Obama's plans for College Tuition

[peppamint]

honestly blame the parents. opporunities exist in the world. there are enough programs for people who want to make it in the world. if anything they can always pursue vocational education in america. that is what i believe should also be emphasized.

Yes... I blame a lot of these parents. I live here, in a microcosm of what some would say is the problem with blacks in America. DC! So, I see what goes on. My roommate is not the only teacher I know. My mother is a teacher also. They both tell me how their conversations go when they have to call parents because for example, Dayshawn wouldn't put his ipod away. A lot, not all, but a lot of parents get mad at the them (the teachers) for calling.

I just happen to be black myself, and I can call it in my own family as well -- and we all grew up in the cushy suburbs... one of the finest public school systems in the US at the time. How come all of us aren't shining examples of scholastic achievement. Because some of our Parents ! were too busy trying to keep that boyfriend around or get that fix.

Parents are a child's first teacher. So, when a child, kid, whatever has only had the opportunity to be influenced by their parents.... and doesn't even learn about "opportunities in the world" because their parents don't instill that curiosity... whatcha thinks gonna happen? I'd tell you how some of my cousins ended up in middle age if there were time. I am not saying the whole of America needs to come together to fix this, or that Obama's plan is going to achieve its intended purpose. I am just saying it is what it is. You don't have to feel responsible for it, nor should you, but just because you won't acknowledge it doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

I don't necessarily believe in handouts... who knows, maybe if I had gotten a few when I needed them, I might... But I do believe in getting my assets up and going to work every day, paying my bills on time and keeping my nose clean. And I don't think Obama's plan amounts to a handout. A hand out would be: if you are between the ages of 17 and 19 and need some dough, here - take up to $4000. If community service is the consideration for receiving additional "aid" to attend college then that's a good thing. I think that community service could even lead people to explore different trades or vocations.