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Here is what I got from an old friend of mine who has moved to IN:
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?
Here is my response:
OK, you KNOW I had to say something about this! Although it is true that our educational system has severely declined over the past few decades and we are way behind some other countries in the field of mathematics (especially Asian countries), this feeble attempt at humor is ignoring the real problem and trying to redirect it to a non-existent problem that was created by xenophobes. Here's a joke for you: What do you call someone who speaks two languages? Bi-lingual. What do you call someone who speaks three languages? Tri-lingual. What do you call someone who speaks only one language? American. Because of their close proximity to other countries and other cultures, many people in the world speak more than one language. Only in America do people "take pride" in their lack of knowledge.
As far as the "illegal immigrant" issue is concerned, yeah, something should have been done a long time ago. If the Indians had controlled their borders better, we wouldn't have all the problems we have now.
Whatever happened to "give us your poor, your needy...." What happened to us? When did we stop being a country that wanted to help the world And become a country that said "screw you, world!"?
Our founding fathers must be rolling over in their graves.
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