Gordon Forgey

On Tuesday, an agreement was reached in the United States Senate to freeze the interest rate on federally subsidized Stafford student loans.

The expiration of that special rate program on July 1 would double the rates students would have to pay on new loans.

The current rate is 3.4 percent. Should the program expire, the rate will jump to 6.8 percent.

Both Republicans and Democrats in the Senate are backing the extension of the lower rate. Apparently, both sides are satisfied, although some arcane accounting was used to achieve the agreement.

A big hurdle remains. The House of Representatives has yet to sign on. This could be the end of it if an agreement is not reached there before Sunday.

Reportedly, the internet and social media sites were abuzz with advocates supporting the extension of the reduced interest rates and were the source of countless messages and communications to politicians. It is conjectured that this pressure convinced some in the Senate to seek compromise.

An overwhelming consensus of the citizenry is hard to ignore.

Whether or not the House approves the Senate proposal, something can be taken from this episode. It is time for Americans to convince their elected officials that they want action and they want movement for the good of the nation. Many options exist to resolve the stalemate incapacitating government, but each option demands some compromise. What is needed is overwhelming public pressure for that conciliation. Hang the details, they can be left up to the experts.

In this black and white political world, the majority of Americans think that a little grey is alright. Politicians need to know this.

Gordon Forgey

Publisher