Entitlement should be based off need and merit, not on what we believe we are owed
Senator Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio Cortez’s popularity among those under the age of 40 shouldn’t come as a surprise. Their platform, one rooted in Democratic Socialism, offers an opportunity to transfer any financial responsibility of education or healthcare to the American taxpayer, and that’s an enticing offer for those that believe their economic prospects are limited. Despite the fact that the majority of Americans pay no taxes, (44% in 2018, 61% in 2021) the belief that these programs will somehow be covered with extensive tax increases seems to go against any sort of financial logic. To be fair, a majority of the Americans that pay no taxes includes many over the age of 65, and the 2021 increase was greatly due to employment layoffs during the Covid-19 pandemic. Many younger people entering the workforce often do not make enough to pay federal taxes, and one argument often mentioned is that wage increases would move many into a higher income category, resulting in more taxpayers.
Sanders, who describes himself as a Democratic Socialist, often touts Norway, Sweden, and Denmark as successful examples of countries that offer free education and healthcare. Denmark’s Prime Minister Lars Rasmussen and Nordic economists have dismissed his claims, and it’s important to realize that the average income earner in Denmark, ($43,000 US dollars) pays about 45% of their income in taxes. There is a 25% sales tax on cars, as well as other products such as fuel, tobacco and alcohol. The total population of all three countries is equal to New York City, and the cultural background is one rich with a strong work ethic and strong community bonds. In a country of 330 million with vastly significant cultural differences and backgrounds, it’s difficult to believe that the United States could develop a similar system and be successful.
There’s no doubt that higher education costs greatly impact not only the individual, but their families as well. Half of Americans aged 18-29, and 18% of 25-34 year old’s still live at home. Currently there is over a trillion dollars in student loan debt, with the average college student owing about $40,000. According to several studies, the US ranks last in healthcare among 11 other nations, therefore intensifying the argument for universal health care coverage, which the other ten do have.
Yet if you open your mind and look at these numbers from a different perspective, you can see that there are several inconvenient factors that are rarely addressed. Sure, many countries subsidize tuition through government, yet if you break down costs, most of them spend far less than the United States does on administrative costs, as well as other expenditures such as dorms, dining halls, and sports. Despite the cost of college, the US is sixth when it comes to the most educated countries in the world, and with the exception of Israel, which requires small tuition fees or 90% of college paid for with military service, the others do not offer free tuition. Though we rank 11th among other nations that offer universal healthcare, we rank 10th in obesity rates, and 3rd in diabetes. Sweden, Australia, Germany, New Zealand, Norway the Netherlands, UK, Canada, France, and Switzerland rank substantially lower, though wait times for medical treatment in all of those countries with the exception of Canada are much higher. The United States also spends the most out of any country on medical research.
We can debate the cost of healthcare, yet we should be united to realize that are most vulnerable populations, the elderly, children, and those with disabilities should receive the best healthcare coverage. That requires the rest of us to pay into the system. This isn’t exclusively about money, but by investing in our health with proper nutrition, exercise, and minimizing or better yet eliminating vices such as smoking, alcohol and drug use. 18.8 billion dollars is spent on college sports, and although I believe sports is an important part of a student’s life, it is puzzling that this figure is hardly addressed, considering that three times more money is spent on athletics than students. Before we discuss free college, it might be important to look at what we pay college coaches. If college institutions were responsible for student loans, you can almost guarantee that they would take on a bigger responsibility in promoting certain majors.
I do not claim to have all the answers to the challenges we face. However, I do believe we have a greater responsibility to our fellow citizens. This requires sacrifice and hard work. It requires us to accept accountability for our actions. Entitlement means the right to have something. But with that right, who loses rights. I never graduated college, served in the military and though I have had my share of health concerns, I find it hard to believe that I would need to pay 45% of what I earn in taxes to cover entitlement programs. The grass is not always greener, and it’s time to realize that the only thing we are owed is opportunity. From there, it’s up to us.
Until next time
JPN