As I noted in my previous post, the case for free public college depends on the analogy to primary and secondary education and the evolving needs of an increasingly knowledge-based economy. I don’t buy the analogy; there are tens of millions of jobs out there that don’t in any way require a college education, and I can’t think of a good reason why the people who fill them should have to support college graduates with their tax dollars. Nevertheless, I would agree that the argument can be made with a straight face.
As to blanket programs forgiving existing student loan debt–not so much. That debt was entered into freely, and in most cases, was a good investment. Unlike free public college, debt forgiveness doesn’t expand educational opportunities and provide value to society; it is just a handout to people who don’t deserve one. I see no public benefit in it whatsoever.
As anyone who reads this blog knows, I am opposed to paying reparations to the descendants of slaves. At least they have a case, however, based on history and their current circumstances. I’ll be damned if I’m going to pay reparations to students, which is essentially what the proponents of debt forgiveness are suggesting.