As a matter of fact, the FAFSA and University grants were both in excess of my tuition and books costs by about $1,500 every semester, so I effectively got paid to go to school. Most of my peers however are taking out loans...why they do this is beyond me
Uh, maybe not everyone can get those kind of grants?
The only reason not to outsource is: Our local talent is better. The outsourcing problem is entirely wage-based: $50,000/year for American programmers versus $15,000/year for Indian programmers. If the Indian programmers are essentially on parity with Americans, or at least close enough, then you're better off working at McDonalds because you won't have college debt. If businesses want to hire American programmers at above-McDonalds wages, then
Can you try to not argue against what is exactly in front of you?
I'm not even sure what point you're trying to put in front of me. I would agree that apprenticeship style training is a positive thing. I just wouldn't agree that we should scrap investment in public education on the expectation of businesses to train everyone apprenticeship style. I think a good education system is what keeps our talent generally better than the code farms in India.
universal access to education doesn't provide greater upward mobility for the poor; it forces them to speculate, which gives them a hit-or-miss chance of success
Even if it's as bad as you make it seem, that's still a chance of success as opposed to not being educated and having 0% chance.
the businesses need these educated kids to succeed, and not enough rich kids have those degrees and those skills, so the businesses grab anyone who can absorb those skills and makes sure they get it.
The problem is they don't need to make sure of anything because there's plenty of investment from other countries to take advantage of. We live in a global economy, and we should be investing in our competitiveness.
Anyone can make an omelet with eggs. The trick is to make one with none.
