Biden vs. Nebraska

“Part of the problem in this country with many folks is they blame everyone else for their problems, financial or otherwise.” – Bob Williamson

One of the more controversial issues being pushed by the Biden administration these days is student loan forgiveness. Then-candidate Biden pledged to forgive as much as $400 billion in college tuition debt (up to $20,000 per student); and now-President Biden seems determined to keep that promise, despite the recent Supreme Court ruling that his plan is unconstitutional.

Undaunted, President Biden recently issued an executive order to cancel $116.6 billion of debt for 3.4 million former students starting with $39 billion for an estimated 804,000 people who have made monthly loan payments for at least 20 years. However, that order is being contested by the Cato Institute and the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, both of which have sued the Biden administration in federal court.

Politics aside, to me the issue seems relatively simple. No one twisted anyone’s arm to go to college or to take out a loan to pay for their tuition. Likewise, no one forced prospective students to major in Art History, Gender Studies, or one of the other fields of study that don’t necessarily translate into a well-paying job.

And so, critics ask, why should taxpayers be forced to pay for the poor financial decisions and/or career choices of others? Should a welder who chose trade school over a 4-year college be penalized for following a different career path? How about someone who enrolled in a community college instead of a private university because it was cheaper? Should they be required to subsidize those who went to a far more expensive school?

In today’s quote, Bob Williamson addresses the underlying question, which is personal responsibility. Whether we like it or not, Bob asserts, our actions have consequences. For instance, if we spend frivolously and impulsively, we may max out our credit cards and damage our credit rating. Eventually, such irresponsible behavior could result in financial ruin including personal bankruptcy.

The same goes for our health. If we eat fast food seven days per week, smoke two packs of cigarettes per day, and drink alcohol to excess, we shouldn’t be surprised if we become obese, develop diabetes, get lung cancer, or suffer from cirrhosis of the liver.

And yes, if we reject Jesus’ blood sacrifice on the cross, we will spend eternity in hell, separated from God forever and ever. The choice is ours... so choose wisely.

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” Galatians 6:7-8 (NKJV)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President