GOP Presidential Candidate Rick S#######: The Habitual “Line Stepper?”

In recent months, Rick S####### has made some jaw-dropping comments throughout his campaign run for the GOP presidential nomination for the office of President of the United States, and his latest comments are no exception. In a recent interview with conservative media personality Glenn Beck, S####### said, “I understand why Barack Obama wants to send every […]

In recent months, Rick S####### has made some jaw-dropping comments throughout his campaign run for the GOP presidential nomination for the office of President of the United States, and his latest comments are no exception. In a recent interview with conservative media personality Glenn Beck, S####### said, “I understand why Barack Obama wants to send every kid to college; it’s because they are indoctrination mills.” He followed up with, “The indoctrination that is going on at the university level is a harm to our country.” This was astonishing to many. 
When S####### said, “I don’t want to make Black people’s lives better by giving them somebody else’s money. I want to give them the opportunity to go out and earn money” to a crowd in Sioux City, Iowa. Right before the Iowa caucuses in January of this year, he and his camp were quick to jump on that statement, try to smooth it over, and explain it away, even though S####### had said it more than a few times and in a few different places.   However, this latest go round of unbelievable statements made by the candidate are being treated as legitimate discussion points on behalf of the campaign. S####### stating that, “Obama doesn’t just want Americans to go to college, he wants to remake you into his image. I want to create jobs so people can remake their children into their image not his,” doesn’t seem to raise any red flags for his supporters or team. This is in one word – alarming. 
To call the President of the United States of America a “snob” because he is trying to make it affordable for every child to get a quality higher education, is beyond amazing. Especially when according to a 2010 USA Today article, out of 34 countries, the U.S. ranked 14th in reading, 17th in science, and 25th in math. It would seem this is the time to add a needed boost of energy toward our children’s economic futures by supporting colleges and universities nationwide, as well as through a much-needed dialogue with our kids about the types of futures that are ahead of them if they do not receive a college education. Instead, S####### has asked his supporters not to donate to colleges and universities.
It’s not about “snobbery,” or whether you are Democrat or Republican. It’s really not even about race or gender. It’s about giving our children a fair shot at a decent life. Yes, Mr. S####### is correct, not everyone has to go to college to get a job; however, the ones who do, end up having a better time of it in life. The ones who do not, end up working harder and are more likely to fall into poverty at some point in their lives. This is not to speak in absolutes; however, if the past is to be used as a predictor for the future, then we can surmise that this is only going to become a bigger divide as we move ahead in the 21st century.
It is especially insulting when Rick S#######, after a barrage of questioning from David Gregory on “Meet The Press” on February 26, finally admitted to the moderator that he would in fact like his children to attend college or university when they got older. So, it’s okay for Rick’s kids, but not for yours. Isn’t that just a little bit hypocritical?
It would seem that maybe knowledge is indeed power, and that with all the critical thinking skills one develops and hones in the college setting, this could be quite off-putting to people who are not willing to deal in facts. College also fosters a healthy challenge to the world and the systems of which we live. It would appear that certain members of the GOP would be a lot happier without young people challenging the systems in which they work and govern in. Mr. S####### seems to feel a less educated electorate would make his political life easier. If this is the case, this is all the more reason to, not only send your kids to college but, go back and grab a class or two for yourselves. Education matters. Even in an election year.

Skyyhook is CEO/FOUNDER/General Manager of Skyyhook Radio and a contributor for AllHipHop.com. Follow her on Twitter (@SkyyhookRadio).