In 1970, I returned to college after four years in the USAF. [View all]

[MineralMan]

At that time, the GI Bill sent me $254 per month while I was back in school. That was the same amount I was making as an E-4 in the USAF.

Amazingly, I was able to cover almost all of my expenses at a state university for two years with that GI Bill benefit. I did some side hustles during that time period, as well, but that was how things were at that time. I could provide a detailed budget I followed, but that's irrelevant.

Today, such a thing is impossible. Then, the State of California subsidized the state colleges and universities. Used textbooks were easy to find. Food was cheap if you cooked for yourself. Now, none of that is true. Now, a college degree is out of reach for a broad spectrum of people in their late teens and 20s.

It's getting worse, not better. And that's unlikely to change.

I was lucky to have been born when I was. I'm more than aware of that. I'm sorry that such a thing is no longer possible. Very sorry. I wish we could return to a time and economy where it was possible. That, however, would take a huge change in how we approach everything, and I don't foresee that happening. I wish I could help, but my time is running out.

I can say this, though: We must get rid of government by the right. I can still vote, but such a change is going to require everyone who thinks clearly to vote, too, and to force the issue. We are at what could be a turning point in either direction. Think long and hard about how eager you should be about making change. It could affect your entire life.