One of the most serious of societal dysfunctions that nobody seems to be doing anything about is the cost of a college education. I think back when, in the 1940s, I paid $40.00 as tuition for one quarter at the University of Washington. I went to school on the GI bill, which paid me something like $35 a month, which I used to pay for my room in the Vets Dorm. I earned enough in the summer months to pay for my books and living expenses. In fact, when I graduated I had money in the bank and no debts.
A recent edition of TIME magazine told about the tremendous debts that are handicapping today’s college graduates. This policy in itself is almost criminal. This so-called responsible society is completely dysfunctional when it comes to money. Why is a professional athlete paid millions of dollars for playing one season and a graduate is penalized $50,000 to $100,000 for “earning” a degree that may or may not get s/he employed? To top it off the graduate’s credit rating is very low and s/he cannot file for bankruptcy. A rookie baseball player is paid $325,000 minimum for one season. An elementary school teacher is lucky to make $25,000 in his/her first year, that is if s/he is fortunate enough to obtain employment in these years of budget cuts.
This so-called religious society is completely dysfunctional when it comes to money. Our legislatures, counties, and cities are seriously cutting budgets on education, infra-structure, personnel, and health programs. At the same time, every other year, this country is spending billions of dollars on elections. THE MAJORITY OF THE MONEY SPENT ON ELECTIONS IS A TOTAL WASTE! A letter to the editor in the local paper stated: “Elections should be limited to 30 days and $30,000!”
I am not saying that religion is responsible for this irresponsible behavior. But I will repeat that our so-called religious society is in denial and seemingly complete apathy. We are standing on the river bank, swatting mosquitoes, while the soil is eroding out from under us.
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