Fifty Years of Math

I received this via email - author unknown to me.

Fifty Years of Math 1957 -2007 (in the USA )

Last week I purchased a burger at Burger King for $1.58. The counter girl took my $2 and I was digging for my change when I pulled 8 cents from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there, holding the nickel and 3 pennies, while looking at the screen on her register. I sensed her discomfort and tried to tell her to just give me two quarters, but she hailed the manager for help. While he tried to explain the transaction to her, she stood there and cried. Why do I tell you this? Because of the evolution in teaching math since the 1950s:

1. Teaching Math In 1950s A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit ?

2. Teaching Math In 1960s A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?

3. Teaching Math In 1970s A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?

4. Teaching Math In 1980s A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20.

5. Teaching Math In 1990s A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers, and if you feel like crying, it's ok. )

6. Teaching Math In 2007 Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?

This is a humorous example of the serious damage to the United States caused by big government, teachers unions, and multiculturalism. America was founded by independent thinkers who created a governmental framework to enable freedom and capitalism. We can embrace our American culture and protect it for future generations, or we can cater to special interest and group-think mentality of a dependent citizenry and watch our nation crumble before our eyes. And would the last American out of Miami please bring the flag.

##That's my opinion##

Multiculturalism - inch by inch

I've said it before and current events keep proving the point. Even though our nation is somewhere between 75 and 80% Christian, the silent majority continues to let minorities demand equal (and sometimes superior) treatment in the public square. Allowing Muslims to demand separate and equal holidays in our government schools (that's public school for the uninformed) is not only wrong it's dangerous to our culture. Our nation was founded on Judeo-Christian beliefs and we continue to be a Christian nation. It is a slippery slope from Christian beliefs to a multicultural and weaker nation.

While it is true that America is a melting pot of immigrants, we have become a unique and vibrant culture. This strength has left us as the sole remaining superpower and we should not shy away from that responsibility. We should celebrate our place in the geopolitical arena and constantly remind ourselves of our "Americanness".

We should be proud of our heritage and our history. We are American, and we should not forget it or allow it to fade away - inch by inch.

##That's my opinion##