Watch out, kids! You’re going to be a slave to debt unless this happens

May 12, 2015

Writer

Over the weekend, Glenn invited some friends over for dinner. (WARNING: Glenn will ALWAYS talk about his private dinners with friends on air). One of the guests is getting read to start college, and of course that triggered a discussion over the true value of a college education. The growing student debt issue is out of control - and no one seems willing to think outside of the box on how to fix it. Glenn shared some simple alternatives on radio this morning, and what could happen if things don’t change soon.

Below is a rush transcript of this segment

GLENN: I tell you, we had Mother's Day at the house on Sunday. And we had the Sheltons over, and their daughter is going to college this year. And, you know, she was looking at colleges. She was accepted to a bunch of colleges they were 50, $60,000 a year. And, you know, they can't afford that. So she is going to a community college for two years. So the conversation started talking about community college. And all the people there that were in their 20s were all saying the same thing. My friends who went to a good four-year college, they're all miserable. They don't have prospects, and they have this huge debt on their hands. Anybody that went to a two-year school, a community college and either ended it there or then transferred to the four-year, they're all, you know, looking at their first house. They're looking at jobs they can -- they're not underwater with debt.

PAT: That makes a lot of sense. Because two of my sons best friends. My son who got back from a church mission. One of his best friends went to Oklahoma for four years. And studied engineering. Wanted to become a petroleum engineer, which he now is. But has no job. The other of his best friends went to trade school for a few years. Met somebody at trade school. And the guy was impressed with him. Had him come out and do an intern with him for a while. He's now making $105,000 a year in central Texas. I think Midland. As a petroleum engineer.

[laughter]

So one of them went to school and accrued, you know, 150, 200,000 dollars' worth of debt. The other is paid up now and is getting paid. I mean, it's kind of amazing when you --

GLENN: I just -- you just don't send them to --

PAT: You really need to figure out what's best for you and not go down that road thinking a four-year school is the best way to go.

GLENN: If you want to be a doctor, four-year school, six-year, eight-year school, that's what you have to do. There's some things that you just don't have to have that for. And everybody goes to these expensive schools, and most kids go to find themselves.

STU: You can do that a lot more inexpensively. Ask Jeffy.

[laughter]

GLENN: Ask any of us. We all did it. We did it on our own dime making money.

STU: Yeah. It's weird because our field is a little bit different than I think some -- and obviously doctor. You need to know how to do your job here. So you go and you learn on the job. And that's the best way to learn this job.

PAT: And how many people have asked us, for years, should I go to broadcast school? The answer to me is always, no. Emphatically no. You want to pay $5,000 a year to go out --

GLENN: Pay me 1,000. I'll teach you more.

STU: Don't. No, you won't. You don't have the time. In theory, you would.

GLENN: Get me a bunch of kids to pay me $1,000. I'll teach them everything I know. I know nothing. Go out there and learn it on your own. Give me the check.

STU: So you're looking for a way to take people's money.

GLENN: No. I give them good advice. Don't listen to anybody like me. Don't spend -- do it your own. Here, give me your thousand dollars. Thank you very much. Here's what you do. There's a lot of people that will take you for a sucker, I just did. Learn from that.

PAT: That's an important life lesson. Yeah.

JEFFY: It does make you wonder why the government wants to get their hooks into the community colleges though by making it free.

STU: Well, it's just step one. Tom Hanks was just talking about this in a video yesterday. He was saying, I really hope this program sticks. This idea sticks. Free community college for two years. First of all, any idea sticks when it's handing free money to people. People will take that every single time. That's not an idea. That's purchasing someone. That's something different. But when it comes to free community college for two years, only if you work, I think is their -- if you work for it. Well, that becomes free community college for two years with no work. Then it becomes free community college for four years. Then any school you want for four years. Then free anything for all years. Like it's just immigration. Social Security is another example. Well, we need insurance for these widows, their husbands die early. You know, this is sad. This is why we'll make it after the age of death, we will start paying money. Because occasionally, there's this widow that lives really long. No one can plan for that. Now, it's, I got to get to retirement. Sure, I can work for another 20 years. I have to get to retirement so I can kick my shoes off on the beach and retire in some form of luxury. Now, when that was not the attempt of the -- the program at the beginning. They would never have been able to sell it if that sold it that way to that generation of people. But now we've had a long time of expecting thins from the government. Now those things some logical to even many conservatives.

GLENN: It's really interesting because you have a happier view of what I think they're doing.

STU: Wow. Really?

GLENN: You think they're just trying to bankrupt the country.

STU: Well, or make everybody dependent on government.

GLENN: Yeah, I think they are -- I think that's the goal. Enslaving them. Because once -- once they give you this for free, there's going to be work involved. And I don't think they're going to take away the work. I think you're going to have to pay these things back. Why is the federal government guarantees these things and then makes it the only thing you can't wipe off? You can go bankrupt. Wipe off houses, cars, everything else. But not your educational debt. You must pay your educational debt. Okay. All right. So now when people can't pay their educational debt. What do they have to do? Well, why don't you serve your country? I think our -- I think our children will be enslaved by this debt. And it's not just the educational debt. It's all of the debt. And, quite honestly, I think we're all going to be enslaved. You know, look at what's happening. Just with oil.

Canada is begging us. Take our oil. Take our oil. We're saying it's bad for the environment to put a pipeline across our country. Is it bad for the -- is that worse for the environment than loading up giant tankers in the Middle East and shipping them across the ocean?

STU: It's, of course, safer to go through the pipeline and at less cost.

GLENN: Not only less cost. Less fuel. Less carbon emissions. You're pumping -- those engines are running all the way across the ocean.

STU: Who do you have other than the senior editor at nature magazine or science magazine. One of the two. I can't remember which one it is. Who said just that, that actually preventing the pipeline is worse for the environment because these oil cents will be used anyway.

GLENN: Right. Think of this. We're paying to have all of that -- all of that oil shipped from Saudi Arabia, put on giant ships, all that carbon emission to get it over here. Then all that carbon emission to get it back for another load. While Canada is doing the same thing for China! Taking all that oil. Why don't we just try to keep it on our own continent?

STU: Yeah, there's no reason we can't be North American in energy.

GLENN: Exactly right. Exactly right. Between Mexico and Canada and the United States, we have more fuel than anybody else in the world by far. And what are we doing with it?

PAT: By far.

GLENN: So when we aren't paying our own debt, we won't tap our own resources, we won't sell our own land, we won't sell our own assets, we won't do anything to pay off our debts, at some point China will come knocking on the door and say, you owe me $7 trillion. Now, we can pay off that debt. But we won't. And they're just going to -- we're going to repossess. We want this area. This area. This area. Or, we want you to produce these things. And we'll all be making bamboo umbrellas for the Chinese. And we'll all be enslaved to that debt.

The Woodrow Wilson strategy to get out of Mother’s Day

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I’ve got a potentially helpful revelation that’s gonna blow the lid off your plans for this Sunday. It’s Mother’s Day.

Yeah, that sacred day where you’re guilt-tripped into buying flowers, braving crowded brunch buffets, and pretending you didn’t forget to mail the card. But what if I told you… you don’t have to do it? That’s right, there’s a loophole, a get-out-of-Mother’s-Day-free card, and it’s stamped with the name of none other than… Woodrow Wilson (I hate that guy).

Back in 1914, ol’ Woody Wilson signed a proclamation that officially made Mother’s Day a national holiday. Second Sunday in May, every year. He said it was a day to “publicly express our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.” Sounds sweet, right? Until you peel back the curtain.

See, Wilson wasn’t some sentimental guy sitting around knitting doilies for his mom. No, no, no. This was a calculated move.

The idea for Mother’s Day had been floating around for decades, pushed by influential voices like Julia Ward Howe. By 1911, states were jumping on the bandwagon, but it took Wilson to make it federal. Why? Because he was a master of optics. This guy loved big, symbolic gestures to distract from the real stuff he was up to, like, oh, I don’t know, reshaping the entire federal government!

So here’s the deal: if you’re looking for an excuse to skip Mother’s Day, just lean into this. Say, “Sorry, Mom, I’m not celebrating a holiday cooked up by Woodrow Wilson!” I mean, think about it – this is the guy who gave us the Federal Reserve, the income tax, and don’t even get me started on his assault on basic liberties during World War I. You wanna trust THAT guy with your Sunday plans? I don’t think so! You tell your mom, “Look, I love you, but I’m not observing a Progressive holiday. I’m keeping my brunch money in protest.”

Now, I know what you might be thinking.

“Glenn, my mom’s gonna kill me if I try this.” Fair point. Moms can be scary. But hear me out: you can spin this. Tell her you’re honoring her EVERY DAY instead of some government-mandated holiday. You don’t need Wilson’s permission to love your mom! You can bake her a cake in June, call her in July, or, here’s a wild idea, visit her WITHOUT a Woodrow Wilson federal proclamation guilting you into it.

Shocking Christian massacres unveiled

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Is a Christian Genocide unfolding overseas?

Recent reports suggest an alarming escalation in violence against Christians, raising questions about whether these acts constitute genocide under international law. Recently, Glenn hosted former U.S. Army Special Forces Sniper Tim Kennedy, who discussed a predictive model that forecasts a surge in global Christian persecution for the summer of 2025.

From Africa to Asia and the Middle East, extreme actions—some described as genocidal—have intensified over the past year. Over 380 million Christians worldwide face high levels of persecution, a number that continues to climb. With rising international concern, the United Nations and human rights groups are urging protective measures by the global community. Is a Christian genocide being waged in the far corners of the globe? Where are they taking place, and what is being done?

India: Hindu Extremist Violence Escalates

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In India, attacks on Christians have surged as Hindu extremist groups gain influence within the country. In February 2025, Hindu nationalist leader Aadesh Soni organized a 50,000-person rally in Chhattisgarh, where he called for the rape and murder of all Christians in nearby villages and demanded the execution of Christian leaders to erase Christianity. Other incidents include forced conversions, such as a June 2024 attack in Chhattisgarh, where a Hindu mob gave Christian families a 10-day ultimatum to convert to Hinduism. In December 2024, a Christian man in Uttar Pradesh was attacked, forcibly converted, and paraded while the mob chanted "Death to Jesus."

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recommends designating India a "Country of Particular Concern" and imposing targeted sanctions on those perpetrating these attacks. The international community is increasingly alarmed by the rising tide of religious violence in India.

Syria: Sectarian Violence Post-Regime Change

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Following the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024, Syria has seen a wave of sectarian violence targeting religious minorities, including Christians, with over 1,000 killed in early 2025. It remains unclear whether Christians are deliberately targeted or caught in broader conflicts, but many fear persecution by the new regime or extremist groups. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a dominant rebel group and known al-Qaeda splinter group now in power, is known for anti-Christian sentiments, heightening fears of increased persecution.

Christians, especially converts from Islam, face severe risks in the unstable post-regime environment. The international community is calling for humanitarian aid and protection for Syria’s vulnerable minority communities.

Democratic Republic of Congo: A "Silent Genocide"

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In February 2025, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an ISIS-affiliated group, beheaded 70 Christians—men, women, and children—in a Protestant church in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, after tying their hands. This horrific massacre, described as a "silent genocide" reminiscent of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, has shocked the global community.

Since 1996, the ADF and other militias have killed over six million people, with Christians frequently targeted. A Christmas 2024 attack killed 46, further decimating churches in the region. With violence escalating, humanitarian organizations are urging immediate international intervention to address the crisis.

POLL: Starbase exposed: Musk’s vision or corporate takeover?

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Is Starbase the future of innovation or a step too far?

Elon Musk’s ambitious Starbase project in South Texas is reshaping Boca Chica into a cutting-edge hub for SpaceX’s Starship program, promising thousands of jobs and a leap toward Mars colonization. Supporters see Musk as a visionary, driving economic growth and innovation in a historically underserved region. However, local critics, including Brownsville residents and activists, argue that SpaceX’s presence raises rents, restricts beach access, and threatens environmental harm, with Starbase’s potential incorporation as a city sparking fears of unchecked corporate control. As pro-Musk advocates clash with anti-Musk skeptics, will Starbase unite the community or deepen the divide?

Let us know what you think in the poll below:

Is Starbase’s development a big win for South Texas?

Should Starbase become its own city?

Is Elon Musk’s vision more of a benefit than a burden for the region?

Shocking truth behind Trump-Zelenskyy mineral deal unveiled

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President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have finalized a landmark agreement that will shape the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations. The agreement focuses on mineral access and war recovery.

After a tense March meeting, Trump and Zelenskyy signed a deal on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, granting the U.S. preferential mineral rights in Ukraine in exchange for continued military support. Glenn analyzed an earlier version of the agreement in March, when Zelenskyy rejected it, highlighting its potential benefits for America, Ukraine, and Europe. Glenn praised the deal’s strategic alignment with U.S. interests, including reducing reliance on China for critical minerals and fostering regional peace.

However, the agreement signed this week differs from the March proposal Glenn praised. Negotiations led to significant revisions, reflecting compromises on both sides. What changes were made? What did each leader seek, and what did they achieve? How will this deal impact the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations and global geopolitics? Below, we break down the key aspects of the agreement.

What did Trump want?

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Trump aimed to curb what many perceive as Ukraine’s overreliance on U.S. aid while securing strategic advantages for America. His primary goals included obtaining reimbursement for the billions in military aid provided to Ukraine, gaining exclusive access to Ukraine’s valuable minerals (such as titanium, uranium, and lithium), and reducing Western dependence on China for critical resources. These minerals are essential for aerospace, energy, and technology sectors, and Trump saw their acquisition as a way to bolster U.S. national security and economic competitiveness. Additionally, he sought to advance peace talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war, positioning the U.S. as a key mediator.

Ultimately, Trump secured preferential—but not exclusive—rights to extract Ukraine’s minerals through the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, as outlined in the agreement. The U.S. will not receive reimbursement for past aid, but future military contributions will count toward the joint fund, designed to support Ukraine’s post-war recovery. Zelenskyy’s commitment to peace negotiations under U.S. leadership aligns with Trump’s goal of resolving the conflict, giving him leverage in discussions with Russia.

These outcomes partially meet Trump’s objectives. The preferential mineral rights strengthen U.S. access to critical resources, but the lack of exclusivity and reimbursement limits the deal’s financial benefits. The peace commitment, however, positions Trump as a central figure in shaping the war’s resolution, potentially enhancing his diplomatic influence.

What did Zelenskyy want?

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Zelenskyy sought to sustain U.S. military and economic support without the burden of repaying past aid, which has been critical for Ukraine’s defense against Russia. He also prioritized reconstruction funds to rebuild Ukraine’s war-torn economy and infrastructure. Security guarantees from the U.S. to deter future Russian aggression were a key demand, though controversial, as they risked entangling America in long-term commitments. Additionally, Zelenskyy aimed to retain control over Ukraine’s mineral wealth to safeguard national sovereignty and align with the country’s European Union membership aspirations.

The final deal delivered several of Zelenskyy’s priorities. The reconstruction fund, supported by future U.S. aid, provides a financial lifeline for Ukraine’s recovery without requiring repayment of past assistance. Ukraine retained ownership of its subsoil and decision-making authority over mineral extraction, granting only preferential access to the U.S. However, Zelenskyy conceded on security guarantees, a significant compromise, and agreed to pursue peace talks under Trump’s leadership, which may involve territorial or political concessions to Russia.

Zelenskyy’s outcomes reflect a delicate balance. The reconstruction fund and retained mineral control bolster Ukraine’s economic and sovereign interests, but the absence of security guarantees and pressure to negotiate peace could strain domestic support and challenge Ukraine’s long-term stability.

What does this mean for the future?

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While Trump didn’t secure all his demands, the deal advances several of his broader strategic goals. By gaining access to Ukraine’s mineral riches, the U.S. undermines China’s dominance over critical elements like lithium and graphite, essential for technology and energy industries. This shift reduces American and European dependence on Chinese supply chains, strengthening Western industrial and tech sectors. Most significantly, the agreement marks a pivotal step toward peace in Europe. Ending the Russia-Ukraine war, which has claimed thousands of lives, is a top priority for Trump, and Zelenskyy’s commitment to U.S.-led peace talks enhances Trump’s leverage in negotiations with Russia. Notably, the deal avoids binding U.S. commitments to Ukraine’s long-term defense, preserving flexibility for future administrations.

The deal’s broader implications align with the vision Glenn outlined in March, when he praised its potential to benefit America, Ukraine, and Europe by securing resources and creating peace. While the final agreement differs from Glenn's hopes, it still achieves key goals he outlined.

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