Democratic Primaries
In reply to the discussion: Pete Buttigieg argues against free college. This is why progressives can't agree about subsidizing t [View all]Blue_true
(31,261 posts)I think that you also touched on the key issues with free college. 4 year College campuses are heavily populated by middleclass and above kids. Those kids have parents that push them toward college. If we don't provide suitable paths for kids that don't have the family support for higher education, then we are only going to increase the income gap in the country, and that gap will have a big racial component.
I like the idea of a mandatory 4 years of national service after high school or age 19, whichever criteria is met. Kids get a chance to mature before making important career decisions. Some kids may find that a trade is better for them, while others may conclude that college and professional school is better for them. Regardless of the choice, 23 or 24 year old young people will go off to training that would then be free to them because of their national service. I think it would be win-win, more mature disciplined kids studying for their future and kids studying for a range of occupations that benefit the country down the road.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden