Student Loans

I am happy to see that the government is taking over student loans.

Current day politics has come down to either trusting government more than industry, or, trusting industry more than government. Well, I believe our founders intended for a system of checks and balances. That is, I think there are times when the government should step in and protect it's citizens. And,to be clear, I think this should be when the citizens want and have asked for the government's help. But, for the most part, I am like most Americans: I want the government to stay out of private industry; and, specifically, to stay out of my private life!

Here's the thing. I would not have been able to go to college and earn a degree, had it not been for government managed, low interest student loans. I believe that it is in the best interest of our country, when people, who have the brains to do more, are empowered to get a better education. After all, isn't the American Dream about being able to live up to your full potential? How can the average person do this? Win the lottery? Get lucky and come up with a great idea? I submit that the path to the American Dream is through education. And, I believe that every American should have the opportunity to get a better education.

Now, let me define what I mean by having "the opportunity to get a better education". First, this is a loan. And, it should be treated like a loan; meaning that it should be paid back! Otherwise it becomes a grant - which is a fancy word for entitlement. I am not in favor of entitlements of any kind. Further, I believe that all grant programs need to be terminated; in favor of loan programs.

Oh, and one more thing: I am not in favor of the way this became law. While I am happy to see the government providing low interest student loans to our next generation of leaders and innovators, I am not happy that this bill was passed using legal trickery. At some point the Democratic "ruling party" had better wake up and realize that they work for the American people. The Democratic "ruling party" seems to think the American people are gonna forget what they have done. I will take that bet! Elections are just around the corner. And, I for one will be working very hard to make sure Americans do not forget the Democratic "ruling party's" unforgivable sin. So, I really cannot say congratulations on getting the student loan program put in place; even though I think it is a good idea. The way this legislation was put in place was not acceptable.

A note to Republicans: be careful. This is the kind of issue that reminds us independents that you are polarized towards enabling business - no matter what. Money does not grow on trees. Sometimes people need help dealing with economic disadvantages. The Republican "business at any cost approach", is precisely why you were voted out of power in 2006 and again in 2008. The average working class American is not happy with corporate executives, that earn millions of dollars a year in salary. And, this is what the Democrats play to: that sentiment. Thus, there are gonna be times when the government should provide programs, that will help the average working class person to have the opportunity to get a better education. Better educated Americans will ultimately stimulate our economy, and, help to maintain a middle class. This student loan program is a good program, that should have been passed in the first place. Shame on you for not thinking of the American people; other than when it is convenient for you to do so.

And finally, a note to Democrats: make sure this loan program does not become yet another entitlement program. As an independent, I am okay with a progressive tax system. But, that is as far as it goes.