Letters

Grading on the curve

In a recent editorial in this newspaper, the editorialist protests what he alleges is a too-complicated formula proposed by the state's educational establishment for grading Arkansas' public schools. The editorial complains that understanding the formula requires "a bachelor's in mathematics, a master's in certified educanto, and maybe doctorates in both philosophy and physics."

Alas, looking at the formula quoted by the editorialist, it is clear to me that it is a simple problem in averaging, and requires only fifth- or sixth-grade mathematics. It is true that the document explains the operation in unnecessarily complex language, but the mathematical operation itself is on the elementary-school level.

The editorialist laments that the state cannot assign a simple letter grade, but how does he suppose we teachers assign letter grades? We calculate the average of the grades earned by the student, using the same process described by the state.

A dilemma thus results: Either the editorialist really did not understand this bit of sixth-grade mathematics, or he did. If he did not, he has no business criticizing the state's proposal. If he did, he must be assuming that his readers are too dense to understand or remember what they were taught in sixth grade.

Either way, the editorial cannot be assigned a very high grade, no matter the method used to calculate it.

JACOB ADLER

Fayetteville

All together in him

Dogs are like children, only more so, and they never grow up; and they are a lot easier to care for. Cats are really man's best friends, but they will never admit it.

I have dogs and cats. My brother called a while back when my dogs were barking. He said, "Rudy, if I were you, I would put those dogs down." I said, "Mike, dogs are human too." We both laughed.

I believe God created this universe because he was in a space trillions of times smaller than a proton. It was hot, and he could not see a thing. He said, "Let there be light." Hundreds of thousands of years later, the first stars began to shine.

Our sun and planets began to form about nine billion years ago. I believe that we are not the only intelligent beings in the universe. We are the new kids on the block. Let us pray that they have learned the prime directive: Do no harm.

I believe God created the universe so that he might have life. Jesus said, I am the life; he who believes in me shall never die. He lives in each of us and in all creatures. That is why he loves us, and why we love him and why we should love all others. Not even a sparrow can fall without God's caring.

When we divide ourselves into different religions, political parties and tribes, we create false divisions. We are all one together in God. In moments of solitude, you know that God is there listening to your thoughts, seeing with your eyes, feeling your emotions, and if you are very still and silent and listen to his thoughts, you can feel his love and learn from him.

There will never be another hell. God is love.

RUUD DuVALL

Fayetteville

May learn something

Mr. Paul Greenberg's column, "Against Certainty," should be required reading for Rush Limbaugh, Charles Krauthammer, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity and also the program director at Fox News.

GEORGE W. McCLAIN

Little Rock

A breathtaking sight

My husband Loren and I were honored to get to visit the Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Little Rock. It's been my passion to see the memorial since the planning was made public. My husband and I are volunteers for our small local fire department in Sidney. This memorial really is something to see. The sculpted figures and their detailed work are beyond words.

It was getting dark upon our arrival, so the first thing we saw were the colors fading in and out, red, white, and blue illuminating this beautiful sculpture and the water. The sound of the water cascading down the sides gives you a sense of peace. We made a second trip the next day to see the memorial with the beautiful sunshine around it. We walked around it for over an hour. We took the time to run our fingers over the names of those that have fallen in the line of duty. God bless those and their families. They gave the ultimate gift. If you ever get the chance, go see the memorial on the state Capitol grounds. Believe me, it'll take your breath away.

I recently inquired about purchasing a stepping stone in memory of our beloved George Carter, a former fire chief and mayor to our little town. He's one of many that have made a difference in the lives of others just because he cared. I think George would want us to thank all of those involved, including Brooks Jackson, Bunny Brown, Robert Daus, Paula Haskins, East Harding, the construction workers and all who gave funds to help get this memorial accomplished.

I'd like to thank all firemen/women, first responders, policemen/women, paramedics/EMT, and any other emergency workers who put their lives on the lines for friends, family, and those that they've never even met. Thank you and God bless.

KELLY TREWYN

Sidney

Don't restart pipeline

I am strongly opposed to the restarting of the Pegasus pipeline. This over-60-year-old pipeline is a known threat to our economy and our environment. The good folks of Mayflower have firsthand knowledge of this fact.

The Pegasus pipeline poses a direct threat to over 400,000 people who get their water from Lake Maumelle. Other towns and cities will also be in jeopardy. Clear-water reservoirs are vital to not only humans but also a wide range of plants and animals. I love taking my boat to Lake Maumelle and the Arkansas River.

Exxon-Mobil can easily afford to replace the 60-year-old pipe, but they should consider the cost of the BP catastrophe in the Gulf. Will our noodle-backed mudslingers, aka politicians, demand new pipe? Condemn the pipe? Allow certain disaster by restarting the pipe?

Where do you stand?

JEFF LAHA

Little Rock

Editorial on 09/17/2014

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