Remember too, that, at least here in the states, it is the older adult going back to college. The average nurse graduate right now is 43. We were considered non-traditional students until here recently. At my school there are more adults attending college and university than there are teens straight out of high school.

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Originally Posted by NeedKarma

It won't happen. The government wants a dumb populace so that they can govern them better. If everyone had a good higher education they may revolt.

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Well, they are not likely to get a well educated populace out of most of the institutions of higher learning as they exist today. My father completed 6th grade, and was better educated than most college grads of today! (He was born in 1898)

Yeah another pandering handout during an election year paid for by US taxpayors.

What's next free hybrids?

If Obama mentioned this, why did he not approach it from a different angle. Limit tuitions... oh that might piss off the teachers unions.

Look at our public education, how many kids get it "free" and don't care for it and end up disrupting the class for those kids that actually want to learn?

If you want to learn and improve your station in life, do it the old fashioned American way, work for it and earn it - I did.

If you don't want to put in the effort, time, sacrifice, why should taxpayors pay for your education?

Hello again, Gal:

Yeah, I agree. Educating our people isn't a good idea. We should keep 'em dumb. We should teach them to "just say no to drugs". We should teach them that God made the earth. We should teach them NOTHING about sex.

THEN they're prepared to flip burgers.

However, THAT certainly wouldn't happen if they were educated?

By the way, are you educated?? Usually the ones who aren't, are the ones suspicious of those who are.

excon

I would LOVE if every child who dreamed of going to college got the chance to go.

How many outstanding doctors, scientist, nurses, etc. are we all missing out on, because that talented person couldn't afford to go to college. Many and way more then we should be.

There is brillance out there that we are just not making the most of. What would it hurt to invest in our children? It cost wamore when we don't.

Then all those educated professionals could " flip the burgers " ? Or is it more jobs Americans won't do !

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Originally Posted by tomder55

then all those educated professionals could " flip the burgers " ? or is it more jobs Americans won't do !

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Hello tom:

You're American. You're educated. You don't flip burgers. Why not? Are you above that? Probably. But, not because you're American. But, because you're educated.

So, you think McDonalds would shut down if everybody got educated?? Of course, if you close the borders, which you white guys would like to do, you're right; there wouldn't be anybody to cook your burgers.

Fortunately, we're a nation of immigrants. It's worked fine for us in the past - even for you. I wouldn't change it. You would. I spose that's why you ask your question. I guess you think we're not going to let anybody in to cook your burgers.

I don't think McDonalds would stand for that. I don't think you would either. What? You don't like your burgers?

excon

I did lots of work to pay for my education Flipping burgers was one of them .

Many a college kids flips burgers. Some graduates are flipping them now. Nothing wrong with flipping burgers.

Not having every child have the opportunity to go to college... in my opinion... most times keeps those that have... keep having... and those that don't have... don't haves.

Not every child would take advantage of the opportunity, just like other opportunities that some have that go unexercised.

I was one of 5 it was a sweat job for high school tuition. If I was offered the opportunity to go to college back then, I would have passed.

Today you have to have a college education, I was just very fortunate.

I think in a way, that flip the burger fear for most, is a cop out. I don't mean that harsh, honest I don't.

I think there may be a fear, that the little people may catch us.

That sounds awful doesn't. But I tell you what, I come across edcuated, not educated and all sorts in between, and there is incredible talent in each group, to have talent go by the wayside, because one does not have the means is so antiquated.

I see no reason why college education should be free which really means someone else pays for it.

I see many a reason. I see it almost every day in the faces of our youth with hearts that are willing but the purses are not.

There is zero reason to keep them down and their talents hidden because they were not born into a family who could afford higher education.

as a previous educator at a university, perhaps its odd I have mixed feelings here?

I absolutely do not think there should be guaranteed college ed funded by the govt. period.

if you want to provide loans and a means by which people who are qualified get financial help, especially when needed, fine. Coming from an lower class home, I was thankful to get all the loans and grants I received.. and I NEVER thought "im so put upon to pay back this money" for my loans... sure, I was glad when they were over, but I made a choice.

free college is an awful idea. Classes are often glutted now with kids who are just at college because their parents are willing to foot the bill. And sure... even if they grad with a degree they don't care about, it gets them a step up on the financial ladder much of the time... but the strain on the education system would be immense... not to mention the devaluation of the degree.

I was the first in my fam to graduate from college. I value the opportunity. I also earned it with grades, determination, and work. Loans and grants did fine by me.

tho' as the country is running now, with the huge financial mess we are in... there's good reason to believe ed funding is just going to get harder and harder to get, let alone free ed.

Hello again, tom:

As we just discovered, Exxon Mobile made about $40 BILLION last year, off you and me and Inthebox and every other American. That's PURE profit AFTER taxes. Please don't try any more of your voodoo right wing spin on it.

If we taxed the oil companies and ONLY the oil companies, just 10% on their obscene profits, we could pay for college for EVERYONE who wants an education.

Or do you think the oil companies are the only ones who should do the squeezing?

excon

There is a difference between helping people gain an education when they want it, and giving it away like candy in a parade.

Again the facts contradict what you say . Exxon paid more taxes than the lower income workers combined . Also Exxon is a publicly traded company and their profits are found in the statements of pension funds and 401Ks

I think kp2171 is correct in that the education is diluted and less valuable the more graduates there are . I know what he is taking about when he says " classes are often glutted now with kids who are just at college because their parents are willing to foot the bill." I knew many students who were biding their time at a 4 year party .

My daughter, coming from an upper middle income fam, will graduate this spring with more college debt than I did, coming from a lower income fam...

Seems fine to me.

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Originally Posted by tomder55

again the facts contradict what you say . Exxon payed more taxes than the lower income workers combined . Also Exxon is a publicly traded company and their profits are found in the statements of pension funds and 401Ks

I think kp2171 is correct in that the education is diluted and less valuable the more graduates there are . I know what he is taking about when he says " classes are often glutted now with kids who are just at college because their parents are willing to foot the bill." I knew many students who were biding their time at a 4 year party .

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And turning it into a 6 to 8 year party. They enter the workforce with the mindset
Of what can I get out of you, instead of the days, when can I contribute.

Maybe, just maybe, if this somehow could work out, where everyone had an opportunity, maybe those who take it for granted, wouldn't take it for granted any longer.

I'm not saying hand things out like candy, there would have course have to be academic requirements.

I just can't believe that people couldn't support higher education opportunities for everyone.

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Originally Posted by kp2171

there is a difference between helping people gain an education when they want it, and giving it away like candy in a parade.

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Hello again:

I don't know. Back when an associate degree meant something, the Community College system was set up to offer a FREE two year degree. In some places, that's still happening. It worked then, and where it's still happening, it's working now.

I don't see it, at all, like the free candy scenario you describe. Frankly, I think those that show up for the free candy soon find out that it's not free at all. Or they flunk out and cook burgers. You can't force it down people’s necks. But, at least they were exposed to an opportunity. Offering it IS a good thing, and it's proven to work.

excon

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Originally Posted by excon

Hello again:

I dunno. Back when an associate degree meant something, the Community College system was set up to offer a FREE two year degree. In some places, that's still happening. It worked then, and where it's still happening, it's working now.

I don't see it, at all, like the free candy scenario you describe. Frankly, I think those that show up for the free candy soon find out that it's not free at all. Or they flunk out and cook burgers. You can't force it down people’s necks. But, at least they were exposed to an opportunity. Offering it IS a good thing, and it's proven to work.

excon

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YUP - I don't get what the "fear" is. Why the resistance?

I am tired of the gvt. Picking my pockets that's why. Free in this case does not mean free. Gee I got a great idea. I am smart enough and qualified so hear me out. In about a dozen years I could earn my doctorate . Then and only then will I fulfill my potential . So I'll take a decade off from my obligations and you can subsidize my existence... Sounds like a plan to me!