Start 'Giving Back'

The nightly marches protesting tuition hikes at Québec CÉGEPs show no signs of fading away, even after 100+ days. As many as 20,000 marchers have turned out on some nights.
Background: CÉGEP is an acronym for 'Collège d'enseignement général et professionel,' known officially in English as a "General and Vocational College".
Students in the province of Québec who intend to pursue post-secondary education must attend a college before enrolling in a Quebec university.
Much of this information is based on an extensive 'CBC News Timeline'.
Beginning last year, the provincial government said it planned to raise tuition fees by 75% over 5 years, a move which led to street protests, violence and arrests in many parts of the province. Students have blocked traffic on a major Montréal bridge, and have brought the Métro subway system to a standstill during the rush hour.
There were strikes by about 36,000 students, who are upset that the tuition will nearly double: to $3800 from the current $2200, over 5 years.
In a curious sidelight, more than 80% of CÉGEPs have remained open, and students have attended classes and completed their study term requirements.
When we look at a summary of the figures, the increase -- compared to what students are paying across Canada -- is not that steep:
-- In 5 years, it will cost $1,625 more annually to attend university in Quebec.
-- The average undergraduate student will pay $3,793 for tuition by 2016-2017.
-- Average Canadian tuition is $5,600.
In other words, even after these hikes,Québec students will still be paying the lowest tuition fee in the country.
On May 16, the government passed an emergency law, Bill 78, to allow boycotting students to eventually finish their school semester, with provisions for classes to be postponed until August. It also imposed rules tightening the right of assembly. This move seemed to inflame the situation, as students declared the law contrary to the Canadian Bill of Rights.
Professors and union leaders have joined the protest movement, as have students in New York City and in Europe, but it appears the average Quebecker -- especially from downtown Montréal -- is either lukewarm or against it.

Many observers have labeled the students' position as unrealistic, and I agree.
Rant Alert! -- Rant Alert!
I believe the students have it easy: they pay the lowest tuition, and have the lowest student debt in Canada.
They have been venting and marching EVERY NIGHT for the past 3 1/2 months. Nothing has changed.
Imagine all the good works that could be done if even 25% of them took a detour to pitch in at their neighbourhood soup kitchen or food bank, to help those who are in really desperate life situations!
My message to the marching students is this: stop being greedy, and channel your energies into 'giving back' to your fellow citizens.
After all, that is the title of this blog.