#OccupyStudentDebt

Student loan debt is in my mind the biggest issue facing our generation outside of the economy/jobs, but they go hand in hand together. If a whole generation of recent college graduates are having trouble finding work in a bad economy, the student loan debt issue will only get bigger.

There is a movement going on that is trying to change things and it is called Occupy Student Debt. They believe, as do I, that it’s about time we fight back against a corrupt banking system that is based off of predatory lending. The borrowers are the victims, not the criminals. The banks are the criminals. The banks offer loans to students at high interest rates then profit from them much more when someone defaults.

So what incentive to the banks have to work with the people? They don’t. Americans have been stripped of consumer protections and with the lack of refinancing rights available to them, we have a generation drowning in debt.

Here’s what we can do…

Posted by:

Justin Burkhardt

Obama announces student loan change. Is it enough?

On Wednesday, President Obama announced new programs to help ease the burden of students’ college loans. His executive order is meant to help lower monthly payments and help students consolidate their government loans. In consolidation, students will be able to lower their interest rates to 0.5 percent. The plan will limit the amount of of a student loan’s monthly payment to 10 percent of a graduate’s income, which is down from 15 percent. The plan also allows outstanding debt to be forgiven after 20 years, which is down from 25 years.



How much do you owe for school?

Posted by:

Justin Burkhardt

Top 10 Films That Will Change Your Mind

As most of you know, I am a visual anthropologist. I not only study visual representations of culture, but I am also an ethnographic documentary filmmaker. That being said, I love films. I grew up making films with my father, attending international film fests, and I currently intern for Chicago’s International Children’s Film Fest. I believe films have the power to change our lives. At this critical time in American culture and politics, I think it’s a good idea to reflect on some great films that never go out of style. Check out this list; then go check out these films, and tell me what you think. It just might change your life!!

… Continue Reading

Posted by:

Ife

Felonious Monk: Stop It B!!!!

This is the realest rant I have ever heard in my life! Felonious Monk has more than a point! I damn near don’t wanna pay my bills after seeing this. “You’re the leader, I’m following!!!” CHECK THIS VIDEO OUT!!!

Posted by:

DJWillieShakes

Political Quick Hits: September 23rd Edition

Here’s your weekly quick look at few developing stories in the political arena:

• On Monday, President Obama outlined his $3 trillion debt reduction plan, which includes taxing the wealthy. The plan was immediately criticized by top Republicans. Meanwhile, Obama’s jobs bill, which he announced two weeks ago, is still awaiting action in the Senate. Senate Democrats have not decided when they will take up the bill and if they will try to vote on the bill in its entirety or add their own ideas to it. (CNN)

• It finally happened – the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell became effective officially on Tuesday, ending an almost 18-year-old policy that barred gay, lesbian or bisexual individuals from openly serving in the military. (CNN)

Posted by:

Justin Burkhardt