Maggie's Farm

I agree with Douglas that the G.I. bill can not be compared to what Samuels is recommending. After WWII the U.S. had to absorb thousands of people who had been drafted at 18 years and were being dumped on the job market all at once.

By the way, what is the definition of "free" -- "free" to whom? Somebody is paying for it, just not the recipient of such benefits. There is much more attention to getting good grades if the student and his parents have skin in the game. Good, old-fashioned scholarships can help those who have produced during high school.

Bring back vocational schools where high school students can learn a basic trade, which doesn't mean they can't pursue a college degree. At least they have a skill to offer in the job market over the summers to help them pay their college tuition. I do recognize that some of the trades are mostly union-owned.

Also, get government out of the education business with student loans. Colleges and universities now offer resort-style accomodations and up their prices to pay for them which, in turn, requires more use of student loans. I remember my dorm room as 9 x 12 max for two people. My children had equally small quarters. At least we all had REAL professors, not T.A.s that are so common now. And we all attended highly- ranked schools. Today, higher education is an embarrassment.