There have been thousands of Americans who did not go to college, as they knew that they would be unable to afford to go. My generation and many younger people today were taught to be responsible citizens. Do not buy what you cannot afford. Learn to get along with the bare necessities of life, work hard and save until you can afford what it is that you want.

Then there are the people who went to college, worked two or three jobs and did without the nicer clothes, the newer cars, the parties and trips, so that they could pay their way. And they did just that — “they paid their way,” sometimes for many years.

Granting these payments to any individual is a slap in the face to hardworking, responsible people all over this country. Parents, former students who paid their way, those who had the opportunity to go to college (had it been less expensive) but could not afford to go deserve the cash back also.

If our government is willing to pay for some, include everyone or no one. Please do not undermine the lessons of responsibility that we parents are trying to instill in our children. We believe in honoring our debts, being responsible, making good decisions, taking pride in our own accomplishments, standing on our own two feet.

Donna Steinheiser, Butler