World War II GI Bill's Return on Investment

One of the most profitable actions the federal government ever took was the World War II GI Bill. Its primary purpose was not that, but to prevent the economy from falling back into the Great Depression with the return and discharge of 15-million veterans into an economy that was shifting out of full-blown war production.

 It greatly expanded the middle class because the degrees earned allowed many to earn previously undreamed of incomes and send their children to college, too. The additional income generated a long-term stream of increased tax revenues that is only ending now with retirement of the boomers. When the World War II GI Bill was being considered in Congress, the most heard criticism was it's socialist. It turned out the best thing the government could have done for its citizens and itself.

Now, we have this cannibalistic pretense that hurts both its citizens and itself--and an opposition complaining its socialist. Actually investing in one's citizens is the best of capitalism. If education seems expensive, try ignorance.