Vincent Said:

Why do liberals think that America needs a well-educated work force?

We Answered:

Well, your question goes to the different philosophies of CONservatives and Progressives. CONservatives want to do away with this democratic society and replace it with a new Aristocracy of wealthy elites who rule over a serf-class of under-educated worker bees. Progressives embrace the purpose of the Constitution that our Founding Fathers established for this nation in that EVERYONE should have an equal opportunity to find success, be it financial or otherwise. CONservatives want only a scant few to have most of the wealth and power while Progressives want everyone to have the opportunity to share in everything life has to offer.

To that end, a well-rounded education pushes humanity farther. There is much more to life than merely learning some monotonous trade/skill and going home to eat fast-food and watch sit-coms on TV.

More than that, learning about alternate points of view, particularly in regard to economics, is vital so that those experiencing financial difficulties today (December 2010) can understand that it has been thirty years of failed CONservative economic ideology that brought the USA and the world to this point. The CONservative LIES that unfettered Free Market Capitalism IS the ONLY and BEST ideology are finally being revealed for what they are: A Fascist agenda by the wealthy and powerful. It is only by studying Keynesian economics (which works!) and Marxist Political philosophy (which is far more empathetic than free market Capitalism) that future generations will hopefully be able to avoid a repeat of the current financial disaster brought on by failed CONservative ideology that says "I got mine, you get yours, and if you can't, then F YOU!"

But back to the main question regarding why anyone would opt to study liberal arts topics instead of signing up to a mere trade school. The answer is because, while the world needs ditch diggers too, not everyone wants to just do menial labor for a living. MANY successful authors and filmmakers and musicians have studied a vast array of subjects that have nothing to do with learning which lugnut to fasten onto a bolt. While many tradesman are still eeking out a living (until Republicans manage to kill off the economy completely), the fact is that most University educated people earn more money consistently than those who settle for a skilled trade.

The beautiful thing about this nation is that everyone is SUPPOSED to be able to pursue any interest they have and hopefully are able to make a viable living by doing it. Of course CONservatives are out to thwart that kind of freedom by hoarding as much wealth and power as possible. They want to be the Masters of the Universe leaving the rest of us to be their slaves. If there was any reason to study "silly" things, it would be to know how to better fight against Fascists like US CONservatives so that our democracy can be preserved for future generations.

Glenn Said:

Why hasn't congress even thought of universal education instead of healthcare?

We Answered:

Because the government already controls most of our schools in some way, especially K-12. They have done a really poor job at running it too.

Government is never the answer, only the problem.