[Angus]

Originally Posted by Zee

I watched that video you linked me to; it's clear that some people are just there 'for a laugh', either to cause trouble or to just be involved in some kind of rebellious action - it's good that that girl had the courage to step in and stop them, it was very brave of her and at least shows the difference between students who are there for a reason and people who are there to cause havoc.

I'm not really sure what else you're asking though. Sure, financial hardships are occurring everywhere, but putting people off education is a ridiculous idea compared to, for example, withdrawing from armed conflict; because putting up tuition fees to go to university is going to increase the divide between the rich and the poor; the informed and the uninformed and would actually, I think, push Britain back into the direction of having a distinct class system again by virtue of the fact education is no longer available to all who want it.

Students are supposed to be bright enough to understand that the money has to come from somewhere - where exactly would they suggest it comes FROM? This government have inherited a bankrupt country in hock for the next generation or so. We are ALL suffering, not just the bloody students. And as for that old chestnut about how we are all going to benefit so wonderfully in the future from all these graduates, that only applies to those who are studying degrees that actually are useful and will contribute to society, and they are few and far between. Furthermore, they will, by virtue of having further education, end up earning far more than the average wage, so what on earth are they bleating on about? The safety net is already in place for those students in the most need - let the rest find a way of funding their CHOSEN lifestyle, ie a further 3-4 years of STUDYING whilst the rest of us have to struggle to survive in the real world.

As for the rioting, it achieves absolutely NOTHING other than alienate students from any public support or sympathy. Bully boy tactics do NOT work and never will. If a student wants to study THAT much I suggest they get themselves a part time job and do what the rest of us have to do every single day - earn a living.