I don’t defend the U.S. university system. The obvious ctiticism is that these pre-paid programs, while affordable, curtail the right of choice. In their defence, most state governments allow more or less free transferability. The drawback is that if a choice is made to attend a private university, you just receive your money back with accrued interest. (Which is still an enforced method of saving).

I have to admit the U.K. system is, though somewhat socialized, superior. I’m a lawyer. The British system of “good tender for hire,” and private barristers who both prosecute and defend, and who don’t have a choice if a reasonable fee is paid by either client or Crown, again somewhat socialized, is better than our system of underpaid public defenders.

It is, I think, the best argument in defence of caning as a necessary right of passage, and a way of life, rather than apologetic paddling.

The best deal in the United States now is the pre-paid tuition programs at state universities. Some, such as California, Texas, and Florida, are equal in quality to the top private schools. In Florida, for example, a payment of $14,359 to the state treasury the upon the birth of a child will guarantee four years of college education.

Most states have similar programs. If a lump sum isn’t possible, monthy payments before the child reaches junior high or so are still affordable.

David

-K

Highly entertaining blog, by the way.

I’m surprised there aren’t more American students here in the UK. The fees for foreign students are generally higher, but they are still nothing *like* those crazy figures.

The precentage of sex workers among American college kids must be something crazy with expenses like those. :)

Its our own American way of enforcing class boundaries. : I