The Neispace of Doom wrote:
what's interesting is that it wasn't voluntary at all, at first
Yeah, it was. Most likely, the initial entry on the Change site was just poorly written. From Obama's campaign site:
Obama wrote:
Create the American Opportunity Tax Credit: Obama and Biden will make college affordable for all Americans by creating a new American Opportunity Tax Credit. This universal and fully refundable credit will ensure that the first $4,000 of a college education is completely free for most Americans, and will cover two-thirds the cost of tuition at the average public college or university and make community college tuition completely free for most students. Recipients of the credit will be required to conduct 100 hours of community service.
It's pretty clear that choosing to serve is voluntary. Receiving the tax credit requires the service. Other (pre-election)
news articles regarding
the program back up that the intent has been $4000 for volunatary service.
Obama's plan on page 83 of the
dead tree version of his policies also makes it clear that the $4k is for anyone "willing to perform 100 hours per year" of community service.
But far be it from Little Green Footballs to make the most of an error and call liberal conspiracy on it.
Quote:
The 4k comes later, and it is a tax credit.
Again, it's either worth it to the college student or it's not. Honestly, I'm not sure what the supposed problem here is. I could see it if you were just opposed to the government giving additional funding for college but you seem to be upset about... well, I have no idea what.
Edited, Nov 10th 2008 6:31pm by Jophiel