Asking about the “cost” of student debt cancellation is misleading. Debt is more than just an amount in dollars; it’s experienced by people. Those living with debt suffer emotionally and physically, making the cost of not canceling crushing debt much higher than we can calculate.

Jonathan Franzen was widely criticized for arguing that we should resign ourselves to climate change and focus on conservation. He was wrong about resignation, but saving things we love can bring beauty and joy to life and help renew commitment to the natural world.

The United States has not seriously tried to end the pandemic. But failed institutions are not inevitable. The solution lies in human agency, solidarity, and political will.