Letters

Slacking Off in Science Class

Although our report on the U.S.'s shaky position as the world's scientific superpower prompted skepticism from some readers about the threat from other countries, most readers called for improving classroom methods, increasing funding for research and raising the pay scale for professional scientists

Why are Americans losing ground to countries like China, South Korea and India in science and technology [Feb. 13]? Duh! We have a scientifically illiterate President, megachurches that insist that creation is 6,000 years old and an anti-intellectual climate that casts anyone of intelligence as a suspected terrorist. Falling behind in science? We are falling behind in intelligence!

(THE REV.) JIMMY SHELBOURN Beatrice, Neb.

One of the reasons countries such as Singapore and China are luring our scientists away with tempting paychecks is that they know the American spirit of innovation cannot be matched. Our inventiveness doesn't depend on government money. It comes from the energy of those who dare to experiment in their garages and backyards. Anyone can be the next great inventor, and that entrepreneurial spirit is here to stay.

ERIN PABST Nashville, Tenn.

As an engineer and father of two engineers, I can tell you that careers in fields other than science and engineering provide more pay, more glamour, greater chances for promotion and require less study. We need to give engineers and scientists better pay, more respect, more room for creativity and a clear path for advancement.

RICHARD A. MASON Orange, Conn.

My students love science and are thrilled when we can perform hands-on experiments. If schools could afford to buy supplies to get students doing science instead of just reading about it, enthusiasm would increase.

CAITLIN BLANCHARD Staunton, Va.

As long as M.B.A.s get better jobs than Ph.D.s, the only thing U.S. industry will have to offer the world is good business advice. Other countries will have the technology to make things happen.

DANIEL LUCHINI Naperville, Ill.

If we want world-class scientists at all costs, we need to place our best and brightest students with our most qualified math and science teachers and relieve those teachers of the frustration of trying to teach students who are unable to master the subjects.

DAN MANLEY Tulsa, Okla.

Free-Speech Lessons

Re "A Right to Offend?" [Feb. 13], On the controversy over the Danish newspaper caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad: As a liberal Muslim practicing medicine in Britain, I am very much integrated into the Western world. The Muslim world has unfortunately been hijacked by its real enemies, Islamic terrorists. While moderate Muslims are trying to find their voice and salvage their religion, the Western media help the radicals by making fun of everything that's precious to a common Muslim.

MIR SHOVKAT AHMAD Leeds, England

Muslims may object to the suggestion that they are berserk bombers, but their recent reaction to the Danish cartoons would seem to prove the point.

STEVE GELLER Berkeley, Calif.

China's Caged Birds

"Google Under the Gun" [Feb. 13] Reported that the Web giant launched a Chinese version that is censored to comply with government regulations. Your story suggested that the Chinese aren't aware of what they don't have access to. But the people of China are like birds that know they are caged and realize they may never get a chance to fly free. Google's willingness to censor Internet searches should not be seen as just "a little ethical dustup."

ZHIHUA HU New York City

"If Americans are truly concerned about falling behind, why do they waste precious time teaching religion in science classes?"

HANK DAVIS Guelph, Ont.