Just read a great article on how the German "free education" system worrks,

[thucythucy]

5. I'd known about this for a very long time

(I have family in Germany). When I tried explaining to my family there how much college costs in America, they at first refused to believe it. As one of them said, "That makes no sense. How are poor people supposed to get an education?" As I say, they were dumbfounded.

I HADN'T realized there were so many English language courses available. That's news to me.

Some other items about the German system. First, as I understand it, these benefits are only extended so long as the student maintains a passing average. There are no "gaff" courses (at least according to students there I've talked to) and no "legacies" that get passed on no matter what. You want a college education? Fine, then focus on studies and exams and papers, not parties and the social scene. (Which isn't to say German students don't party. But studies come first). Second, there isn't nearly the focus on sports that there is here. Sure, there are athletics and such. But, from what I've observed, no multi-billion dollar collegiate sports industry. Once again, college is for study, for getting a serious education. Not for parties and games. All this is anecdotal on my part--from my trips there and knowing students. If any of this is wrong someone please correct me.

Anyway, I agree, Bernie should use Germany (and Finland--one of the best education systems in the world) as examples of what we could be doing, if we as a society truly wanted an educated populace, and the social mobility that comes with that.