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Too true, Tom.  A college education is great.  I wouldn't trade mine for anything.  But, college isn't for everyone.  As you point out, there are good paying, middle-class jobs in all kinds of trades and professions that don't require a college degree.  Our public education is designed to funnel students to college, but does a poor job of preparing students for something other than college.  Our state (and nation) now has a shortage of plumbers, electricians, heavy equipment operators, machinists, carpenters, welders, and all the other "infrastructure" jobs that make modern life possible.  This labor crisis will only become more acute as the boomers retire.  How about them?

posted 3 years, 12 months ago
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There are some of us out here who will retire at the height of our education and training because employers no longer want us around. Employees of long experience are sometimes perceived as a threat to their (often) younger supervisors or managers. Most workplaces are trying to attract younger workers, and having a lot of grey hair in the office or shop might not be as attractive.

posted 5 years, 1 month ago
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This was a good and timely show. I want Bill and Mandy to know how much we all appreciate their service. I am against the war in general, but I fully support the troops, and I think they deserve our full support, and all we can do for them when they return. This can seem like a contradiction, but I don't see it that way. The Iraq war is ill-advised, and is a distraction from the real fight in Afghanistan. The servicemen and women who have signed up to serve didn't have the choice to fight - it was and is their job. They are there for us, and we have to be there for them, both while they serve overseas, and when they return. Like it or not, we owe them a lot for what they do, regardless of our personal opinions about the war. It is shameful when we cannot support our servicemen and women properly, either overseas or at home.

posted 5 years, 4 months ago
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