The CSU is suffering the most severe budget cuts in the history of the University. The economy cannot take all the blame for these cuts. The cuts should be seen in the context of broader attacks on the public sector and on organized labor.

California's economy and other strengths rest on a foundation that includes a legacy of affordable (previously free or nearly free) higher education. Those who demand that the current generation of students shoulder the cost themselves hurt current students, but also undermine the foundation needed to ensure the state's future prosperity and greatness.

Organized labor has been scapegoated as the causes of public budget woes. Do not believe it. Which individuals have benefited most during the recession years? Not unionized employees, but rather their bosses! In the CSU, for example, look at how compensation compares for faculty v campus presidents, as shown on the left.