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I am always amazed at the level of acceptance for these types of injustice there is in the US. Even here, most discussion is about the economics of college degr

I am always amazed at the level of acceptance for these types of injustice there is in the US. Even here, most discussion is about the economics of college degrees, and how to deal with it on an individual level. While the problem, it seems to me, is entirely one of political choice and justice, and the current situation seems very unfair. Young people from poorer backgrounds seem to be destined for slavery for a large part of their lives, unless they get extremely lucky. People argue: but his degree is not worth it. On a meta-level that is simply impossible: the guy is a teacher, by definition in his lifetime he will produce much more to society than his education cost. If he can't reasonably pay of his loans the system cannot be fair. He was shortchanged and then punished for it. Also it seems strange that 10 years after default he still has to pay rehabilitation and his debt is still growing. Is nobody in the US protecting people like him? I know in a situation like that where I live (NL) municipality instances will be all over you and your live will suck for 3 years, but after that your debt will be gone and you can start over.

cryoshon 9y ago
the silence you hear is rage, not acceptance
ejnulls 9y ago
No, no one in the US is protecting people like them. Even in this site, most likely will not have much empathy for the people mentioned in the article. Welcome to America, worship those above you and look down on those below. Then tell yourself you're a good person and go contribute to a company with shaky ethics (at best). Eat, sleep, repeat.
Clubber 9y ago
My question is why hasn't he been able to land a full time teaching job in ~14 years? It seems like a full time teaching job would alleviate a lot of that pressure, but the article doesn't seem to mention it. I understand teachers probably make the lowest salaries in any degree required field, but they can keep their heads above water if they are fully employed. Many family members are teachers, and it's noble but thankless work.
- RhysU 9y ago
  Or, teaching not panning out for him, another job of comparable pay to public school teachers.
lovich 9y ago
In the US, most institutions like banks use it as an opportunity to take money. The government is filled with folks who either want to help or are actively hostile, but that ends up with the actual government response being indifferent at best as neither side can force their will
rayiner 9y ago
> I am always amazed at the level of acceptance for these types of injustice there is in the US. Even here, most discussion is about the economics of college degrees, and how to deal with it on an individual level. You gotta give Americans a bit more credit than that. American attitudes are cultivated in a very different context. Yes, in a place like Germany, the government mostly pays for your school. The flip side is a lot more government control over peoples’ choices to make the system sustainable. We had an au pair from Germany. Very bright young woman, but a late bloomer academically. She was put into a non-college track in high school, and doesn’t have much in the way of other options in Germany (although, she had a white collar office job because those are attainable without college). In the US, the government doesn’t pay, but also doesn’t restrict who can go to college, impose quotas on what degrees colleges can grant, etc. If people want to take on a bunch of debt, it’s their choice and they can deal with the consequences.
- fulafel 9y ago
  You can go to at any age, or start by attending in night courses in open university, in most EU countries. There exist also private schools where you pay for full tuition.

cryoshon 9y ago

the silence you hear is rage, not acceptance

ejnulls 9y ago

No, no one in the US is protecting people like them. Even in this site, most likely will not have much empathy for the people mentioned in the article. Welcome to America, worship those above you and look down on those below. Then tell yourself you're a good person and go contribute to a company with shaky ethics (at best). Eat, sleep, repeat.

Clubber 9y ago

My question is why hasn't he been able to land a full time teaching job in ~14 years? It seems like a full time teaching job would alleviate a lot of that pressure, but the article doesn't seem to mention it. I understand teachers probably make the lowest salaries in any degree required field, but they can keep their heads above water if they are fully employed. Many family members are teachers, and it's noble but thankless work.

RhysU 9y ago
Or, teaching not panning out for him, another job of comparable pay to public school teachers.

lovich 9y ago

In the US, most institutions like banks use it as an opportunity to take money. The government is filled with folks who either want to help or are actively hostile, but that ends up with the actual government response being indifferent at best as neither side can force their will

rayiner 9y ago

> I am always amazed at the level of acceptance for these types of injustice there is in the US. Even here, most discussion is about the economics of college degrees, and how to deal with it on an individual level. You gotta give Americans a bit more credit than that. American attitudes are cultivated in a very different context. Yes, in a place like Germany, the government mostly pays for your school. The flip side is a lot more government control over peoples’ choices to make the system sustainable. We had an au pair from Germany. Very bright young woman, but a late bloomer academically. She was put into a non-college track in high school, and doesn’t have much in the way of other options in Germany (although, she had a white collar office job because those are attainable without college). In the US, the government doesn’t pay, but also doesn’t restrict who can go to college, impose quotas on what degrees colleges can grant, etc. If people want to take on a bunch of debt, it’s their choice and they can deal with the consequences.

fulafel 9y ago
You can go to at any age, or start by attending in night courses in open university, in most EU countries. There exist also private schools where you pay for full tuition.