Some may see a play on the word "free" in this conversation.

One definition of FREE refers to things being without cost at point of service.
One definition of FREE refers to people being self-determining, unhindered by law or regulation; having personal liberty.

There may be an ironic balance in that getting more "free" stuff often comes with a tradeoff of being less "free" as an increasing number of life-decisions may be made for a person by an outside entity.

In the case at hand, taxpayers are compelled to provide pre-determined amounts of money to the government, which the government then rations out and redistributes through a variety of programs with various requirements including the providing of private and personal information for the government databases.

There is a fine balance, beyond which a tipping point exists: if given a choice, which form of "free" do you prefer?

Speaking to the article on student loans, "meeting financial need" may be a misnomer. It is difficult to believe that anyone is not aware that a loan actually increases the total amount one must pay. Yet some people react as though they won the lottery when "awarded" a student loan as part of their financial aid package.

It is important to raise awareness that a loan actually increases the total amount one must pay.