Then why not revisit pi in Indiana, too?
Columnist Dave Bangert comments (J&C, Nov. 11) on the prospect that the 2013 Indiana legislature to "head off at the pass" the memorization of "rote science facts" and is likely to revisit legislation that will protect Indiana teachers from "administrative retaliation" if they present alternatives to the English, European, socialist, Darwinian theory of evolution in Hoosier schools.
But the incoming Republican supermajority should not limit its attention to biology. Surely Indiana schools should head off at the pass the memorization of rote mathematical "facts" that can be traced to Greek, European, probably socialist, mathematicians. The legislature should also revisit Bill Number 246, unanimously adopted by the Indiana House on Feb. 5, 1897, establishing the value of the mathematical constant pi as 3.2.
In 1897, House Bill 246 was inexplicably sidelined by the Indiana Senate. But if both pieces of legislation can be adopted this time around, Hoosier students will be given a unique preparation for the high-technology backbone of the 21st century economy, a background that will surely attract the attention of businesses considering the possibility of investing in the Crossroads of America.
When does 'silent' crossing part start?
Hats off to the city for making the train crossings from 18th Street to Poland Hill Road silent crossings. Did the railroad people get the memo? Because they still sound their horns, loud and long.
People have spoken on education reform
I was greatly encouraged by Glenda Ritz being elected as state superintendent of schools. This was a true grass-roots effort that demonstrates that the people can overcome. Ritz not only defeated Tony Bennett, but word of mouth also defeated monetary donations.
The people have spoken, and declared that we do not like the direction our schools have taken the past four years. It is time for our schools to start teaching again, instead of testing. It is time to embrace our teachers and stop degrading them.
Mike Pence, take note: the people of Indiana have spoken. If you are not a friend of our public schools and their teachers, you too will be a "one-termer."
Amnesty, sure, but with conditions
All this talk now is about amnesty for illegals. I would only agree to amnesty for illegal immigrants if a couple of conditions are first met:
1. The other countries from where these undocumented aliens came from agree to the same laws.
2. Mexico must open its southern border and release all their jailed illegal immigrants.
3. All illegals must go to the end of the line and pay a fine.
4. Pay all back taxes for the services that they have already received.
It's only fair that if the United States must have open borders then all other countries must also have open borders. And the way the world is today these conditions will never be met.