free? really?

I love me some free stuff. Who doesn't? But I am not getting all rah-rahed about free college. In New York state, it's buzzing around the politicians.

Here's why I don't think it's brilliant:

1. It's not really "free". Someone has to pay for it. And just for example, why should Paul, who spent years paying off his own college loans, have "free" college taken out of his hard earned money in taxes?

2. Having things that are available to those under certain income levels seems to take away incentive to make more money, work more hours or days, because then benefits are lost. Can you imagine turning down promotions or full time work so you can continue to qualify for free or lower tuition, for yourself or your kids?

3. Samuel joined the Army, with the knowledge that he would be eligible for the G.I. Bill, the pot of gold at the end of the military service rainbow. One time he figured out how much he was actually making per hour, and it was laughable, but the benefits, like college afterward, really sweeten the deal. So if kids get college free just because....because...

4. In my opinion and limited scope, it seems those who are handed free college because of parents' income don't always appreciate it.

5. Seven of my kids have been in college so far, and some of them are still paying it off. The older ones got a little bit of help financially, but most of their tuition has been covered in loans. So now they have good jobs and work, should their taxes cover "free" tuition?

Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe we should just be happy to help. Maybe socialism really does work.

But hey, it's my blog, and sometimes I just like to rant.

Duke barked during the night, but I didn't let him out. So he helped himself to getting through the gate, and peed in the foyer. Then at 6:51, he was barking again. Am I never ever going to be able to sleep in on a Saturday, as long as he lives? And does that factor into the When Should We Put Him Down question, or is it just selfishness?

Emily, Mirielle, Joseph, Evelyn,Margaret, and Suzanne just left to work at the lacrosse game. Jonathan is at a weekend camping trip, Kathryn is leaving for California tomorrow to train for a Pharmacy Tech position. Sonja, Charlotte Claire, and Camille are still sleeping.

Last night, I went on an outing with my sister Cheryl. Hobby Lobby (I didn't buy a single thing, it's too expensive, ha, and I like thrift store prices), Joanne Fabrics, where I bought some pretty card paper for the girls for when they make houses, and some modeling clay that hardens, for making little clay pots. I also bought them some wood birdhouses to paint.

Then we went for dinner, which was relaxing and not too shabby. We ate at PizzaUno because she had a coupon. We rated it a 5 out of ten. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't really good, either, except for the fries, which we shouldn't have been eating anyway, ha. The grilled veggies were just okay, they were just thrown on the plates, served lukewarm,, kind of mushy. It was fun, but I wouldn't go there again, unless I had a really good coupon.

We stopped at the grocery store, and I am glad we did, because we were out of kitty food. They had pot roast for $2.49 a pound, and we have plenty of potatoes, onions, and carrots here. It's turning colder this afternoon, so I thought a nice cold weather dinner would be good.

Paul is coming home today! I am leaving in for the airport in a little while. Two weeks is a long time to be apart. I should be cleaning the house...:) I've been up for a while, did a little picking up, took a nice hot shower, and here I am, in the quiet, having a second cup of coffee.