Thursday, July 9, 2009

On Education

In the midst of war, government reforms and other vast programs being undertaken by the federal government; we've yet to focus on the one most important asset of our nation: the Youth. Repeatedly it's been asked; why does our government always have money for war but when it comes time for more funds for education, it becomes a matter of debate and bureaucracy? It doesn't take long for money to reach the weapons industry but for some reason, schools have to go through an unnecessary hassle of begging and pleading with the state for more funds. We can't just point a finger at our legislators and ask them what they're doing about education in Washington D.C. without asking ourselves the question of how they got there in the first place. Us. We refuse to take responsibility as united citizens to work together in order to further educate our youth. These very young children and young adults of today are tomorrow's leaders and while schools hold bake sales to acquire funds to maintain their schools, other industries are eating out of taxpayers hands. We need to re-evaluate our priorities as a nation, a society and as a people. While I do not suggest that the government overhaul the education system and nationalize all universities, why not make college education more accessible to those who strive for it but can't quite afford it? Federal and state loans aren't enough; we know not all of our country's citizens are willing to attend 4 year universities but we must make other vocations and job training programs possible for our country's youth. By no means am I an expert on education so if I give anyone the impression that I think I know even enough about the education system, I apologize for making such a distorted impression. This much I know though; our education system has failed us. Our ancestors, forefathers and parents all demonstrated throughout history the importance of an education; Let us come together and acknowledge the importance of education reform so that one day, the Youth can say without fear, reluctance or hesitation, "I can make it".

- David Solis

3 comments:

  1. This is an interesting topic that was brought up David. I do feel that education is contingent on how this country will become in the later years of our current and next generation. All people alike should be privledged the same education and for an higher education, funds should be more available for poeple who decide to further their career paths through college. On the contrary, I believe that with more possible educational oppurtunities will drastically change our performance as students and soon-to-be-workers. Why is this significant? If more people achieve a higher education then not only the United States, but also the entire world will become more competitive in finding the best and seeked out jobs. How is this a problem? If everyone or most people who cannot pay for college want to attend college and are offered money then that oppurtunity will create a crisis. A crisis you ask? Well for one, less money will be avaiable for protecting our country and while having international issues with the Middle East and North Korea, could we bother to not take full interest for our safety and future? Two, if more people attain a higher education, what kind of career jobs will people try to obtain? Finding a job in a certain career path will be extremely hard to find knowing the increased rate of possible employers all over the world. The jobs seeked will be less available, and if they do make more of that jobs of that career...well then it should ve stablize to not affect our working and educating class. A third critical reason is that if more people receive "better jobs" then who will do the "easier jobs?" My idea is that all jobs are farily equal in value depending on your status in America but if you have an "education" or degree, would you degrade yourself to a lower job? Most people in our current and next generation will have degrees in your "future" so who will do the smaller but neccesary jobs? Understanding this means that some things are essential in life and for the working world. Each job is vital to our country's status by creating an attitude and morale that has helped us continue to perform the way we have currently and in the past. So why would the government give money to every student who needs money? It will cause this country and the world severe problems for everyone and themselves. Do not misinterpret this, many students are stil receiving financial aid, but through your descriptions you implied that all students seeking higher education should receive money if they cannot afford it. This is America. Ever since we have defeated the British in 1877, we have been the most hardworking and dedicated people in the entire world. So if they cannot receive money from the government, they should not give up and work for their own personal success. This will cause problems to the government but instead of having the government blame themselves for doing favors, it will become natural and influence our government to change their system after seeing new numbers concerning education rather than predicting the outcomes themselves.

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  2. good response tony

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  3. We can agree on a few things. We agree that the need for higher education exists and I believe we agree that not enough people are getting education. The problem though is that I got the impression that you believe competition and better workers is a bad thing for the country. You also seem to believe that some day, we'd have a shortage of workers whom would be hired for menial jobs and services that most educated individuals might be reluctant to take. I refuse to believe in our American market we'll have a shortage of workers. The shortage I feel is more significant is the shortage in workers who belong to industries in high demand (doctors, teachers, plumbers, nurses, etc etc). My proposal for more education reinforces the problem which you happen to bring up; a shortage in skilled workers. We can solve these shortages through education and training programs. I, for one, don't believe competition with other nations is something to be scared of. We as a nation have always prospered when we took care of our workers and citizens. Now is no time to forget our future through education, especially with nations like China and India coming up fast. By the way.. You mentioned 1877.. What exactly are you referring to?

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