[quote]Drew1411 wrote:
[quote]HeyWaj10 wrote:
When it comes to those who banter on about socialism, handouts, and āgiving a mouse a cookieā perspectives, I cannot help but feel that above all else, education is the most important topic of debate. I like parts of the socialized education idea, mostly due to the fact that it is a constitutional right in this country for all citizens to have the opportunity to advance themselves on all fronts, and education is that opportunity for most citizens. I say āmostā because there are the few who are genetically gifted to advance in other areas without it (i.e. sports). Denying the very opportunity is, IMO, un-American. If there is a way to privatize, or come up with a better hybrid approach, to education where low-income citizens can have access to quality education, then Iām all ears. If this already exists, then it has not been brought to my attention.
Iām no happier about the percentage of Americans who abuse the social safety nets than even the farthest-right of republicans. However, there are millions of Americans who are working multiple jobs, making unlivable wages (read comfortable), and are struggling every single day just to maintain their qualifications for those safety net programs. These folks need legitimate help, and they deserve it. Because even though those individuals may not be as fortunate to be educated to the levels that many of us here are, they work their asses off and still get nowhere. Do they not deserve a fair shot? Expanding affordable (and in some instances, yes, maybe āfreeā) education to these folks may just be worth it, and may turn another 10% of our population into comfortably-living, educated individuals who can now pay their share in taxes, which in turn fuels the wheel further.
But maybe Iām just being obtuse.[/quote]
If something like college education became socialized, the colleges would not need to cater to students, they would cater to the federal government so they can get their funding. This does not give any power to the students, or anything they do after their college experience. It doesnāt matter if you gain value, learn anything, or get a new skill. If you are paying for college, it is a terrible investment to get a major in something that does not lead to any job opportunities. If its paid for by somebody else, there is no incentive to learn what you need that would make you a contributor to society.
My opinion on the college debate is that not everybody needs a college education, its not a ārightā. I worked as a field engineer and have met countless technicians who make a fine living working hard without a college education. You donāt need the government to hand you education, which will supposedly lead to success. I would rather have the focus be on trade skills, teaching soft skills associated with being hirable employee, and community college compared to free 4 year institutions.[/quote]
And I equally agree on many, if not all, your points as well. Which is why I am torn, because I see the value in the opportunity for those without the means to afford college to be able to attend. But then everything else comes into question: at what cost, value gained, job transferability, and overall quality. Likewise, I am also in the camp that the focus in our country SHOULD switch over to more trade skills, production of actual goods (not just web startups), and the like.
So in that case, what is the better alternative to more publicly funded education? Usually what I hear in response from republicans is āprivatize,ā but I without much delving further into who/how.
