do you agree with the statement that a highschool diploma or maybe even associate degrees

Not at all, since it depends upon what one wants to do as a career. If one wants to be a professor, teacher, or lawyer, for example, then the associates degree and high school diploma will not be sufficient. In terms of a vocational career, a mechanic, HVAC repair/install person, and other skilled trades are generally fine with a focused high school diploma, i.e., from a vocational high school curriculum, or an associates in the field because they will need industry specific certifications like ASE, etc. However, no education is meaningless, in my view, but it may not be appropriate for the career path expectation of the individual.