[whattajoke]

...I think you've ascribed meaning to the statement "we are skeptical of claims for the ability of random mutation and natural selection to account for the complexity of life," that isn't warranted.

To harbor skepticism about the sufficiency of random mutation and natural selection as mechanisms for evolution is not synonymous with questioning the totality of evolutionary theory.

I can't argue with you on this, in the context of intelligent FR discourse. (And, quite frankly, I'm a bit hesitant to disagree with someone who uses the word, "syzygy" in internet forums). BUT, surely you must see the underlying intent of Ms. Swenson's article.

When Joe Minnesota reads this article over his canadian bacon and eggs, while gearing up for UM's big clash with Michigan State, he's going to read that and say, "Hey honey, evolution is bunk. It says here that scientists no longer believe in it. Praise be." And THIS is why this article is terrible. I do see it was an OpEd piece, which does offer a bit of comfort to me, but still...

As PatrickHenry pointed out, there is no such movement away from evolution... there is an ongoing study into what the mechanisms that drive evolution are, to be sure. But Minnesotans and FReepers can rest assured, there is certainly not "a growing number of prominent biologists are signing on to the [evolution is dead petition]." Total garbage.

Furthermore, as CobaltBlue's sleuthing discovered, her OpEd piece is almost verbatim from the Seattle based Discovery Institute dungheap of press releases. It's a shame this woman is a teacher.

[Sabertooth]

surely you must see the underlying intent of Ms. Swenson's article.

Ain't it possible that she has more than one intention?
Might not some intentions be more valid than others?
Might one of them be to counter logically unnecessary leaps such as addressed at #82?

(And, quite frankly, I'm a bit hesitant to disagree with someone who uses the word, "syzygy" in internet forums).

One of my favorite words. Three syllables, and the five usual suspects don't make an appearance.