[PoliSciStudent]

Trust me, I have read Marx, you can't study political science without having to read a lot of his stuff. He definitely got a hell of a lot wrong, but he had some interesting points nonetheless.

Speaking of reading, I have 1,000 pages to get through before class on Monday, so should probably get to work. But thank you all for your input, I really appreciate your taking the time to share your views with me, it's been educational.

Have a good weekend!

[grellis]

When you're done with your reading, please take a close look at post #17. Like Workerbee I am curious to know what you think.

[wtc911]

You say Marx made interesting points. What were they and why do you find them "interesting"?

[radiohead]

Now, if I were living in Europe ... I would actually be receiving a modest stipend to cover my living costs while I was in school.

I need to correct you here. I have a Norwegian friend who is going to school w/me here. She says that in Norway they still have to take out student loans in order to live. The "modest" stipend doesn't' begin to cover the cost of living, which is quite high.

In addition, there are a lot of things they have to pay for now, that used to be covered by the government. Even with the money from oil, the government just can't provide everything for everybody anymore.

You do a lot of complaining for a grad student. This is only part of your life. If you have to take a loan to finish school (or god forbid, get a job), you can still finish your program and you will have an income on the other side. Your current state of 'financial embarrassment' is transitory.

Most of my classmates gave up good jobs to go back for their PhDs. Being temporarily w/o funds is part of the package. I hardly expect the government to start redistributing the wealth because I choose to forgo a big income for a few years. Everyone makes choices. Some people choose to have 3 kids and not get married. Some people choose to drop out of high school.

I can't get too worked up over the choices other people make as it effects their income. Why are you afraid to let people live with the consequences of their choices?