Staff Reports
The Biden administration’s latest push for student loan forgiveness is a masterclass in political pandering disguised as economic compassion. President Biden claims his $39 billion plan will relieve 804,000 borrowers by erasing some of their student debt. But the proposal is more a publicity stunt than a viable policy. We’re talking about spending billions to help a fraction of the population, much of it likely affluent, with little to no economic impact on the rest of the country. Meanwhile, those who sacrifice for the nation—our men and women in uniform—are left facing outdated salaries and subpar housing, with little promise of relief.
Student loan forgiveness shifts responsibility away from individual choices, undermining values of accountability and perseverance. Many borrowers knowingly took on these loans, often to pursue degrees in fields with little job security. They weren’t duped or misled—they signed on the dotted line with full knowledge of the terms. What does this policy tell those who worked hard to pay off their loans or pursued practical, less costly education options? If the administration insists on spending, why not invest in areas that benefit all Americans, like military support, instead of coddling a privileged few?
Our military is in dire need of a raise—plain and simple. Currently, enlisted soldiers struggle with low wages, poor living conditions, and the toll of relentless deployments. It’s a national disgrace that many service members are forced to rely on food stamps or second jobs just to make ends meet. We’re seeing a decline in military recruitment as young people turn away from a career that doesn't financially support them or their families. If Biden can find billions for loans, surely he can fund much-needed raises for the brave Americans defending our freedom.
Prioritizing debt relief over military support sends a disheartening message about where our leaders’ priorities lie. Students can bounce back from debt with time, effort, and smarter financial decisions, but military personnel don’t have that luxury. They put their lives on the line every day, making unimaginable sacrifices that keep our nation safe. These individuals deserve more than words of thanks; they deserve financial security and the resources to thrive after their service. A military pay raise isn’t just a matter of economics—it’s a matter of national respect and honor.
Biden’s plan also does little to address the root causes of rising college costs, effectively putting a band-aid on a gaping wound. By bailing out student borrowers, the administration ignores the real problem: a bloated, exploitative higher education system that takes advantage of young Americans. Forgiveness plans only fuel the cycle, giving universities a green light to continue hiking prices, knowing the government will come to the rescue. If we want to fix student debt, we should start by addressing the costs and improving the education pipeline—not by dumping billions into temporary fixes.
Ultimately, Biden’s student loan forgiveness proposal is about gaining favor with a specific voter demographic, not building a better, stronger nation. Real patriotism would involve raising military wages, investing in defense, and ensuring that the heroes serving our country don’t have to worry about paying rent or feeding their families. If the administration truly cared about “serving Americans,” it would focus on our military first, as they have already paid the ultimate price in dedication, discipline, and sacrifice. Biden’s priorities, however, seem firmly anchored in a strategy that values the politically advantageous over the genuinely necessary.
