Hurray for U.S. Rep. Jared Golden. Sharing his ideas on how students can expand their education beyond high school in an Aug. 19 Sun Journal article was very positive — in no way was this “divisive and nasty” as quoted by political science professor Amy Fried.
We applaud Jared’s insight into the fact that a loan is an adult responsibility that should not be treated as an entitlement. As far as making a living in rural Maine, the population, remote access, and professional services available are always going to be a challenge. Let’s get back to a “common sense” approach to life and all its responsibilities.
In response to Tiffany Bond’s statement “what the hell is wrong with you, Jared?” — Tiffany should wake up. If she thinks a free education will lure “dentists, doctors, lawyers, teachers or anyone requiring a professional education” to rural Maine, she should think again.
Rather than giving a free education, a grant could be attached to a student loan that would require working in rural Maine for a specified length of time. This would solve two problems — this would attract students who need financial assistance in furthering their education and get more professionals to work in rural Maine.
We and our parents paid to further our education. It’s not fair to burden the citizens of Maine or add to their tax burden by paying for this generation in furthering their education as well.
A free education is not free — someone pays for it.
Reginald W. Gammon and Ann T. May, Auburn
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