Why is it assumed that kids from poverty or kids that are lacking parental support are somehow entitled to "free" monies and kids who are from middle income families are not?
I agree that secondary education is a choice and sacrifices must be made on the part of the student. I'm not saying they deserve aid MORE than your children, but as you said, you have the ability to provide food and shelter for your children. I know two people very close to me who were in the situation where home life must be escaped to make education or any sort of independence (escape) a reality. Kids who at age 18 basically had to take their own income away from their parents' household to be able to escape that lifestyle and use those monies to attend school. These are the people to whom I refer. The fact that it's so hard for you to grasp or accept makes me believe you're lucky enough not to know anyone in this situation.
Secondary education is not a right, its a choice and I believe when a choice is made such as furthering your or your kids education you should have a plan as how you or your kids are going to pay for it.....not count on taxpayer dollars to foot the bill
Again, good for you for valuing secondary education, fostering that value in your children, and congratulations and thank the higher power that you have the ability to provide a roof over their heads while they're in school. The people I'm talking about made the decision themselves. They didn't have parents like you or mine to foster the idea of secondary education. These kids don't get grades emphasized at home because education isn't valued. These people's parents made no choices or plans regarding their kids' education because they either don't give a damn if their kids pursue it or (more appropriate and true to the two people I know) THE PARENTS RESENT THEIR CHILDREN FOR TRYING TO BETTER THEIR LIVES BY ESCAPING THE LIFESTYLE OF POVERTY AND GOING TO COLLEGE.
I really don't think we have anything further to discuss because you either don't understand or don't care what I'm saying. I will not be convinced that someone in an extreme poverty situation who decides to go the legitimate way (a 4-year degree) to escape it versus the "easy way" (slinging drugs, stripping, etc) doesn't deserve a helping hand to get that education. Someone who basically is forced with the choice of supporting their family (read: parents) or going to school.
If they are making the choice to escape that lifestyle AND to pursue secondary education in addition, I'll gladly donate a portion of my federal tax dollars to help them go to a school where they can escape this poverty. It's a hand UP not a handout.
on December 22, 2010, 5:27 pm, in reply to "