so, in fact, those people could have paid off their student loans, you just wanted to buy their votes by easing their self assumed debt. got it.
It doesn't matter whether or not they could pay it off, the point is that by removing it, they can spend money in other places that will do things like create jobs and raise wages.
If you think it's so unfair that your coworker got their debt forgiven, then go ask your boss for a raise!