Oy. Here we have Richard Cohen’s most idiotic column: “What Is the Value of Algebra?” in which he argues that basic mathematics is not nearly as important as, say, more classes in English. I’m an advocate of more education of all varieties, but basic algebra and geometry are fundamental skills in thinking quantitatively about the world. If Cohen can’t see that, then he’s more out of touch with the demands of the modern economy than I expected.
PZ Meyers, as usual, has the perfect response:
In Richard Cohen we have a 21st century man insisting that an 18th century education is too much for our poor students.
Nicely timed, following this article from yesterday:
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=1620669&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312
Ed