$200k in LA is about equivalent to $75k in Oregon. at least in terms of getting the housing, living in the areas that are comprable. If you're making $75k here, you're renting or living in the ghetto. But one day I'll move back to Oregon I think. LA is too fucked up, its fun when you're just fucking around and doing whatevz, but its pretty hard to have a nice lifestyle here with a family unless you are balling.
I think Canadia is the same way with the stipend. I've spent some time in visiting elementary schools in Japan, its pretty crazy how they do it. They're there like 8am to 5pm. Lunch is eaten at the desk, at least where I went. Its like having a job, US kids have it easy!
That at least makes me feel good about what I make now here in the Portland Area. Of course.... While I dig the SoCal sun, since I have kids, I prefer most everything else Oregon has to offer a family living-wise...
as for the student loans. yeah, they are expensive. and there is little return. well, except technically if you do get that degree you do make way more over the course of your life on average. so maybe its not that bad?
Unfortunally you are right BP, with the current system and set of problems that would not be possilbe. But where there is a will there is a way. The way would be to completely resturcture the system and change our priorities as a nation. Military spending and entitlement programs would need to be cut. The tax system would need a drastic overhaul, health care would need to be fixed. Also we would need to stop focusing on problems that ultimatly have no (or little) bearing on our countries well being like God, Guns and Gays. Has anyone heard of the Robin Hood tax by the way? It probably deserves its own thread.
Agreed. With the level of partisan politics today and when each sides insists on governing under the banner "politics as usual", we will never make the necessary changes to make the country better- only more regulated under Big Brother as our freedoms continue to be chipped away at. But, until the voters have had enough, it will be what it will be.
