at a problem” is in my mind an oversimplification of Kerry’s proposal. I doubt that someone like Kerry, who as a liberal is in favor of big government, would simply toss money at a problem without a whole lot of strings attached (strings such as a mandatory 2 year volunteer committment after graduation from college.)
3. I don’t know that the masses really want education–as opposed to financial success–so, I agree with your point. But, isn’t that why government exists in this country the way it does? To provide the best for the people even when they don’t know what’s good for them?
4. We are probably always going to disagree on this JaPickleO, and I think that that’s okay, but while I would agree that those who work hard can sometimes achieve; I also believe that sometimes they can’t. The opportunities are not equal. As such, everyone deserves an equal opportunity and if that means offering more to the “less privileged” then I think the government should be about legislating such change. I see that as justice.
5. Yes, I think that educational institutions will allow for reform…money is money is money.