Bernie Sanders Free College and the Younger Generation's Motivation (An Open Letter to Bernie)

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Dear Mr. Sanders (or Bernie as the millennials call you): I have watched you talk about "free college" in your speeches and heard the hoots, whistles and cheers from what sounds like younger spectators. Granted college is not only for the young, but it sure seems this battle cry has brought you some fans. Not to be the bearer of bad news, but this is NOT a new idea, or yours alone. I am not talking about the other countries you point out that offer free college, but about the system already in place in this country. It's called parents...footing the bill to send the young ones off for an education. The problem is that oftentimes when something is free, people do not appreciate it or work as hard to keep it. Again, not to dampen your parade, but filling the colleges with kids on a free ride does not guarantee an "education". It is a lesson though, when anyone realizes given the right circumstances you can get something for nothing rather than "earn" it. You may though succeed in getting some off the couch though. The difference in the program you suggest and the one that is already in place in the US (the parents) is that in the existing program we know who is going to pay for it. The parents. Even with a student loan, often times it is the parents who bail the kids out. I know you do not like "bail outs" but this one happens almost every day. No, no...I don't expect you to go after these kids or their parents since you would probably be pursuing much of your voter base. Ask any parents who have gotten stuck with the bill since they all "feel the burn". In your program of Free College, I have yet to hear who is going to pay for it. No...not Wall Street...that answer is not a "one size fits all". Let me help you out...the people who would pay for your Free College are some of the same people in the existing program, namely the parents. Your program will also be paid for by the non-parents and every living, breathing tax paying American. I hope that cleared it up and you are welcome. I am all for making college, as well as food, shelter and health care affordable for ALL Americans but I know there is a cost to everything. My parents taught me the value of hard work and taking both your education and the rights of others seriously. I only wish we could become less of a country of hand outs, than a country that values lending a hand but also being willing to work with them. I will wish you the best yet I will not vote for you. It's nothing personal but I like good ideas but I also like the reality of seeing them happen. If you have any questions, you know where to reach me.