Letters to the Editor
Mike_in_New_Mexico
Published Letters: 81 Editor's Choice: 5
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The philosophy of science?
[Read the article: You are the river: An interview with Ken Wilber]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Science isn't interested in proving or disproving any type or category or religion. Science, by definition, is concerned only with observable facts and models of the those facts.
If a scientist comments on the so called religious implications of his or her work, he or she has stopped practicing science for that moment.
There may be philosophers of science who are concerned with such issues, but they are not scientists.
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stay in school
[Read the article: I'm completely irresponsible and I live at home mooching off my parents]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I teach at a university. So, I deal with students and their problems on a daily basis. I can tell you that you are very lucky. Increasingly, I see parents throw their children out into the world wholly unprepared. Fewer students than you think have "full rides" or even just their tuition covered by their parents. More likely, they are racking up huge amounts of student loans or trying to work full time and screwing up their GPAs.
Your parents sound a bit controlling. However, they are doing the right thing by you. The simple fact is, whether you like it or not, a degree is a ticket to a decent life. If you are looking for a "practical" degree, then complete one. Cary's suggestion of a business major is a good one. Nursing is another degree that is very practical and gives you a good paying job where you do useful things all day long.
You blew your first chance, don't blow your second.
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raise the gas tax instead
[Read the article: Obama is wrong about the gas tax]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]The problem with CO2 emissions and global warming is that none of us pay the cost of emitting CO2. Right now, its free to pollute with CO2.
Let's slap a tax on all fossil fuel emissions, from our homes, cars, whatever. The fossil fuel tax would be paid at the pump and in our home electric and/or gas bills. If we want to avoid making the poor pay this admittedly regressive tax, we could offer low income exemptions from the electric and gas bill taxes and low income tax breaks for gasoline.
Doing this would drive a move towards conservation, lowering demand. This would both lower prices and reduce our CO2 emissions. (The lower prices would disproportionally help the poor.) We'd regain our leadership role in world politics on the environment. We'd become less dependent on despots in the Middle East and Latin America. The development of clean energy technologies could drive a new round of economic growth for the USA, much in the way the internet did in the 90s.
Obama has chosen the high road on this issue and he deserves the nomination for it. In contrast, Hillary has shown us what sort of president she would be. When push comes to shove, she'll back down and pick the politically expedient choice instead of doing what's right for the country.
If you think 5 cents a gallon is going to help anyone, you are delusional.
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depression is an illness
[Read the article: My husband doesn't want to have sex with me]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]First of all, depression meds are well known to lower your libido. Have him talk to the psychiatrist and see if a change in meds will help.
Second, remember that depression is an illness. Its not his fault. Its not a lack or exercise or a lifestyle choice. Its a brain disorder. Its a serious disease. 10% of depressed people attempt suicide.
What would you do if he had cancer and the cancer treatment made him uninterested in sex? My recommendation is that you see a therapist and figure out why you are having such a hard time dealing with this.
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End NCAA scholarships now
[Read the article: NCAA academic penalties flunk sniff test]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]The idea that a college athlete at big school could get a decent education while also meeting the demands of playing on big conference team is totally ridiculous. The entire system is a farce.
The entire idea of scholarships for athletics makes a mockery of higher learning. Not only are these athletes given a full ride, permission to miss classes that no one else can miss, more time for assignments, and free tutors, many of them are admitted to schools that they would never be admitted to without their academic abilities. How would you like it if your kid was denied admission to make room for the quarterback? The entire system is ethically bankrupt.
The system isn't fair to the student athletes either. Even on big college teams, most of them don't go pro. What sort of life awaits a graduate with a sub-par GPA and a business degree? They graduate not having made a single dollar and the university, the NCAA, and the TV networks have raked in the cash.
The NCAA needs to examine its priorities. College athletics is a fine idea. However, the NCAA needs to stop thinking of it as a business and a training ground for professional sports.
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Its finals week,,,
[Read the article: I hit my sister in the head with my purse when I drink]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Dear LW,
Its finals week. Projects are due and finals are coming. Its been years since I've faced finals week, but the memories of the stress and pressure still make me anxious! The stress and anxiety you feel are normal and appropriate.
Hang in there for a few more weeks. Sooner than you think, you'll be walking across that stage to collect your hard-earned diploma. (Make sure you go to commencement! Its a wonderful feeling.)
Next, give yourself a few weeks to catch up on your sleep and relax. Maybe take a short vacation, but nothing stressful. Let people congratulate you on your achievement.
Finally, once you are feeling more sane and grounded, think about making changes. But, don't do it until then. Maybe all your husband needs is a little attention. Maybe your drinking is just a way of dealing with stress, instead of an illness. Maybe life is actually pretty good. Maybe you are lucky to have a husband, child, parents, and a college degree.
Congratulations!
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still stuck in the 60's and 70's
[Read the article: She won't go easy]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Can you manage a media/lit reference that is more current than 1975?
Also, what motivates your extreme dislike of Mrs. Clinton? Is it because she didn't dump her philandering husband? What gives?
Well, at least I didn't have to read another ignorant opinion about global warming.