[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Pairadocs

Totally agree with you with one exception that is a bit misleading. Definitely not 90% of college grads make a "bad" investment. If you look deeper, sadly, to many students choose the wrong major IF pay back is their major focus. We always had many students who were only interested in degrees in social work, marketing, and others. While fine majors, follow you heart's desire, they are usually warned (not always) that they have not chosen high paying fields (if that is what they are seeking, return on investment). Then, there are many who do not choose their college or university carefully. Not necessary to go Ivy League or top 10, but the problem comes in when students are not detailed in researching things like accreditation, research and writing recognition of faculty (again, MANY FINE small schools have outstanding faculty), and much more. So many "invest" in schools with poor track records of placement assistance, lack of accreditation, and now the valuable outreach of making the higher education experience available to a larger audience via technology, has resulted in a much devalued educational experience and ultimately a "useless" degree (thought ALL learning is valuable in that it enriches the individual's personal life and self-esteem). But, 90% figure of "useless" degrees and debt is too high, not accurate. Same exists in "trade" schools, must be very careful, some are very valuable, some are definitely NOT ! Regarding your comment about people investing in themselves, RIGHT ON ! Have you noticed (those of you who have traveled, lived, and studied abroad a great deal) that our country seems to be one where people are more willing to invest in hobbies, and nicer tech items, clothing, shoes, etc. than they are in themselves ? Not a condemnation, just an observation. Last comment on your post. I believe the reason so many people do not truly understand the repercussions of socialism and the progression to communism (not due to basic ideology but due to the pure greed and ambition of those who feel the power of being "in charge" of so many) is because so many have NOT actually known someone who lived under such systems, who have personal knowledge. Here in Florida we have the advantage of actually knowing people who have lived in Cuba, Venezuela, and many island and central American countries, as well as those from various European autocratic governments. Once people have a personal contact/friend who has actually known that life, their perspective changes and they begin to really understand.

Yes, communism is bad. WE have a greater chance of going off the deep end in the OTHER direction. I agree with ALL the rest of that good discussion.