IMHO, it is precisely because he is a lawyer that Intelligent Design has taken on his demeanor - and won over so many people, making strong inroads in the school boards. In this instance, the jury is not scientific peers but the public at large.
IMHO, the evolutionists are ill advised to besmirch the opposition, in particular the IDers. There is more poison in the handle than the point.
On the assertion about PatrickHenry and the Pope, there was a lengthy discussion between PH and betty boop on this thread.
Right. I've been quoting the Pope's 1996 statement, as I think it's clear he's accepted evolution (but not with regard to man's spiritual nature). And I've quoted Hitler -- who is clearly a creationist. The quotes are accurate.
G3k doesn't like -- or understand -- these quotes, so he alleges that I'm claiming the Pope isn't catholic, etc. We are accustomed to such distortions.
To clarify these things again: Hitler's creationism doesn't discredit creationism. The Pope's stand on evolution doesn't prove evolution. Evolution must stand on its scientific merit, not on the authority of its proponents (or the ignominy of its detractors). Ditto for creationism.