Ariza – I don’t know anything about starfish and I’m off my political kick now!

NATUI – Cheers.

Yello – I know, I kept it in state to make things more or less equal. In reality, if Zach were to go to UGA, unless we moved to Georgia, it would cost a small fortune.

Headbang – And all three of you are in jobs that require a university degree.

Damon – That’s one of the reasons for the discrepancy in cost. A Bachelor’s degree in the UK or Oz is three years as opposed to 4. They’re not so interested in a liberal arts education here. I have mixed feelings about that as I think a liberal arts focus makes people more interesting, but it is a bit of a waste of time and money.

Tys – No offense, but your situation is my worst nightmare and the reason I won’t come back.

Mickey – Well, the bad news is that it ain’t easy. The Australian government won’t let just anyone in. In fact if I wasn’t (de facto) married to an Australian citizen, I probably wouldn’t be able to get in. The best chance for you is to be a third world refugee. Hey, give it some time. If the American economy doesn’t shape up maybe you will be.

Chris – Yeah, sorry about that.

Danielle – You may be the first commentator to use ‘word’ in that particular manner. Well done. I know that you’re happily in my situation now. Isn’t it nice to have one less damn thing to worry about?

loras last blog post..

Word.

I personally have come to the conclusion that there is conspiracy going that ensures (most) American’s health care and annual leave plans are so ultra-crap that Americans don’t have enough time or energy left when they get their days off to actually roam outside of the country and SEE for themselves that, perhaps, there are some things that other countries are doing a bit better. It’s quite sad. Especially because so many Americans are so indoctrinated to “their way” that when someone talks about possible alternatives they absolutely freak out. (Hello dad: Barack is not a commie.) And about going back to what the Founding Fathers wanted. Get over it. No government can exist in a time vacuum, change is not going to destroy us all.

(Qualifications for my crazy co-rant: lived outside of the U.S. for 5 years total and in 4 countries.)

but, obviously I’m in the choir haha.

Danielles last blog post..Baby Back Ribs

All I can say is the system is broken my friend.

chriss last blog post..Easter Phony

My very first speech in my freshman Public Speaking class (at no less of a fine southern institution than your own) was titled “Taxes are Good.” I was attempting to counter the very anti-tax attitude you speak of. It’s funny that any people who pay such a large percentage of their income into the tax coffers should have such a dim view of the concept; not that they should be happy about it, exactly, but you’d think they would be more aware of what their taxes do for them and more involved in making that money do even more.

Ensuring adequate health care and education for the entire population would be a good place to start.

mickeys last blog post..I’m working on it, I promise

Here I am, laid off, and worrying about my kiddos. They have some coverage, and will be alright if things get bad. But I have no insurance at present. And that’s scary. Last time I got laid off, I ended up in the hospital. Even with their assistance, I still ended up paying way more than I could afford.

I’m not smart enough to know the ins and outs, but I’m just bored enough to worry . . .

tysdaddys last blog post..Corona

Damons last blog post..What to do with the 2nd Half of My Life, Part Duh

What both Arizaphale and I did, was put the course credits to good use in degrees we DID value, no less because the tuition was paid.

In both our cases, we went straight to law school from high school (that’s a difference between the US and British systems) so frankly, it was more like a case of changing majors.

One of the things we were able to do because it was free, was to follow our natural bent rather than being forced to complete a law degree in order to make money to pay for it. I regard the system turning out an educated man, as opposed to a skilled lawyer, as a success.

That said, I think both Ariza and I would agree that there were a few who did actually abuse the system, and it’s one of the reasons why the system changed. But the principle that we, as a community, ought to band together to help our young people get the best start in life, and to follow their instincts, is a ood one.

headbang8s last blog post..Photo Friday: Circular

yellojkts last blog post..Gondolamania

NATUIs last blog post..Nothing Left But Ashes