Education

...on the HOPE scholarship. It's merit based so anyone can get it if they maintain a B average or better. There are other criteria, of course, but financial need is not a factor. I went through grad school on fellowships and research/teaching stipends, and they too were awarded to students who maintained good academic progress, regardless of financial need (although in my case I was in dire financial need and graduated with substantial debt). Am I correct in assuming that's the sort of thing you mean by "Grades qualifying for any type of educational assistance is wrong?"

I completely agree with you that the national interest is best served by free education for all, but I don't think that necessarily precludes merit based scholarships. Students attend school to learn, so it's appropriate to reward those who demonstrate academic achievement.