Troubles At SA Universities

This has been going on for some time and seems to be getting worse

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/23/world/africa/fees-must-fall-anatomy-of-the-student-protests-in-south-africa.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Feducation&action=click&contentCollection=education&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=8&pgtype=sectionfront&_r=0

 

I will be in Pretoria and Capetown Jan and feb 2017. I am meeting with one of the top lawyers who has connection with the ANC. I will definitely convey my disappointment.

 

"Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore."

So discretion may be the better part of valor.

 

Hey, you are right.

 

To be honest, I think that students attending U.S. universities need to be watching this situation very closely. I hate that these protests lead to violence, injuries, and arrests, but at least these students are standing against what could be, to a relative extent, considered a "nominal" tuition increase.

Just look at the tuition increases at the UC system a couple years back. 5 percent a year for the next 5 years! Sure, there has been some backlash, but the students in America seem to be MUCH more interested in staging protests against "controversial" campus speakers than against steeper tuition hikes than those that people in other parts of the world are staging much more animated protests over.

 

US Students are encouraged to ignore costs at most institutions. Fill out the FAFSA. Don't worry, we'll take care of everything. Just sign these forms and you'll be all set!

Compare to students in other countries who may: 1) Not have access to student loans 2) may be working part-time jobs to pay their tuition and living expenses and you get a very different situation.

We live in a debt culture. It's expected that you'll carry debt. Lots of it. Mortgage, student loans, car loan all together should keep you comfortably in the six figure debt range for the bulk of your life. Throw in the occasional credit card and you're never off the hook.

Compare, again, to other nations where you likely can't have something unless you have cash in hand or a significant down payment.

We're all about instant gratification. And we're the best at it.

 

I agree completely. Out of site, out of mind (until the bubble bursts and we're all paying the tab, of course!)