There is a ‘free lunch’ with student loans

In his Wednesday letter to the Review-Journal, Michael Kreps looks at the “real facts” of higher education in this country. His understanding of the facts, however, is somewhat out of touch with reality.

I first want to say that, in principle, I agree with him that students should be responsible for their own debt. But the reality is that we are not. Let me explain.

Under the current rules for government-sponsored student loans, students who make payments under the “Income Based Repayment Plan,” and who stay current for 20 years, have their entire remaining debt canceled, which creates a potential tax liability. Furthermore, those 20 years are reduced to 10 for graduates who choose to work in the public sector.

So for Mr. Kreps to suggest there is “no free lunch” is incorrect.

In light of the facts, though, and the $1.3 trillion student loan debt, my recommendation to those who administer such programs is to consider reducing the current loan rates of between 6 percent and 8 percent to, not the 0.75 percent suggested by Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren, but perhaps a more politically achievable 2 percent.

This would bring very real benefits for both students and the government. More students would be motivated to pay off their loans if the interest rates were lower and, conversely, growth of the mushrooming debt would slow over time and the government would be writing off a lesser amount.

Christopher F. Owen

Las Vegas

Cave man

In his Sept. 7 letter to the Review-Journal, Alan Stock takes issue with a recent commentary on early voting for being partisan. That is fine. But, Mr. Stock argues, “Mr. Trump has made it clear that he will not tolerate the violence that permeates communities across the country, minority or otherwise. He has expressed no disdain toward African-Americans, Latinos or any other ethnic community.”

Where has Mr. Stock been living, in a cave?

He should know that Mr. Trump was found guilty of housing discrimination. He should have seen Mr. Trump calling Latinos rapists and drug dealers and mocking a physically handicapped reporter. He should have seen Mr. Trump calling for a ban on any Muslim entering the United States. He should have seen Mr. Trump telling the world that a judge of Mexican heritage can not be impartial. And, he should have noted Mr. Trump’s insistence that the only black president of the United States was not born an American.

Richard L. Strickland

North Las Vegas

Stadium site

I have to agree with Mayor Carolyn Goodman regarding her logic in arguing that we use the Cashman Field site for the proposed domed stadium. Why must the developers build such a project near the already overcrowded Strip corridor?

And why pay millions of extra dollars on land purchases, etc.? I also believe Sam Boyd Stadium would be a good spot. Both places solve the parking issue, as well as minimize congestion.

Remember the cliche, “If you build it, they will come.” Even if it’s in North Las Vegas or east Las Vegas.

Joe Schaerer

Las Vegas