Since

Since the last post got right off track, I decided to separate this as it's own post.


Bernie's Free College For All Scheme

It's been suggested that Bernie's scheme to raid my retirement to pay off student loan debt for (potentially) children who's families could pay off the loans or who make significantly more than I do is a valuable thing to do.

Recent evidence shows us that the best and most uplifting way to help those who are poor or disadvantaged can be summed up by, "Don't do for others what they can do for themselves.".   The research shows that to do things for people, that they are able to do for themselves is actually harmful and demeaning.

So we have a situation where people have voluntarily taken out large amounts of debt, which they allegedly can't pay back.   I say allegedly because many of these people have an unrealistic expectation that they are owed a job that pays well in their area of study.  This premise is completely 100% false.   What's not false is that there are other jobs/careers that will allow literally anyone to earn a reasonable living, without even mentioning becoming an entrepreneur. 

For the purpose of this discussion, lets assume that this problem is a societal issue that needs to be addressed collectively.   Let's also assume that the "Don't do for others what they can do for themselves." is universally true.

Given those assumptions, wouldn't it make sense that giving these folx a bunch of cash might actually be demeaning,  fostering dependence, and not the best possible option.

I'm going to throw out a few ideas that might be better, or more uplifting,  as some things to consider.

1. If, as I just heard this morning, these loans are "predatory" then wouldn't it make sense to seek recompense from the "predators"?   How about 5% of any university endowment over $100,000,000?  How about a percentage of the profits of those who loaned the money?

2.  What about making student loan debt tax deductible?

3.  What about something analogous to the WPA/CCC etc that would allow people to "work off" their loans?

4.  What about incentivizing employers to hire these folx?

5.  What if there was a 10 year moratorium on collections of student loan debt that would allow for some time to develop a career, or to increase income before payments start?


I'm sure there are other options, but doesn't it make sense to give people a "hand up" rather than a "hand out"?

As parents we (most normal parents) want our children to learn through mistakes, and most times that doesn't include an old, white, millionaire coming through and taking away the problem. we understand that sometimes having to work your way out of the results of a mistake is a valuable, character building experience.


Finally,

1.  Why limit this to only those with loans?  Why not compensate those who worked hard, and made plans or sacrifices to get through college without significant debt?   Since when do we not reward responsibility?

2.  Why is this not means tested?   It's absolutely absurd that means testing isn't part of the conversation?

3.  Why are we not having a serious national discussion about the relative value of college degrees and the career/income potential of options that don't require a degree?

4.  Where did we ever get the misguided idea that going to college and being "more educated" is objectively good irregardless or the cost or the benefit.

My other post was about the lie (or the intentionally misleading nature) of Bernie's claims.  This is about trying to be more creative that "The rest of the taxpayers will bail you out for your bad decisions">