02-18-2014, 07:18 AM
The link does not contain a summary. Here's a summary: Senator Ron Wyden proposes setting up a savings account for all children born in the US and depositing $500 in it that could be used only for the cost of college, to buy a home or to toward retirement. Similar legislation is contemplated for Hawaii.
The link does not adequately summarize the article and, in fact, leaves out very important information: That this is not a giveaway -- it is an investment in the future that will accrue interest until expended for specified purposes and that may enhance educational opportunity, provide shelter or secure a retirement.
Summarizing links is an oft-repeated request to provide a basic courtesy. I have no enforcement powers other than the power to invoke a courtesy by explaining why all Punawebbers may find it useful.
Courtesy is definetely in shorter supply here than it used to be. As for the libertarian arguments that this is "using someone else's money" or the suggestion that because government is involved the idea is doomed to failure, I have to say I am appalled at the increasing common and politically correct view that government is the problem. Government is all that stands between us an anarchy, or as I call it, libertarianism.
Government is perfectly capable of getting things wrong, but it is the method by which we express our common purpose. As to this particular idea, it seems like a noble-minded but weak one especially when you consider the massive investments of other countries in education and other matters that enhance the common good. ]
Unfortunately, America is in the grip of a philosophy that leaves our government, and therefore our nation, competing with one hand tied behind its back. That philosophy holds that any collective action -- action taken toward a common good and a common goal-- is evil because it infringes upon the rights of a particular person (for example, it takes taxes for a reason that a particular person disagrees with). Other governments have no compunctions about aiding their solar industries, fighting dirty on trade, or taking steps to provide for universal health care, a secure retirement, or quality, universal education. Here we can't even support the post office.
If this proposal comes to Hawaii, it should be considered a very small step in the right direction -- a mere gesture that suggests that we should at least be thinking about how we can get back to the ideal we once had that even a ditchdigger's son is entitled to a quality education and that to provide him (and others) with one will enhance not just his life, but the life of the nation and its ability to compete globally.
The link does not adequately summarize the article and, in fact, leaves out very important information: That this is not a giveaway -- it is an investment in the future that will accrue interest until expended for specified purposes and that may enhance educational opportunity, provide shelter or secure a retirement.
Summarizing links is an oft-repeated request to provide a basic courtesy. I have no enforcement powers other than the power to invoke a courtesy by explaining why all Punawebbers may find it useful.
Courtesy is definetely in shorter supply here than it used to be. As for the libertarian arguments that this is "using someone else's money" or the suggestion that because government is involved the idea is doomed to failure, I have to say I am appalled at the increasing common and politically correct view that government is the problem. Government is all that stands between us an anarchy, or as I call it, libertarianism.
Government is perfectly capable of getting things wrong, but it is the method by which we express our common purpose. As to this particular idea, it seems like a noble-minded but weak one especially when you consider the massive investments of other countries in education and other matters that enhance the common good. ]
Unfortunately, America is in the grip of a philosophy that leaves our government, and therefore our nation, competing with one hand tied behind its back. That philosophy holds that any collective action -- action taken toward a common good and a common goal-- is evil because it infringes upon the rights of a particular person (for example, it takes taxes for a reason that a particular person disagrees with). Other governments have no compunctions about aiding their solar industries, fighting dirty on trade, or taking steps to provide for universal health care, a secure retirement, or quality, universal education. Here we can't even support the post office.
If this proposal comes to Hawaii, it should be considered a very small step in the right direction -- a mere gesture that suggests that we should at least be thinking about how we can get back to the ideal we once had that even a ditchdigger's son is entitled to a quality education and that to provide him (and others) with one will enhance not just his life, but the life of the nation and its ability to compete globally.
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