General | The Federal Octopus
November 27, 2010 | Author Philip
Does the federal government have the Constitutional right to discriminate in its support of educational programs?
Whose money is used to support educational programs?
Where does the federal role begin and end as compared to local community and State roles?
Don’t misunderstand, those who express concern about federal involvement in education are not against education; to the contrary, those who express this concern are dedicated to an excellent education for all. Federal interference over the decades has not resulted in educational excellence. And, with what power or special insight does the federal government decide which educational programs are deserving or taxpayer support? Some education is desirable yet may not lead to direct employment.
From the Department of Education web site:
“The Obama Administration released today its proposed regulations requiring for-profit career colleges to better prepare students for “gainful employment” or risk losing access to federal student aid. The proposed rules seek to protect students from taking on unsustainable debt they cannot repay and to protect taxpayers from high loan default rates.”
Interesting to note are two things in this introductory statement: 1) linking student aid with a federal oversight definition of gainful employment, and 2) use of the word “protect” – as in “to protect students” and “to protect taxpayers” – when I hear of federal governmental protections that are ‘extra constitutional” (go beyond that which is provided by the Constitution), I hear that a federal official or agency will decide for me what is in my best interest. Sounds like socialism to me. (Read more from the Dept of Ed web site.)
Posted in General | Tags: Constitution, Education, Taxpayer | 1 Comment »