President Joe Biden visited Delaware State University on Oct. 21 to discuss the federal student loan debt forgiveness program that would allow up to $20,000 in debt cancellation for those who qualify. Since loan forgiveness has featured prominently in other initiatives, such as the Paycheck Protection Program for businesses at the height of COVID-19, why do you think students should or should not get a similar break?
- You took out a loan, you pay it back. I paid off my ex-wife’s student loans 15 years ago (about $9,000). Took us three years and disciplined finances to make it work. If you’re going to forgive debt, then everyone who paid off their loans should get their money back, too. If that sounds ludicrous to you, then so should this debt cancellation program. — Matthew Fisher
- You actually can file for reimbursement. Facts are critical! — Shakti Yoga Tribe
- We cannot afford another big money expenditure. Besides, the wrong people are having to pay for irresponsible college debts. You should not borrow more money than you can afford to pay back yourself. Choose a reasonable college. — Dorothy Shelton Leslie
- I hope those and any students understand that this only applies to students with loans through the Department of Education, not bank loans, etc. This is also another screwing to many more than it helps, and I’m sure that will reflect on Election Day. — Bob Hice
- I paid off my student loans. With that said, I have no problem with it. Look how many politicians either owned small businesses or spun off parts of their companies, received Paycheck Protection Program loans and had them paid off. Then, consider how much of the taxpayers’ money goes to pork projects. Then, look at how borrowers were hoodwinked into taking out loans for degrees that were way overpriced because tuition is out of hand. I pay my taxes and would rather that they be used to actually help somebody than to have them spent on some “going-nowhere” project thought up by some politician to pander to the rich in his state. — Dan Fluman
- So you’re argument is basically, “We waste taxpayers’ money on other things so let’s waste it again because this cause will make me feel better.” — Robert Paul
- No. It’s the right thing to do because of a broken system perpetuated by the government, banks and the universities. — Dan Fluman
- No, it isn’t. I’m not responsible for someone else’s loan they took out voluntarily. Fix the system first, and then, we can discuss student loan forgiveness. Otherwise, we will be doing this again in 10-15 years. — Robert Paul
- Now, they will spend it on both. — Gerard Grega Sr.
- If I am paying for someone else’s education, I want a percentage of the income they make by having the degree. Why stop there? Why not forgive mortgages, car loans? Or, heck, let’s forgive all debt. If you borrow the money and don’t want to share your paycheck, pay off your own debt. — Diane Butters-Eastburn
- Don’t give them anymore vote-buying ideas. — Kathi Adronene
- Whether the student debt transfer should take place is a question solely within the realm of Congress. It requires legislation voted on by the representatives of the people. The executive branch cannot do this, pursuant to the separation of powers clause. That is why the litigation, which has already been successful in getting injunctive relief, will ultimately prevail on the merits. Unless and until the Congress passes legislation concerning student debt (as they did for small business through the Paycheck Protection Program), this discussion is irrelevant. But if this is merely a vote to see whether a person is in favor of it, count me as a no. And I suggest the majority also will be no, or else various politicians would be pushing this matter through Congress, which would be required for it to actually take place. — Chuck Connors
