One Personal Finance Credit Should Be Required In High School

I apologize... I could have sworn I responded to your argument in the 2nd round, however, I guess my computer has failed me when I hit the "submit" button. In that case I will attempt to re-state my case and salvage this debate to the best of my ability. Out of respect for my opponent, I will not attempt to address any new arguments in this final round since she will not have the opportunity to respond. Instead I will aim to refute her previous arguments and point out the obvious holes in her case. Because my position of Con in this debate does not require I offer any type of alternative solution to America's economic crisis, it is very possible that I can still win this debate on the grounds that I have been convincing enough to negate my opponent's arguments that a personal finance class should indeed be mandatory. On that note, hello... My opponent has argued that people don't necesarilly retain what they learn in classes like Calculus and Spanish, because these are not fields of study most Americans use in their every day lives. However my position claims that we are continuously taught things that we should know and implement for our safety and well-being, yet many people choose to stray from what we are taught is best for us anyway. This may be because we disagree, or have simply found a better (more effective) or comfortable way of doing things. To support this argument, I will cite a few examples. First, Drivers Ed. We are taught in this mandatory, pre-requisite course to obtaining a license that for maximum safety our hands should remain at "10 and 2" on the steering wheel. However I dare to ask how many voters out there actually adhere to this guidelines. Another example does not refer to a specific class, but rather life choices in general. I ask voters out there to consider the number of people in America who smoke cigarettes, or over-indulge in bad eating habits. Now our culture has taught us to be conscience of the growing obesity problem in the United States, and I don't think any literate person can honestly say that they are unaware of the negative effects of smoking cigarettes. However many people continue to engage in this risky behavior daily. This proves my point that just because something is suggested for our own well-being, does not mean that we will abide by the guidelines we are taught. Additionally, even in the case of mandatory courses... such as drivers ed... most of us still tend to stray from the classes teachings, despite how often we operate automobiles in our every day lives. Next my opponent addresses my concern about how making a personal finance class mandatory might affect a school's current curriculum. She went on to state that some of her friends in public schools were required to take "practical" courses such as Welding or HomeEc. My response to this is two-fold. First, who is to say that a class that teaches students how to cook or weld is practical? I've never welded anything in my life and I have done just fine. Similarly, not everyone has the need or desire to learn how to cook. And on the same token, not everyone has the need or desire to learn how to manage their finances. Some highschool graduates will have their funds be managed by their parents (by choice) and eventually have accountants or spouses who handle the fiscal responsibilities. Of course it would be a good idea if everyone knew how to manage their money, but it would also be a good idea if everyone in this country knew how to change a tire... yet classes on how to change a tire are not mandatory. If your argument would have been that being fiscally responsible would also benefit society, my response would be that knowing how to properly maintain the safe operation of an automobile would also be very good for society (prevent accidents, traffic, etc). Yet again knowing certain menchanical skills are not mandatory. Second, more and more high schools in this country are shifting their curriculum to fit the needs of college bound students. For instance, in my town's public high school, there is a mandatory english preperatory class that every student must take and pass. The students then have the opportunity to select a particular course in the "english field" to fit their second language arts requirement. Although my opponent has offered a similar option in terms of this personal finance class, the difference is that colleges do not require a standard of knowledge regarding personal finance the way they have requirements about a certain degree of language arts mastery. One aspect of my opponent's argument that stood out to me in particular was the recalling of FDRs infamous userption of power, when he "threatened to take dictatorial power if Congress did not comply with his wishes." My argument against this aspect of thinking is simple: that type of dictatorial power is unconstitutional and anti-democratic. Because we are a nation founded on ideals such as liberty and freedom, FDRs decision (though helpful in the end) was wrong (manipulative tactics) in terms of how this country was intended to be run. Our founding fathers supported independence and personal accountability. My inkling is that they MAY have been all for a personal finance class be OFFERED at every school, but not that every student be required to take it. My opponent also stated, "If Americans continue to be irresponsible with their money, and can no longer buy the goods that provide the foundation for nearly our entire economy, than the results will be disastrous ... Foreclosures may have started it, but I for one will be watching Walmart's profits." I pose the question, did people ever wonder why so many Americans have defaulted on their loans in the first place? Common sense tells us that they could not afford it... Perhaps under-spending was not the issue. Instead I argue that consumer hungry Americans have over-spent, over-indulged, hence their inability to follow through with their mortgage payments. Thus our economy will never be in trouble due to under spending. Now buying into foreign companies is an issue, sure. But that's a debate for another time. Additionally, the diminishing job market is another reason why our economy is suffering. Although unfortunate, it could not have been helped or avoided simply by making a personal finance class necessary. So again, a mandatory class can be HELPFUL, but that does not mean that it should be REQUIRED. Plus, are we forgetting about all of the people who profit from our bad, selfish and irresponsible consumer habits? HEHE. Seriously though, I encourage a Con vote because there is no compelling reasoning on why this type of class should be absolutely necessary. I'll admit there are pros to its existance, though being a fiscal conservative myself, I do support the notion of personal accountability, and choose to trust Americans to take control of their own lives and economic welfare. Thank you smilingsoprano for this interesting and unique debate; you're right - there aren't many economic discussions on this website. Hopefully our opinions and insight will promote more dialog. Thanks!