Student loans should be forgiven because education is a public good, and burdening individuals with crippling debt for pursuing knowledge contradicts the principles of a just society. Forgiving student loans not only alleviates the financial stress on graduates but also stimulates the economy by freeing up disposable income. It’s an investment in the future workforce and promotes equal opportunity, ensuring that economic status does not dictate access to education.
cripping : damaging somebody’s body so that they cannot walk or move well
contradict : to say that something that somebody else has said is wrong, and that the opposite is true
dictate : to tell somebody what to do, especially in an annoying way
While I understand the burden student loans can impose, forgiving them sets a dangerous precedent. It undermines personal responsibility and the contractual agreements individuals willingly entered into. If we forgive student loans, what about other debts? It’s unfair to those who sacrificed and worked hard to pay off their loans. Instead of blanket forgiveness, we should focus on improving education affordability and financial literacy to prevent excessive debt in the first place.
impose : to introduce a new law, rule, tax, etc.; to order that a rule, punishment, etc. be used
contractual : connected with the conditions of a legal written agreement; agreed in a contract
Acknowledging personal responsibility is crucial, but the student loan crisis is systemic. Many were pushed to take loans due to rising tuition and limited financial aid. Forgiveness isn’t about absolving personal responsibility but rectifying an unjust system. It’s an investment in a more educated and skilled workforce, benefiting society as a whole. Plus, the economic boost from graduates having more disposable income will far outweigh the cost of forgiveness.
absolving : to state formally that somebody is not guilty or responsible for something
rectify : to put right something that is wrong
unjust : not deserved or fair
outweigh : to be greater or more important than something
While the system may be flawed, forgiveness isn’t the solution. It’s an expensive and unsustainable approach that unfairly redistributes the burden onto taxpayers. Instead, we should focus on reforming the education system, addressing rising tuition costs, and providing more targeted financial aid. Blanket forgiveness doesn’t address the root causes and may lead to inflation in education costs.
Reforming the system is a long-term goal, but immediate relief is needed. Many graduates are drowning in debt, affecting their ability to contribute to the economy, buy homes, or start businesses. Forgiveness is a pragmatic step to jumpstart economic growth and ensure that education remains a viable path to success.
drowning : the process of dying because of being underwater and unable to breathe for too long
viable : that can be done; that will be successful
Immediate relief is essential, but forgiveness isn’t the only option. We can implement income-driven repayment plans, interest rate reductions, or targeted relief for low-income individuals. These measures address the urgency without the moral hazard of blanket forgiveness.
While those measures help, they don’t provide the sweeping change needed to tackle the student debt crisis comprehensively. Forgiveness is a bold step toward a fairer and more just society, ensuring that education is an opportunity for all, not a privilege for the wealthy.
sweeping : having an important effect on a large part of something
Summary
The debate centers on whether student loans should be forgiven. The proponent argues for forgiveness, citing it as a just and necessary step to address systemic issues, stimulate the economy, and ensure equal opportunity. The opponent emphasizes personal responsibility, suggesting alternative measures like income-driven repayment plans. The discussion touches on economic impacts, the precedent set by forgiveness, and the need for systemic reforms to prevent future debt crises.
