[JackN]

I just graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Journalism. In school/the start of my professional career, there was no need to really utilize algebra or calculus. I took no math credits while at MSU because I had credit from AP classes, so I don't have a very good idea of what math classes are like in the college level.

In one of my entry level Journalism classes I was able to earn extra credit because I understood how a logarithmic scale worked and could explain it in class (we were discussing the Richter Scale). I have a friend who is currently working as a page and graphic designer for a major magazine who took several tries to pass college algebra.

I live with one student who is getting a degree in engineering and another getting a degree in horticulture. About six months ago we had a discussion about the Republican primary process, neither one of them could name two people who were running for the nomination (this took place when Herman Cain, Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, Michele Bachmann, Rick Santorum, John Huntsman, and Rick Perry were all still in the race). I found this just as frightening as people not able to do algebra.

Every single person needs a basic understanding of political science, math, biology, physics, and writing to be able to function in society. Having baselines for understanding across all fields can improve our communication and can make it easier for us to relate to each other. The US is become more sharply divided along economic, educational, religious and political lines maybe figuring out a common level of education could help us solve the problem.