Obama: College Degree Not Needed for a Good Career

[Swede Atlanta]

29. We are aligned.....

My point is I had seen "higher education" almost as a necessity to complete "basic" education because we are graduating not only high school students but even college graduates without base competency in what I consider the building blocks of life - a "liberal" education.

But I have abandoned that thought because I don't think most students care that when asked they don't know from which country we won our independence, where France is on a map or the name of the current Vice President. It goes to the dumbing down of America which has been an objective of the conservative right for years.

If people don't understand the basics of the scientific method, have learned critical thinking themselves then they are likely to believe and parrot whatever their pastor or tea party congress critter says.

But back to education....when I grew up it wasn't a question of whether I would go to college, it was only a question of where. Neither of my parents had attended college and they were determined to ensure both my sister and I completed a 4 year degree. I graduated with a very "liberal arts" degree that, while incredibly interesting, didn't prepare me for work. I have done well for myself by taking those skills and eventually applying them in an IT environment.

But it is definitely a waste of time and money to pressure all high school students to attend college. They should be doing so because college will give them knowledge and skills that will enable them to pursue a rewarding career. If not it is just an extension of childhood.

I am a firm believer in trade and technical schools. They can be extremely effective in turning out the next generation of mechanics, technicians, IT, medical and other types of professionals.