Math knowledge highly overrated

As the state Board of Education alters graduation credits, the concept of just what makes a good education inevitably comes up.

Recent discussions put emphasis on the importance of geometry and algebra while de-emphasizing the study of history, culture and society (“Board looks to alter graduation credits,” Star Advertiser, June 21).

I would be the first to acknowledge that math education is integral to college entrance requirements. But it is hard to understand why math credits are weighted so heavily in academic curricula when the reality is that most of us will never use advanced mathematics in our careers or personal lives.

While there is value in the discipline required to comprehend and apply these concepts, are they more valuable than a clear understanding of history, geography, culture and modern society?

When reading and understanding the daily newspaper, would the average citizen be better served by a solid background in algebra or by a working knowledge of society and world events?

Howe L. Stidger
Kaaawa

Nonviolence worth trying

It is commonly said that Gandhian nonviolence could succeed against the British but could not work against Hitler.

That seems to be the assumption underlying the critique of Thomas Friedman’s proposal for a mass nonviolent Palestinian movement for justice from Israel as “naivete” (“Friedman naive about protests,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, June 2).

However, Friedman’s proposal presents an opportunity for Palestinians (including Hamas) to demonstrate principled commitment to Gandhian nonviolence in theory and practice and for Israelis to demonstrate they are not Hitler.

Glenn D. Paige
Honolulu

Pro Bowl about the intangibles

Not that I was a major fan to start, but his Pro Bowl comments finally convinced me that Neil Abercrombie has no idea what he is talking about.

Where on Earth does a $4 million price tag not justify $28 million in revenue?

In our fragile tourist economy, how isn’t the Pro Bowl a valid investment?

And the Pro Bowl is played for the fans, who look forward to it now more than ever.

In football talk, there is a word for certain attributes of a player: “intangibles.”

The Pro Bowl is not just about the visitor spending, it is about the countless intangibles.

For example, a man in Minnesota watches the Pro Bowl footage in February, sees the sun and surf here, then plans to bring his family here in June.

The spending connected to this event is far greater than what the Hawaii Tourism Authority can measure.

Holland Henderson
Kailua

Lottery would be a voluntary tax

Perhaps now is a good time to consider a state lottery. We could sure use the funds.

Most states make very good money with these, plus the start-up costs and management expense is minimal.

Yes, it might be considered a tax, burdening mostly poorer people, but at least it’s a voluntary tax.

In addition, with only dollar increment bets, it’s hard to see how someone could go broke playing the lottery.

Come on, Hawaii, let’s catch up to what just about every other state is doing.

Mike Sherrill
Kihei

Insurance firms burden doctors

Articles in the Star-Advertiser on May 15 and 17 noted increasing profits by health insurance companies attributed to patients deferring the health care they need due to high deductibles and co-pays. This is a short-term benefit with bad long-term consequences.

In addition, the insurance companies are causing serious problems for physicians. Many now impose restrictive formularies and prior authorizations for tests and referrals, plus much higher co-payments for patients. Doctors are being forced to spend more time responding to demands to justify care, to the point that many now refuse to accept health plans with overly burdensome policies.

For patients, this means loss of access to care, but for the health plans it just means more profit.

A survey of local physicians was published in the February 2011 issue of the Hawaii Medical Journal documenting widespread frustration with health plan policies of some local insurance plans.

Alan Tice, M.D.
Honolulu