On the radio show, I often talk about the state of the education system in the United States. Our children, just in the course of my life time, have dropped from being the most well educated , including math and science, to some of the most ignorant in the world.

Over that time we have seen a change in the way our children are taught, everything from Common Core to a focus on self esteem and now outright indoctrination in many schools.

Now you have to understand I do not lump all schools into this description and certainly not all teachers but the problem is prevalent enough that is changing our society. Our children are lacking basic reading, writing, and arithmetic skills that would allow them to function in society or further their education so that they may advance into careers that require specialized education.

I saw this on the Internet and it's a perfect example of the way our school systems have changed by demonstrating how math problems have changed over the years.

In the 1950s you would be asked to solve a word problem that was presented like this: A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of that price. What is his profit?

In the 1970s that word problem would have appeared in this way; a logger sells a truck load of lumber for $100, his cost of production is 4/5 of the sales price or $80. How much profit did he make?

In the late 80s or early 90s that problem would have read this way; A logger sells a truck load of lumber for $100, his cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit , yes or no?

Then in the late 90s or early 00s the problem would have read this thus: A logger sold a truck load of lumber for $100, his cost of production was $80, his profit was $20. Underline the # 20.

Now the problem reads something like this: A logger cuts down a beautiful section of forest because he is selfish and greedy and cares nothing for the habitat of the wonderful animals, birds and plants that live in our forests. He does this so he can make a profit of $20 while refusing to pay his workers a livable wage. What do you think of the way the logger ruins our forests, kills the beautiful animals, and abuses his workers?

Topic for discussion after the quiz, how do you think the birds and animals felt as they watched the logger ruin their home? Remember there are no wrong answers as long as you are expressing your emotions including fear, anxiety, sadness, anger; if you believe the logger has a right to earn a living in this way, you will be suspended and sent for counseling. If you need assistance in dealing with your fear, anxiety, feelings of helplessness or other strong emotions, counselors will be available after you spend some quiet time in the crying closet.

Now excuse me while I go deal with my emotions of anger, frustration, disbelief, and exasperation in the way most adults deal with life; bartender!

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