Democratic Platform promises needed aid

To most students the Democratic National Convention probably seemed like little more than a show.

Bill Clinton awkwardly embraced the – now official – Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama. (Was Bill really thrilled to hear his audience start shouting “Yes, we can!”?). Our own Sen. Evan Bayh showed off his presidential ambitions with incessant Bush-bashing. Obama addressed crowds in his own personal stadium.
 
Even if it seemed like the convention was nothing more than a giant fundraising scheme, the drafting of the Democratic Party platform left us somewhat optimistic.
At their convention, the Democrats approved a platform that promises more federal student aid, greater support for research and an end to the politization of science. These are all things we feel IU students should be happy about.

Some of Obama’s specific proposals remain intriguing, especially his plan to make applying for federal college aid easier. Obama would allow families to apply for student aid by checking a box on their income tax forms which would help them find out how much money they qualify for earlier, while at the same time allowing them to bypass the monstrous FAFSA.

Democrats were abuzz about how they would provide the greater student aid they promised in their platform. Obama has called for a $4,000 education tax credit in exchange for public service. Other Democrats have suggested that increasing the Pell Grant, an education grant provided to low-income students, should be the priority.
Whichever way Democrats would increase student aid, we feel it is long overdue. Making college more affordable brings benefits to everyone in society and it is one of the best ways to ensure the long-term health of our economy.

This Democratic Platform of 2008 may not differ that much from earlier ones when it comes to education, but it is likely the Democrats will win big this election. If they make the affordability of college a major initiative, they will have this editorial board’s full support.