Refusing to help pay college tuitions will cost more in the long run

A recent letter writer criticized free tuition for higher education by saying that “Government has no place being involved with monetary support of a student getting a college education especially with my tax dollars.” This statement expresses an attitude of punishment instead of nurturing, and has consequences. By refusing to pay for someone’s education, the writer is instead paying for their food stamps, medical care and prison care. This attitude denigrates people and the goodness they are capable of producing.

I believe that our government, financed by our money, is instituted to help develop our capabilities and opportunities. By so doing, it gives meaning to our lives and promotes our happiness. I see society as an organism that exhibits symptoms of its sickness in such forms as crime, unemployment, underemployment, drug use, homelessness and poverty. We need to consider whether our society will be better if we have more uneducated people in an increasingly complex world. If we do not educate the leaders of tomorrow at all levels, our children and grandchildren will certainly pay the bill. While I agree with the writer that “nothing is free,” certain practices of our culture are much more expensive than others.

This story was originally published January 27, 2018 at 2:43 PM with the headline "Refusing to help pay college tuitions will cost more in the long run."