It is appalling when students do not know basic historical facts. It is equally appalling that students who chastise others for lacking knowledge lack basic knowledge themselves.

Rebecca McNulty was right on that many students lack historical knowledge, but McNulty herself lacks knowledge. In her column, "What MSU students don't know is appalling; Lincoln is basic history" (SN 1/25), she comments on how Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president during the Civil War, "a good hundred years after the Constitution was written."

A "good hundred years" suggests at least 100, perhaps even more than 100. The Constitution of the United States was signed in 1787. Lincoln was inaugurated in March of 1861. If basic math holds true with dates, then 1861 minus 1787 equals 74. Perhaps a "good 74 years" would be more accurate.

Why does 26 years matter? If an elderly individual is 74, they are not a "good hundred." So, a "good hundred years" from the constitutional signing would be September 1887, and Grover Cleveland was, in fact, president of the United States. By the "good hundred" year anniversary of the signing, there had been six different presidents since Lincoln. So, 26 years makes a huge difference.

It is important to be interested in history, know the people involved and the battles fought. It is also crucial to know the dates. A lot can happen in 26 years. Although McNulty's efforts and interests on the subject are applauded, it is disturbing that dates are unknown by a student who claims to know history.

Joseph W. Frost
history junior