It's no secret that among the major Western nations the U.S. is one of the few that makes virtually no federal provision to make higher education more affordable. Whereas in many European countries the state subsidizes the cost of higher education, enabling most citizens to attend college for relatively free, the U.S., in large part, does not.  Hence, people who wish to attend college must, in most cases, find the money to do it.  Many therefore take out loans.

   Over the last few decades, the total amount of these student loans has reached nearly unimaginable proportions:  over a trillion dollars.  Some people can pay their debts quickly; others, not so much.  Some find well paying positions after finishing school, but others do not.  They're therefore saddled with their college debt for decades after finishing school.

    Well, it's their choice, isn't it?  It is, but it isn't:  only students from affluent families can avoid taking out loans.  Millions of others must.  Should the U.S. government "forgive" part of these loans?  It's complicated.  The larger issue, however, is the type of country the U.S. wishes to be:  how much does everyone really want to look out for each other?

    Don't forget the common good.