EP,
Reasonable point. However, I think the conventional wisdom is that public expenditures on education benefit the public. I tend to disagree. Socialism doesn't foster appreciation by the recipients. Most students have no idea about sacrifices that elderly people make to pay property taxes just so Johnny can play soccer, football, swim team, etc.
I have never read a study that shows are strong correlation between public spending on education and economic growth or public benefits. In this respect, the public is foolish to pay for education for two reasons. First, the public receives no direct benefit, at least in proportion to the sacrifice of their tax 'contribution.' Second, the benefits of higher education (higher incomes to those who obtain the degrees) should be born by those who receive the benefits. To this end, I think students should pay for all educational expenses beyond high school. If they don't have the resources, loan them the money.....and let them pay it back throughout the course of their lives. The effect, beyond reducing our immediate tax burden, would be to create an incentive for each student to take academic work much more seriously. If a student needs additional time to mature, etc., fine. We won't have to pay for their extended adolescence. Few students will study basket-weaving, modern art, etc.
Cheers,
wp |
