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In the article, Cohen admits that he doesn't understand algebra, can't even do percentages, and just doesn't get it. Though he admits his own stupidity in elementary mathematics, this liberal thinks himself qualified to opine on tax rates, budgets, economic development, inflation, monetary policy, military issues, etc.

Cohen believes in the other people (aka "the government") doing things for you -- including all the math. You shouldn't have to do any algebra, it should be pre-done for you. Need to compare to prices for two products of different sizes to find the better buy? You could set up a proportion ... or you can check the unit price for each item on the shelf.

Need to know how many fat calories that snack has? You could look at the number of grains of fat and multiply by 9. Or you can read the Fat Calories number right below the total calories number.

Can't balance your checkbook? So what! The bank will tell you. And besides, you can get a program for your pocketPC that will do it for you. Probably get one for your phone, too.

Need to know how much your withholding should be? Why? Someone will just take it out for you, and it's probably right, so why should you worry?

How much is that sweater on sale? Hey, they have a price-check scanner that will tell me without waiting on line. Cool. (Except, you may have to wait on a little line to get to the price-check scanner.)

No one will accuse Mr. Cohen of being an illiterate. He is, however, an innumerate and that is a worse thing.