Aite, let’s be clear here. Hillary Clinton is about as cool as my uncle who wears golden toe dress socks with sandals and a linen short set to family barbecues. He was something like the man back in the day but his age, and lack of self-awareness, hasn’t allowed him to keep in constant contact with reality.
Sort of like Hillary Clinton.
When the Clinton’s were in the White House, they were the smoked Texas brisket of politics. Even if you didn’t like barbecue or smoked meat, you gave it a shot because the aroma was so intoxicating.
Fast forward some twenty odd years and one of the Clinton’s is back to vie for the presidency. This time it’s Hillary.
She’s been here before so walking this path isn’t new to her. But this time, she doesn’t have as much appeal and that brisket has dried out.
How does your student loan debt make you feel? Tell us in 3 emojis or less.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 12, 2015
On Twitter today, the person in charge of Clinton’s social media thought that it was a good idea to ask the users of the micro-blogging site to describe how student loan debt made them feel in three emojis or less.
While it was likely a light attempt to engage a younger audience, it just reminded me of an uncle trying to prove that he’s still cool as he sips a Natural Ice and two-steps to the Spinners “A Mighty Love.” It’s not cool anymore.
So, I’m hoping that you can imagine the responses she received. Clinton may not be aware that we were asked how we felt about carrying soul crushing debt. How our spirits maintain when debt collectors call with the bravado of federal laws feeding the strength of their voices as they ask when payment will be received. Either that or a check garnishment is headed your way.
Then again, Clinton may feel empathy. When the Clinton’s left the White House, she did say that they were “dead broke.”
Anyway, let’s keep this party going.
In addition to talking about wallet smothering debt, Clinton has a plan to try and change higher education in America. She wants to lower interest rates on student loans and make community college free.
Smile for Twitter, Hillary!
It’s not an earth shattering idea now because Obama and many liberals have talked about the importance of lowering the cost of a college education for awhile.
But what’s crippling about Clinton’s plan is that it may end up costing many young black men and women an opportunity to grow at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
With her plan, Clinton would provide incentives to colleges and universities that make post-secondary education opportunities cheap.
“The Clinton plan promises to increase subsidies to higher education by creating a system in which states are eligible to receive federal grant money if they commit to providing students with affordable post-secondary opportunities.”
Here’s the problem with that: the plan may end up taking money away from HBCU’s in order to provide those incentives to state schools who take part in the program.
HBCU’s receive federal and state dollars for investment purposes and to help keep them going. Without that money, some HBCU’s may be forced to close.
And yes, I realize that HBCU’s need more from their alumni and a wider economic base to pull from. But considering the history of why we have them in the first place, this isn’t necessarily a game of who can write the biggest check.
Clinton has already stumbled. If she keeps going this way, falling out with a few grumpy people on Twitter will be the least of her worries.
-JH
photo credit: Hillary Speaks in Indianola, Iowa via photopin (license)
The post Hey, Hillary! Here’s how I feel about student loan debt appeared first on Jason Henry Project.