Math 101!  I really believe that one of reason that our country is in so much economic trouble is many people do not understand basic math.  Not many can even comprehend how incredibly huge 4 Trillion dollars is, but that is a burden that President Obama wants to place upon the shoulders of our children, grand children, great grand children and so on.  

 To help us normal folks understand more clearly just how big this is, every man, woman and child presently living in the United States will owe approximately $13,200 dollars plus interest.  This budget bill also includes about 8,600 earmarks totaling $7.7 billion dollars. Of course the democrats say it’s only $3.8 billion, so let’s not squabble over a few billion dollars.  

What happened to Obama and Biden’s pledge to have NO MORE EARMARKS?  They’re is a group of legislators in Congress today that have pledged to vote no on earmarks, but to best of my knowledge, Senator’s McConnell and Bunning and Congressman Whitfield have not added their names to the list.  Needless to say, I will be keeping you updated on this movement in the weeks ahead. I recently received an e-mail that supports what I have said about basic math. I’ll make my apologies now to our math teachers, past and present.  

50 Years of Math in the USA

Last week I purchased a burger at Burger King for $1.58. The young lady at the counter 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, and took a while looking at the screen on her register. I sensed her discomfort and tried to tell her to just give me back 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 1950sA 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 1960sA 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 1970sA 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 2009Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?

Do your kids a favor; teach them how to count change.  With today’s economy, they will need to know!

May God bless…

Ron Phillips