Salisbury News: Comments Worthy Of A Post 2-27-16

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Comments Worthy Of A Post 2-27-16

Despite Claims From Clinton and Sanders, Free College Isn’t Possible

A Viewer stated:

Wicomico county is talking now of doing this for residents and at worwic !

February 27, 2016 at 8:25 AM

JoeAlbero said...

8:25, While you are correct, there's a lot more to this proposal then the local media mentioned.

First of all, if you offered this to each and every graduating student in Wicomico County, (all of them) it would only cost around $500,000.00. I want you to keep that in mind for starters.

Clearly not every student is going to choose to go to WorWic.

That being said, the numbers you have been told are completely inflated. Some media sources stated it would cost around $900,000.00 and they are absolutely clueless.

All that being said, MANY local businesses and organizations have stepped up to the plate to make donations towards the $300,000.00 expense, a far more realistic number. In fact yesterday one business donated $50,000.00 towards this program.

I would think businesses like Pohanka would allow their customers to donate $100.00 per sold vehicle towards this program. Other dealers could start doing the same. You have Perdue and all the other chicken companies I'm sure would love to participate in a program most of these companies firmly believe in.

So in the end it more than likely will NOT cost the taxpayers a single penny. Bob Culver created an incredible idea with this program and should get the credit for doing something so incredible.

That being said, IT WILL BUILD OUR ECONOMY!!! Rather then shipping young adults OUT of the area, they will instead remain for at least 2 to 3 more years.

Mind you, I am not at all pleased with the minimum grade point average but like every program I have ever encountered, I'm not going to agree with a hundred percent of it, nor are you.

So let's give credit where credit is due. All Republicans and Democrats should get on board with it.

If you have ANY questions about the program, feel free to do so in comments and I will answer them all.

71 comments:

Anonymous said...: I don't think it's a good idea. When you consider the drop out rate in community colleges is already between 60-80 percent it's easy to imagine the drop out rate increasing if people can try it for free.

You speak of the GPA. That's like 2.5 for acceptance. The idea that students only need such a low GPA to continue getting a "free" education is ridiculous.; February 27, 2016 at 8:57 AM
Anonymous said...: LOL
Since free education works so well with K-12, let's do it with college, too.
When you are handed something for free the incentive to do well isn't there.; February 27, 2016 at 9:01 AM
Anonymous said...: How about spending the money improving the college. The lack of programs offered is the problem.; February 27, 2016 at 9:03 AM
Anonymous said...: Stop the free nonsense. Going to school, working, budgeting, establishing credit and paying off loans are all life lessons that are very much needed in this country.; February 27, 2016 at 9:04 AM
Anonymous said...: If businesses and private individuals want to invest in education that is wonderful but this idea is NOT investing in education.
The better option would be to create scholarships or directly pay for an exceptional student's education.; February 27, 2016 at 9:10 AM
Anonymous said...: I can see maybe it being free for those who will do well and continue on to get a 4 yr degree working but not this.
With this short sighted ill though plan you may as well add 2 more years on to high school for those who want it.; February 27, 2016 at 9:12 AM
Anonymous said...: The most reliable estimates suggest that less than 25% of community college students move up to 4 year schools. I don't understand the goal of the free concept.; February 27, 2016 at 9:19 AM
JoeAlbero said...: OK, here's what I personally think of the negative comments so far.

Do you really think the parents who can afford, (even struggle) to pay for their kids college education are going to jump on board with this program, NO.

That being said, how about ALL of the kids out there who can't afford college but are pretty darned smart. You don't think they would appreciate the opportunity to have the CHANCE at a better job and future?

If they apply themselves, a community, (the Eastern Shore) will come together and help them better themselves and be more productive people in society.

Again, what does it cost YOU if local companies are donating to pay for the program. It's a win/win.

Now let's go one step further. Let's say businesses start to reconsider locating to the Shore, like manufacturing. Skilled workers is something these businesses would be looking for. Heck, remember how Harris Teeter refused to consider this area because the education level was too low for their standards.

"Build it and they will come" is an old phrase. We have to build the education level and hopefully businesses will do just that. However, it CANNOT be accomplished at all if you don't start getting with the times.

The Salisbury Airport is now bringing in jets, this is a BIG deal. If you want to encourage bringing businesses here, you have to have these kind of upgrades.

So if you sit out there not recognizing what SOME Leaders are attempting to do, you are not helping. Try to start trusting your Leaders a bit more, they have a plan and that includes Bob Culver and Jake Day. We may not always agree with things like rebranding Salisbury and so forth but I can assure you Jake Day has seen this plan work elsewhere and he is simply trying to better, (as best he can with little corporate experience) Salisbury.

As for 9:04, there are a lot of people out there that absolutely cannot afford the loans you mention. They, (nor their parents) have the credit to get such loans. I believe these are the majority of people out there that would take advantage of this program.

I hate to say it BUT, if you want to see crime go down and temptation to stay away from the bad part of society, give them a chance. Especially if it does NOT cost YOU.; February 27, 2016 at 9:23 AM
Anonymous said...: You need to go to Wor-Wic to help with your writing skills. That being said, that being said, that being said, that being said,.......; February 27, 2016 at 9:30 AM
Anonymous said...: I think the value wil be lost if there is no cost. I see that daily in public school. Kids don't value the education, the books, or the programs offered. They don't listen to teachers, the administrations hands are tied as far as giving consequences to students who continuoulsy disrupt and defy due to federal mandates. If instead of taxes, parents paid yearly for school, it would be a different ballgame. Even if parents just paid for books and some sort of lab fee, it would be valued more. I see this as happening with Worwic if given for free, a spiral of doom.; February 27, 2016 at 9:34 AM
Anonymous said...: Joe your argument consists of nothing but people not being able to afford college. What about academics and GPA? Wouldn't it be more effective to focus on that? Shouldn't a student graduating high school with a high GPA have the advantage. The whole problem and the only problem is we've lowered the standards of education in this country not that college is un-affordable. That's just an excuse. The scholarship system is the best. Free to only the best students. Contrary to what the liberal like to say not every one deserves an education. Only those who take it seriously do and that starts in grade school.; February 27, 2016 at 9:35 AM
Anonymous said...: "That being said, how about ALL of the kids out there who can't afford college but are pretty darned smart. You don't think they would appreciate the opportunity to have the CHANCE at a better job and future?"

That's what scholarships are for.; February 27, 2016 at 9:36 AM
Anonymous said...: Of course, they won't be able to verify citizenship or immigration status for such a program, so it could become a magnet.; February 27, 2016 at 9:38 AM
Anonymous said...: "That being said, how about ALL of the kids out there who can't afford college but are pretty darned smart. You don't think they would appreciate the opportunity to have the CHANCE at a better job and future?"

Of course but what does sending them to a community college where a GPA of 2.5 is all you need for acceptance for free accomplish? There is already and Honors system in high schools that are more stringent than community college standards. If they are that smart then maybe 2 free years at an institution that has higher standards is the answer.; February 27, 2016 at 9:42 AM
Anonymous said...: Another problem is a lot of the times you lose you community college credits. Some are not transferable at all.
They are transferable at most public 4 year colleges but the problem there is when employers see degrees from public colleges they aren't taken as seriously as those from a private college. Employers are well aware of the low standards in public schools.
The whole system is screwed up and needs an overhaul before anything like free community college is productive.; February 27, 2016 at 9:49 AM
Anonymous said...: What good is college if there are no jobs waiting for them?; February 27, 2016 at 9:51 AM
JoeAlbero said...: 9:30, Yet you come here day after day, several times a day, go figure.; February 27, 2016 at 9:54 AM
JoeAlbero said...: I think everyone so far is bringing good arguments here, thank you.

When I said smart I didn't mean students with a 4.0 grade average. The really book smart people will get scholarships. However, there are many people out there who can't get scholarships but ultimately need an education to better their lives. Look, it's a part of life now. If you want decent pay and a decent job, you have to get that college education.

I also get the impression from many of you that most everyone is going to take advantage of going to WorWic, for example. Come on people, that's just not going to happen. If there's a way to give your children a better education, parents will take on a second job just to make that happen. They'll send them off to bigger and better places.

I'll repeat, this is very good for our local economy as well.; February 27, 2016 at 10:01 AM
Anonymous said...: The only thing the communists got right was education. If you didn't apply yourself and you were a poor student, you became a ditch digger. If you showed strong skills toward science they sent you to medical school and you became a doctor. If you showed excellence in ice skating you were on their Olympic team. It was the only area where they realized not everyone is created equal.; February 27, 2016 at 10:04 AM
Anonymous said...: 9:04, thank you! If you are not willing to put in some effort to make college a priority, go wash the big jets at our airport. It's a means of survival without others paying for you. Clean, honest work. Some have better homes, cars, etc., but I am happy with mine.; February 27, 2016 at 10:06 AM
Anonymous said...: I'm not understanding how this would be good for the local economy. Guaranteeing jobs at the community college is all. If people are so broke that they can't pay for community college they don't have any disposable income and that is what stimulates an economy.; February 27, 2016 at 10:17 AM
JoeAlbero said...: I need to add this as well. The proposed program is set up where each applicant must file for funding FIRST. If they qualify for funding they will not get into this program. This goes for grants as well. I will dig into all of this over the weekend and try to deliver the facts of everything involved by early next week.; February 27, 2016 at 10:24 AM
JoeAlbero said...: 10:04, If you want to become certified as let's say a welder, HVAC Technician, plumber, auto mechanic, you have to get an education as well as on the job experience. Yes, there are some that may not choose to further their education. There are many that aren't book smart but have incredible talents and abilities.

How many elderly people did we see on the news 20 years ago who went and got their GED / High School Diploma in their 60's and 70's and were finally fulfilled.

There are even people like ME who quit High School because I had to help provide for my Family. A guy like me who ultimately held multiple corporate meetings with the Presidents and Vice Presidents of Kodak, IBM, Texas Instruments, Intel, Philips, Sylvania, GE, the Library of Congress, and I could go on and on, believe me.

Then there are many of YOU that come here and say I need a better education. Hmmm, funny, I started a news organization and went up against ALL of the college educated main stream media people and look at who is number one now!

Do I believe in higher education, no. Not for my generation. However, I believe I am smart enough to know that my generation needs to flow with the times and today EDUCATION is a must for 90% of what businesses and government require.

Would I have had the money to go to college when I was younger, absolutely not. I saw the writing on the wall. I knew if I could help provide for my Family while my siblings could possible afford such an education by taking the financial burden off my Mother because I was not book smart, yet extremely street wise, I made the right choice. I can proudly state colleges like the Coast Guard Academy, University of Steubenville, University of Maryland. Colleges where my Sister and Brothers graduated.

College is not for everyone but IF I, (and others in my circumstances) could have had the chance, things might have been very different. I'm NOT complaining, not one bit. I'm very proud of what I was able to accomplish and I'd even have to say that I'm confident college wouldn't have been for me anyway. However, I hate to see those people who COULD make their lives better but can't because of finances, that's a shame.

If you've followed SBYNews long enough you'd know I think that forcing the majority of Americans to have a college education is a load of crap. I'd take a hands on and HUNGRY person well before I'd hire a college grad. Oh, I retired at 40, so I'm pretty sure I know what I'm talking about and have the finances to back it up. I was able to do so because I went with the underdogs. That was possible in the 1980's and 1990's. It would be next to impossible to achieve today and certainly not in the future. I GET IT! Do you?; February 27, 2016 at 10:49 AM
Anonymous said...: Here's the problem. Until you fix this anything else is nothing more than a feel good measure that will end up attains no results.

According to Pearson, the United States has a “cognitive skills and educational attainment” score of 0.39, which makes the United States rank fourteenth out of forty countries ranked in that category. The top ten countries (and their scores) are:

South Korea (1.30)
Japan (1.03)
Singapore (0.99)
Hong Kong (0.96)
Finland (0.92)
United Kingdom (0.67)
Canada (0.60)
Netherlands (0.58)
Ireland (0.51)
Poland (0.50); February 27, 2016 at 11:12 AM
Anonymous said...: More of the problem-

"According to the research firm IPSOS Mori, the United States ranks second out of fourteen countries in general ignorance about social statistics such as teen pregnancy, unemployment rates, and voting patterns. Italy is the most ignorant of the fourteen countries."; February 27, 2016 at 11:14 AM
Anonymous said...: and more.

"According to the Program for International Student Assessment, the average reading literacy score for U.S. fifteen-year old students is 498 (out of 1000 possible points). That is enough to make the United States rank twenty-fourth out of sixty-five educational systems ranked in that category. Shangai, China, ranked first, with a score of 570."; February 27, 2016 at 11:14 AM
Anonymous said...: "Free" college plans are anti-economic. It fosters belief that incentives don’t matter. It's ludicrous to believe that somehow simply putting more money into higher education without any reform will somehow result in a better system of education or will stimulate an economy.; February 27, 2016 at 11:24 AM
Anonymous said...: In my school days you needed money and brains to attend college. So...I didn't make it. Today I'm comfortable, but disheartened to see everyone expecting the same as others. There are winners and some not so fortunate. Notice I didn't say losers due to the political correctness. All are entitled to be winners now.; February 27, 2016 at 11:54 AM
Anonymous said...: This is a very democratic idea - surprising coming from a Republican.

If this is to foster economic growth by providing a more educated workforce, shouldn't "free" college be tied to courses that will supply the kind of workers needed here?

Seems to me the two need to be linked together.

Also, I'm not sure that "free" anything that has been provided by government has improved our society. It seems to dumb people down and create "entitlements" that grow dramatically over time.; February 27, 2016 at 12:17 PM
Anonymous said...: It's not logical to think this will help improve anything until the system is overhauled. What sense does it make to rewrite the SAT test because performance had fallen. That's what was done. Instead of improving the education system, the SAT was rewritten. The new test comes out this spring.; February 27, 2016 at 1:16 PM
Anonymous said...: I fail to see any economic benefit from this proposal. Okay so it keeps them around for 2 more years. It's not like they are going to be purchasing homes or anything else that boosts an economy.; February 27, 2016 at 1:31 PM
Anonymous said...: Sure it is Joe, sure free college is possible. All they have to do is handle it like voter registration and hand out diplomas. Done, everyone is a college grad.; February 27, 2016 at 1:54 PM
Anonymous said...: Over 65% of high school graduates currently enroll in college. There is no shortage of college enrollments but a shortage in job opportunities for them. The whole concept that there are these great number of overachieving high school graduates who want to attend college but can't due to costs seems like a big myth to me.
The economic benefit would be in those who would paying for the cost of community college may then spend the money locally which would boost the economy. It's the same idea behind quantitative easing being done to the stock market by the feds. Manipulating the stock market would then give investors more money to spend which in turn would boost the economy. Hasn't worked at all.; February 27, 2016 at 2:02 PM
Anonymous said...: " Anonymous said...

This is a very democratic idea - surprising coming from a Republican"

Right. The democrats have twisted not being able to pay off students loans to mean college isn't affordable. Their low information minions jumped onboard. They've obscured the real problem and have ignored the inconvenient truth which is a large number of college graduates in recent years have not been able to find decent paying jobs in their field of study. A lot end up working in hourly jobs that don't even require a degree.; February 27, 2016 at 3:03 PM
Anonymous said...: There are sooooo many kids who take advantage of Pell Grants and money that is given for education expenses. New iPhones, jacked up cars, bling bling. I was an adult student at WW not long ago so I know. Without *enforceable* rules surrounding the funding, eg attendance, missed assignments, etc., this is p***ing away money. There are many many adults who would love to have this opportunity and would stay in this area due to roots. Many of them work now but can't afford daily life bills plus tuition and books and child care. Catch 22 - can't get promoted or get a better job without a degree and can't get a degree without the $ to pay for it. That's the situation I was in and even with grants and scholarships, I still have a mountain of student debt for a Bachelor's. I think the money would be better spent in a pilot program open to adults and kids who have a HS diploma. They should also be required to perform community service as a credit course to contribute to the public that is funding them.; February 27, 2016 at 3:04 PM
Anonymous said...: Higher education doesn't seem to have the advantage it used to have unless you are a minority . Even then only for specific jobs.
Most higher educated people go to schools for employment .; February 27, 2016 at 3:48 PM
Anonymous said...: "Right. The democrats have twisted not being able to pay off students loans to mean college isn't affordable. Their low information minions jumped onboard. They've obscured the real problem and have ignored the inconvenient truth which is a large number of college graduates in recent years have not been able to find decent paying jobs in their field of study. A lot end up working in hourly jobs that don't even require a degree.

February 27, 2016 at 3:03 PM"

This is the problem. It isn't that all the jobs require degrees anymore but that having a degree takes precedence in hiring over those without. This is why you see recent law school grads taking jobs in the journalism field with small town newspapers and why those with journalism degrees are becoming bartenders. People with other degrees are becoming mail carriers and other USPO and government workers that don't require degrees but are hiring those with over those without. Those with architecture and engineering degrees are now office admins. Those with business degrees are receptionists in hair salons. It used to be it was accepted that a recent college grad would have to for a few years work in an job where they were considered over qualified but now it's becoming permanent for them and the wages and salaries can't pay off the loans.; February 27, 2016 at 4:35 PM
Anonymous said...: You are missing one small point.... This proposed education is entirely VOLUNTARY. The persons taking advantage of this program would more than likely WANT to learn more, as opposed to High School where attendance is required whether you want to learn or not.. Everyone should have the OPTION of learning as much as he can. If this program helps to obtain that goal it is a desirable one.; February 27, 2016 at 5:40 PM
Anonymous said...: No one's missed that point 5:40. What gave you the idea that anyone thought 2 extra years of school would be mandatory when everyone knows (except you apparently) it's not even mandatory to finish high school? New law you can drop out at 17. Used to be 16.; February 27, 2016 at 6:03 PM
Anonymous said...: 5:40 I think we all are aware it would be voluntary. It's voluntary now and that still doesn't negate the fact that the percentage of those who go on to obtain a 4 year degree is dismal. UMES is voluntary and only 37% graduate at all.
I think it's contrary to common sense or reason that just because this proposed idea is voluntary that only those who want to learn more would take advantage of it. In a perfect world maybe.; February 27, 2016 at 6:47 PM
Anonymous said...: Nothing in this world is free! The question is: how much do you want it? Give everyone a free shot..hold them to high standards; let them know they will have to work hard to succeed! A lesson not yet learned by our learn-ed phd Dr Freddy or his lackey Ray Hoy, who merely occupy positions. A couple of tea-pot generals...cashing in an literally "earning" nothing...(ask Del TEch about HOy!); February 27, 2016 at 7:14 PM
Anonymous said...: 6:03, the state of Maryland has changed the law to 17 this year, then 18 in 2017, 19 in 2018, 20 in 2019, and 21 in 2020. Graduating class of 2020 has to pass the 10th grade Common Core PARCC test in math and ELA in order to get a diploma.; February 27, 2016 at 7:27 PM
Anonymous said...: Hoy needs the numbers...he ran WWCC like a banana republic through fear and intimidation until he could impress the number crunchers at del tech who might see him as as asset...he thought he was leaving to double his salary until they smelled his BS...it's all about the students, right Murry? now he is lying low looking for a new way to smell better...get those numbers back up!!!; February 27, 2016 at 7:28 PM
Anonymous said...: As I understand it Ray Hoy brought this idea to Culver. I am surprised but pleased that Culver is forward looking enough to be on board. these students have to meet certain requirements. Also they have to pay for their books which can be very expensive and I think perhaps certain fees only their tuition is free.

Here's the deal when I went to college my Dad said, It's too bad I can't afford to send any of you boys to college. I went anyway. I managed to stay, graduate and get a position in my field because of a needs scholarship I applied for, a state tuition wavier program for my field of study and part time work. I thank everybody who helped me. I stayed in the area where I graduated and gave back.

I stayed in school while others dropped out, at least two dropped out because their parents did not send them enough spending money.

You never know who is going to be successful and who is not. There is nothing wrong with assisting a student who wants success.

There is nothing wrong with paying the tuition of students who qualify.; February 27, 2016 at 8:51 PM
Anonymous said...: Without reading any of the previous comments, I offer this perspective. There are people that did not go to college from the Salisbury area that I grew up with who have achieved the same level of success that I have with an undergrad and grad degree. It has less to do with the education than the intelligence, determination, and drive of the person. If you are smart enough to learn from others, humble enough to not want everything now and able to invest in your future rather than finance your lifestyle today, an advanced degree does not make a difference. Both have 7 figure net worth, own several homes, no car payments or mortgages, steady income stream and the freedom to enjoy life from our mid 40's forward. Work hard, invest your income, spend less than you make and you can have the same level of success.; February 28, 2016 at 1:06 AM
Steve said...: Here's what happens when our major employers in the County agree to chip in to pay for free college. First, they get Kudos for doing it, but as time goes on, you're looking at highly competitive businesses like Perdue, the drug manufacturers, Tishcon, etc. paying the way. A couple of minutes later, they all want to boost their bottom line and tell the City/ County that they don't want this extra "tax", as they are already taxed enough, and can't stay competitive if they stay here, so they either move or stop the free tuition thing. Now, the County/ City (read "taxpayers") have to pick up the tab for this, "for the children", and then you have taxpayer funded free "edumication", which we all know how that works for the first 12 years. NOT!

Sorry, Joe, I'm going to agree to disagree on this one with you! It just doesn't work. It's Socialism!; February 28, 2016 at 1:53 AM
Anonymous said...: Always find it interesting that people lack such forward thinking skills. Supply-side economics never works for anyone except employers who can then pay low wages. This is why Sanders the socialist is all for it. It keep people dependent. Shoehorning more unqualified people into college is supply-side at its worst. Pushing marginal students into higher education, leaving aside the obvious drop in standards, won't create more jobs-high level or otherwise.

If we magically gave every person in the US a, say, engineering degree overnight, we'd end up with, first, a large mass of overqualified people for the jobs that actually need filling, and second, an incredible drop in the compensation that would be paid to the engineers who would be needed. How this advances people is beyond me. This is the problem now and why wages across the board have remained stagnant AND why yes, it's not that college isn't affordable but that people can't pay off the loans.; February 28, 2016 at 7:38 AM
Anonymous said...: Thomas Edison said "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work"

Socialism at it's finest. Flood the market with qualified people and then wages drop significantly. All people then are on a level playing field. Everyone makes the same amount of money which isn't much and you are dependent on the government from cradle to grave.
Of course Big Business or any business for that matter would love this idea. It is all about supply and demand. The ONLY thing that is going to help this country at all is less people applying for jobs. When and until that happens will the economy rebound.; February 28, 2016 at 8:04 AM
Anonymous said...: The type of system I would agree with would provide your first semester free, and your second semester you would receive a tuition discount based on your performance the first semester. If you get a 92% average your first semester, you get a 92% tuition discount your second semester, and so on until completion. I would limit the benefit to your free semester plus 4 semesters of discounts, so anyone who couldn't get their act together and finish in 5 semesters would lose their discount, and I wouldn't offer any discount to students who could not maintain at least a 85% average.

You have to structure these kinds of programs so students have an incentive to achieve, or else you end up throwing money away.; February 28, 2016 at 8:12 AM
Anonymous said...: "There is nothing wrong with paying the tuition of students who qualify.

February 27, 2016 at 8:51 PM"

Are you doing it then? If not then go to your nearest college and stroke a check to the first student you see. Give them your name and address and instruct them to stop by each month to pick up their future checks.

The program doesn't sound as good as you first thought now does it?

It's easy to be a philanthropist with other people's money. Why not use your own and get back to us on the results.; February 28, 2016 at 8:17 AM
Anonymous said...: To say this isn't going to cost tax payers is ridiculous. 9 million dollars plus of Wor Wic revenue comes from tuition and fees.
The state of MD gives them 7 million plus.
Wic Co 3 million plus
Wor Co 1 million plus; February 28, 2016 at 8:21 AM
Anonymous said...: Most people go to college because it will give them a better career, and the fact is, there isn't a lot of call out there for Art History majors, nor Philosophy majors, nor Ethnic Studies majors, English majors or even Business majors at this point in time.
It's not that I am against education, but travel to any major metropolitan area. For every one person who actually got work in their field there are 10 with the same degrees who are making your drinks, and pouring your coffee and serving your omelet and they aren't happy about it.; February 28, 2016 at 8:36 AM
Anonymous said...: Sounds good in theory but a big economy destroyer.
An example would be H and R Block.
They hire tax preparers.
Those with accounting degrees and CPA's can't find jobs so they apply at H and R Block who is going to give them preference but they only have to pay them as much as they do a tax preparer. Then when the market is completely flooded with CPA's they don't ever have to give raises.; February 28, 2016 at 8:40 AM
Anonymous said...: As soon as you make college free then they will look at the grade disparity between races say it's racist and lower standards resulting in a degree that means you don't know anything. And create another generation of uneducated people.; February 28, 2016 at 9:30 AM
Anonymous said...: Those that can see this is socialism are right on track. Unfortunately those who are in favor of this don't get it. Most college students don't get it because they haven't the ability to think. Thinking has been completely wiped out of the US public education system for decades now.
Bernie Sanders isn't so much concerned about bettering anyone by giving them free tuition, but about the main tenet of socialism which is put everyone on the same economic level and this is only achieved by flooding a market.; February 28, 2016 at 9:38 AM
Anonymous said...: HS Students in Wicomico can already take Wor-Wic courses while still in HS and the BOE pays their tuition. So the opportunity is there to earn some college credit before HS graduation. Wicomico also offers AP classes in many subjects; students then take AP exams and may earn college credits that way as well.

WorWic already admits all applicants with HS diplomas, without regard to their HS grades. They screen and require remedial courses to bring those lacking college-ready skills up to the minimum before allowing them to take actual college courses. A high percent of new students require the remediation.

All Wicomico juniors now take the SAT - for free; this year's exam is scheduled for later this week.

There is little benefit to squandering scarce resources on those who have been unproductive in HS; they've had 12-14 years of free education already.

There is merit to looking at ways to assist those who are genuine strivers and have worked on their own behalf thus far. So some fill in the gap assistance for those enrolling, who have applied for all available assistance is worth considering.; February 28, 2016 at 9:49 AM
Anonymous said...: Joe you and Culver are being sold a con job. Okay so these noble businesses like Pohanka and Perdue and others are going to fund this. Oh it sounds so wonderful. Then as stated above when the market is flooded with qualified applicants and the businesses have a ton of qualified people applying for the jobs are they going to raise salaries ever then. Maybe just maybe for an exceptional employee but the fact remains there are many well educated qualified butts for each and every position now available.
Don't be so naive.; February 28, 2016 at 10:19 AM
Anonymous said...: Community College is a wonderful outlet to obtain your general education credits at a discounted rate - compared to traditional Colleges/Uni's. I hear in the northern VA area (at the Northern VA Community Colleges) they don't offer "free" schooling, but if attendees obtain a 3.0 or 3.5 in some cases to obtain an associates degree, they receive automatic enrollment (no competition) into other public VA traditional colleges/uni's. Nothing "free" except incentive.

Now if our home town counties want to offer something for FREE, yeah there are positives from an economic standpoint. However be very mindful to the old adage - nothing is ever free, NOTHING!; February 28, 2016 at 12:23 PM
Anonymous said...: 12:23 says "yeah there are positives from an economic standpoint"

I fail to see any. Would someone please tell me at least one?; February 28, 2016 at 12:56 PM
Anonymous said...: The US has a problem in recent years of over educated, underemployed. This is due to high rates of college grads but low amount of high education jobs. Jobs that did not need degrees before now need them to compete with other applicants. These people now have huge college debt without the college income. This is the biggest issue and the one that is never addressed and the one that needs to be addressed.; February 28, 2016 at 3:34 PM
Anonymous said...: Hope?

(snicker); February 28, 2016 at 3:55 PM
Steve said...: I concur with 334!; February 28, 2016 at 7:49 PM
Anonymous said...: While I'm a supporter of education, we have more pressing issues such as crime, employment, and homelessness that needs to be addressed first. If I received a degree once I graduated I'd leave the area for a more promising and stable environment. Wicomico needs to address the elephant in the room. Crime, jobs and attracting businesses to the area. Not trying to discourage the good this could provide, but there is no future in the tri-county area.; February 28, 2016 at 8:09 PM
Anonymous said...: I agree with 3:34 too and 8:09. We are supposed to believe that a more educated populace is going to miraculously make businesses that provide well paying jobs pick up and move down here? That's absurd.
The notion that this would be good for the economy is so contrary to logical thinking that saying it is absurd is an understatement.; February 28, 2016 at 8:41 PM
Anonymous said...: The people that can't afford the cost or loans can apply for the PELL grant and it more than covers all tuition and books for both years of attending a community college.

It is a grant and does not need to repaid.

If people want to provide money for local students to attend that is fine, but WorWic needs to add more programs that will attract companies that manufacture things.

The technology program needs to expanded.; February 28, 2016 at 10:33 PM
Anonymous said...: Forgive me for the reference and tothe constant barrage of local government but let's be honest about this whole situation. We had the perfect example here in salisbury city government. It's not about how educated you are its all about how much A•• your willing to kiss to get city position. How can you set the example set with your city administrator position removing one person with as much education required for the position and give it to someone because he'so on his knees with everybody he has to try to impress to get promoted?? He holds no formal education at all, what type of signal does that send !???; February 29, 2016 at 6:37 AM
Anonymous said...: Go to any high school guidance counselor and they will tell you that there are many scholarships that never get used. Also worwic generally makes our local high school kids take remedial classes because they can't meet the standards.; February 29, 2016 at 7:02 AM
Anonymous said...: What BS... Sure it is a good program, that is until the money from donations runs out. What do you do then? The people have been receiving this benefit for a few years and suddenly there is not enough to to support the need. The expectation has been set and we all know what will happen, that's right, the tax payers will have to pay for it. Sorry, you need some skin in the game... This system will also promote significant waste since the people going for free just walk away without and recourse. Bad plan, good intentions, but not well thought out at all. I saw enough to of this when I was teaching and daddy and mommy were paying...; February 29, 2016 at 7:20 AM
Anonymous said...: Truth!!; February 29, 2016 at 3:33 PM
Anonymous said...: Joe - reading a lot of good comments here but also a lot of knee jerk reactionary stuff too. I'm pretty conservative and I, like you, believe it's a good idea.; February 29, 2016 at 3:37 PM
Anonymous said...: "knee jerk reactionary?" Seriously 3:37? All of these comments show forward thinking skills which can hardly be described as "knee jerk reactionary."
Why is this such a good idea. Those who are saying it's a good idea can't seem to offer up any reason why or how this would improve anything. Most high school grads go on to college now. At this point in time most are working in jobs where they are overqualified. The employee pool is flooded with educated people who are working in the service industry such as restaurants.
Again why is this a good idea and how will it improve the economy.; February 29, 2016 at 5:06 PM

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Sunday, February 28, 2016

Comments Worthy Of A Post 2-27-16

Despite Claims From Clinton and Sanders, Free College Isn’t Possible

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