What a nerve the free-riding generation has. First they get an almost-free education. Then they screw up the planet for us and get rid of our free education. Then they allow housing prices to skyrocket and do nothing, and finally they get to retire for free too. Student loans have now totaled $10 billion! What the hell man, what the hell?
Our economy is larger than ever before, and we are far wealthier than ever before overall. But getting an education is more and more expensive. Why? Eight and a half years of Labour and all they've done is give us measly interest free loans - already late in the game too. If we'd wanted unsustainable economic growth we would've kept National in power.
A couple of shocking facts:
There is a significant reduction of university enrolments from students from poorer backgrounds, down from 15 percent in 2004 to 6 percent in 2007.
Average student debt has risen 54 percent in the period 2004 to 2007 to a disturbing $28,838
(Source: NZUS Income Expenditure Survey 2007, wording from Young Greens $10 billion debt day leaflet)
So the income and education gap is growing between rich and poor, and the mountain to climb to reach a debt-free life for all is growing too. No wonder so many people are moving off-shore. It's like we're forcing them out.
We need free education and a Universal Student Allowance so we can live. Everyone will be richer for it. Education is fundamental to quality of life and advancement of society.
I'm not looking forward to starting my life of debt when I start studying next year.
