Kerry Edwards asked a very leading question about whether requiring math in university is a waste of human resources.

Algebra is to calculus what grammar is to language.

IMO, if you cannot pass calculus you shouldn't be in a university. The same goes for other fundamental analytic skills in other liberal arts disciplines. That's what the "university" word is all about -- once through with it, you can apply your knowledge universally -- to all problems.

Go to a JuCo or trade school if you want a curriculum that doesn't require analysis in the major fields of human endeavor.

So no, it's not a waste, if we set low educational goals for our most advanced education, we'll get students of exactly that quality. Kind of like what we have.

B