College kids complaining about budget cuts

[rebelboi]

I just saw where the college kids from all over Louisiana went to the capitol to protest against the buget cuts concerning their universities. They need to realize that we are in the middle of a recession and that Bobby Jindal doesn't want to ruin anyones education. He has to take money from somewhere and no matter where the cuts come from someone is going to be complaining. Jindal is doing exactly what he was put in office for and that was not to raise taxes and he hasn't been spending outrageous amounts of money that we don't have unlike other governors. They need to just cut Bobby Jindal a break and realize that the whole world doesn't revolve around their education

[BRDawg81]

I noticed in the article in the BR paper that Tech wasn't mentioned as having students at the rally. The ULL chili pepper was in attendance. Probably beats going to a ULL football game.

[champion110]

While I agree with some of your post, it is their right to protest and look out for their interests. The system needs to change, but the students are doing what they know how to do by protesting.

[LookingForResults]

While I agree with some of your post, it is their right to protest and look out for their interests. The system needs to change, but the students are doing what they know how to do by protesting.

Then they are not benefiting from that "college education." Labor union members know how to do as much. All they are demonstrating is the mentality that has us on the brink of insolvency - "cut the budget, but not in any area that affects me." These students should be learning about the underlying causes of our fiscal dilemma, the fundamental Louisiana constitutional amendments necessary to implement real reform, and the cost required to maintain duplicative higher education in virtually every town in the State.

[champion110]

Then they are not benefiting from that "college education." Labor union members know how to do as much. All they are demonstrating is the mentality that has us on the brink of insolvency - "cut the budget, but not in any area that affects me." These students should be learning about the underlying causes of our fiscal dilemma, the fundamental Louisiana constitutional amendments necessary to implement real reform, and the cost required to maintain duplicative higher education in virtually every town in the State.

Don't take my post wrong. I agree with the duplication of higher education is killing us.

[Brian96]

Then they are not benefiting from that "college education." Labor union members know how to do as much. All they are demonstrating is the mentality that has us on the brink of insolvency - "cut the budget, but not in any area that affects me." These students should be learning about the underlying causes of our fiscal dilemma, the fundamental Louisiana constitutional amendments necessary to implement real reform, and the cost required to maintain duplicative higher education in virtually every town in the State.

No, they are demonstrating a firm grasp of democracy in a republic (presuming, of course, that they don't really expect every demand to be met). Our system of government relies on the average citizens' ability to feel that their elected officials are taking their concerns into account when making decisions, and protesting is certainly a valid way to highlight their concerns. And you make it sound like their protesting is somehow to blame for the fact that politicians won't look at the real problems (i.e., going for quantity of college institutions rather than quality).

Every citizen has a right to voice concerns to the government regarding the way governmental policies affect them. Unless you are going to argue that one either doesn't have the right to publicly voice concerns with the government (a la fascism and dictatorships) or that only the elite have the right to voice their concerns.

[LookingForResults]

No, they are demonstrating a firm grasp of democracy in a republic (presuming, of course, that they don't really expect every demand to be met). Our system of government relies on the average citizens' ability to feel that their elected officials are taking their concerns into account when making decisions, and protesting is certainly a valid way to highlight their concerns. And you make it sound like their protesting is somehow to blame for the fact that politicians won't look at the real problems (i.e., going for quantity of college institutions rather than quality).

Every citizen has a right to voice concerns to the government regarding the way governmental policies affect them. Unless you are going to argue that one either doesn't have the right to publicly voice concerns with the government (a la fascism and dictatorships) or that only the elite have the right to voice their concerns.

If they are protesting for governmental reform that will result in a fundamental change in the way higher education is made available to Louisiana citizens, then I laud that attempt. If it is a simple demonstration of displeasure because their ox is being gored, then I resolutely stand by my post. Want to make a bet on which level they're protesting?

[Soonerdawg]

The right to assemble to get the attention of the government should not be questioned:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

My daughter attends USL, and she was asked to attend. She chose not to go. As she described it, her decision was not well received. Emotions are running very high on this subject.

She expressed that her decision not to go is grounded on the effect subsidized education is having on the value of her degree. She believes that if higher education were not subsidized, and all students had to pay their own way or obtain privately funded scholarships, then the colleges would be run more efficiently, cutting out six-figured salaries for the middle men at the schools. In addition, only those who had the discipline to save their money and invest that money and their time would get degrees, thus making her degree worth more.

Her opinion was met with near unanimous dissent from her friends. They screamed and yelled at her. People who describe themselves as Republicans and supporters of free enterprise threw every socialist argument as to why the government should fund higher education. Tempers were fulgent.

Of course, I have espoused similar beliefs, and undoubtedly, she has listened to me talk about this subject. What is funny is, she is even to the right of me on this issue.

The long and short of it is, I really don't think the universities want this fight. When the people see the inefficiencies and wasted money at the universities, they will choke. I'm starting to hear the people who don't have college educations starting to question public funding at all. When they find out we are building luxury apartments, resort style natatoriums and sending our volleyball teams to play in Hawaii, it is the people who will be revolting. A few professors and students holding signs will be a dawdle.

[PawDawg]

If they are protesting for governmental reform that will result in a fundamental change in the way higher education is made available to Louisiana citizens, then I laud that attempt. If it is a simple demonstration of displeasure because their ox is being gored, then I resolutely stand by my post. Want to make a bet on which level they're protesting?

You are exactly right.

If Jindal did what he really needed to do the folks who organized this protest (politicians and media) would be scrambling for another cause.

Bottom line...all these young people were/are sheep.

[PawDawg]

In 12 months this could be Louisiana and many other states...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40109371...ope/?GT1=43001

[RhythmDawg]

If the governer was doing what he should be doing he'd be closing ten of them.

[JFord]

If the governer was doing what he should be doing he'd be closing ten of them.

I have heard this could be happening. I don't know the number, but the closings could happen.

[RhythmDawg]

I have heard this could be happening. I don't know the number, but the closings could happen.

I don't believe he will force it. Word coming out of red stick is that he wants to be the guy that cuts the budget but doesn't close anything...political suicide...as he has his eye on the next prize higher up in politics.

[Brian96]

If they are protesting for governmental reform that will result in a fundamental change in the way higher education is made available to Louisiana citizens, then I laud that attempt. If it is a simple demonstration of displeasure because their ox is being gored, then I resolutely stand by my post. Want to make a bet on which level they're protesting?

And my argument is that it doesn't matter WHAT their position is, they live in a country whose form of government is dependent upon public discourse. If they feel that they want the government to act in a certain way, then they certainly deserve the opportunity to voice their concerns. When we start suggesting that only certain opinions are valid for public discourse we are well on our way to something far worse than the socialism that is so often whined about on this board.

Now, I will say, as a mental health professional, that if they actually believe that by protesting their agenda will be swallowed whole and implemented, then they are delusional. But as long as they are not being vile or violent, they certainly have the right to voice their concerns.

[Brian96]

I don't believe he will force it. Word coming out of red stick is that he wants to be the guy that cuts the budget but doesn't close anything...political suicide...as he has his eye on the next prize higher up in politics.

Doesn't everyone...and so the beat goes on.