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Random Thoughts and Other Writings

Melvyn D. Magree
Last updated
July 30, 2007

I meant this page to be links to letters to the editor and op-ed pieces that I had submitted that had not been published for one reason or another.  I also meant to include some random thoughts that I had not submitted anywhere.

After I started this page, I started a blog on this site and then a blog on Google's Blogger.  So, my random thoughts are in one of these two places.

The rest of this page is divided into two sections: unpublished and published.  Unpublished is a relative term; the article or letter may have been published, but I never saw it.  The published pieces I generally cannot post here; many publications want exclusive use.  On top of that, access may be limited to subscribers or to a certain number of days after publication.

Unpublished articles and letters

Pundits pushing down polls, letter sent to New York Times, July 22, 2007
When reporters write that a candidate can't win, are they reporting news or making news?

Their master's voice, letter sent to New York Times, May 22, 2007
It's nice to make a point six years before the New York Times writes about it.  In 2001 I didn't think Bush' cabinet was as diverse as many claimed it was.

Battling claims: Who is truly supporting veterans?  letter to the Duluth News Tribune, September 1, 2004
A couple of candidates in the 2004 election claimed to support veterans.  When budget numbers start being used during elections, one has to start digging – either a place to hide or a place to find the truth.

Published articles and letters

Note: the links below may have expired or be limited to subscribers.

Measuring student performance, Star Tribune Netlet, July 28, 2007
Which is more important?  How well a teacher teaches a subject or how much a teacher affects students' lives decades later?

©2004, 2007 Melvyn D. Magree