So, why am I bringing this up 16 years later? It’s because I read an article about a woman named Cortney Munna who racked up $97,000 in student loans because she insisted on attending a prestigious school. Ms. Munna and her mother are complaining about the large amount of debt and seem intent on placing blame on lenders for lending.

Ms. Munna is complaining that $22 per hour isn’t enough to pay the $700 loan payment. Personally, I think $22 is a good hourly wage, especially considering that she studied religion and women’s studies in college. The last time I checked, those fields weren’t exactly up there on the list of degrees or majors that will facilitate wealth. Business administration they are not.

The author of the article also tries to draw comparisons between student loans and subprime mortgages. There’s no doubt that there are commonalities. The biggest is that irresponsible, ill-informed people borrowed money they either can’t, or won’t repay. No matter how you try to explain the problem, that’s what it boils down to in the end.

You might be wondering what student loans have to do with the health care bill. If you can’t figure out how they are related, don’t feel bad, they have nothing to do with each other. Democrats are simply trying to tack on changes to the student loan program which would cut out the banks, have the government originate the loans, then use the savings to increase Pell Grants.

Democrats never seem to miss an opportunity to expand the government at the expense of the private sector. As you might have guessed, Republicans oppose this unrelated expansion of the health care bill:

With Democrats deciding to incorporate changes in student aid into the bill, Republicans suddenly had a new reason to oppose legislation they have long sought to scuttle.

“Well of course it’s a very bad idea,” said Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. “We now have the government running banks, insurance companies, car companies, and they do want to take over the student loan business.”

He said it was symptomatic of Democrats’ determination to have the government expand its tentacles into absolutely everything.”

Since a House vote is set to occur next week, you have to think Nancy Pelosi has the votes or is very close. On the bright side, Americans are growing more disgusted with Barack Obama’s health care plan and his expansion of the government. If Democrats do pass the health care/student loan program, they would be wise not to celebrate too much. Their power grab will be recognized by the American people, and they’ll once again be the minority.