Intelligent Denials: Bush's science adviser defends evolution!

The American Prospect, ^ | 22 February 2005 | Chris Mooney

[PatrickHenry]

When it's your job to serve as the president's in-house expert on science and technology, being constantly in the media spotlight isn't necessarily a mark of distinction. But for President Bush's stoically inclined science adviser John Marburger, immense controversy followed his blanket dismissal last year of allegations (now endorsed by 48 Nobel laureates) that the administration has systematically abused science. So it was more than a little refreshing last Wednesday to hear Marburger take a strong stance against science politicization and abuse on one issue where it really matters: evolution.

Speaking at the annual conference of the National Association of Science Writers, Marburger fielded an audience question about "Intelligent Design" (ID), the latest supposedly scientific alternative to Charles Darwin's theory of descent with modification. The White House's chief scientist stated point blank, "Intelligent Design is not a scientific theory." And that's not all -- as if to ram the point home, Marburger soon continued, "I don't regard Intelligent Design as a scientific topi."

[PH here:]
I'm not sure the whole article can be copied here, so please go to the link to read it all:
Chris Mooney, "Intelligent Denials", The American Prospect Online, Feb 22, 2005.

[PatrickHenry]

Thank God!

[crail]

"Intelligent Design is not a scientific theory."

Excellent.

[PatrickHenry]

EvolutionPing

A pro-evolution science list with over 240 names. See list's description at my homepage. FReepmail to be added/dropped.

[BenLurkin]

Ah yes, a presidential science advisor . . .

[Izzy Dunne]

I don't regard Intelligent Design as a scientific topi.

And I am unanimous in that.

[nevergore]

If we evolved from monkeys....

How come there are still monkeys?

NeverGore :^)

[ASA Vet]

Thank you

[Paradox]

This is GOOD. I hope we dont have to work too hard to defend this.

I was almost believing the liberal hype about the Bush admin and this topic, so its good to see this.

[AntiGuv]

American Prospect is not on the Excerpt and Link Only or Deny Posting List (which is always just a click away on my FR profile) so you could've posted the full article.

PS. Your topic seems to have lost a "c"..

PPS. Very well said Mr Presidential Science Advisor!

[AQGeiger]

Better words could not be spoken, in regards to this bit of news.

[MineralMan]

"If we evolved from monkeys....

How come there are still monkeys?
"

Probably because creationists don't understand the principles of the theory of evolution.

[Clemenza]

"Intelligent Design is not a scientific theory."

Damn straight! Keep theology out of science, and science out of theology.

[Clemenza]

bttt

[PatrickHenry]

I can't over-estimate how important this is. The science-literate posters on this forum have been warning for some time that the dems would use the anti-evolution sentiments of a few activists and attempt to brand the whole conservative movement as a bunch of ignorant, unwashed fools, whose religious views would drag us all back into the Dark Ages.

With this master-stroke of public sanity, the Bush Administration, and thus the whole Republican enterprise, has blunted that issue. The road is clear. We will be the dominant party for the next generation.

God bless America!

[Physicist]

How come there are still monkeys?

Mostly, they're just resting, but I'm afraid some are dead.

[freedomfiter2]

on one issue where it really matters: evolution.

Ah yes, if people stop believing in evolution,evolution will cease to exist. Seriously, science would be better served if people with various presuppositions would observe the available data. The science community has greatly hindered by the pressure to conform to whatever idea is currently popular.

[general_re]

The science-literate posters on this forum have been warning for some time that the dems would use the anti-evolution sentiments of a few activists and attempt to brand the whole conservative movement as a bunch of ignorant, unwashed fools, whose religious views would drag us all back into the Dark Ages.

Post #9 seems to confirm this fear quite neatly. Such timing.

[Long Cut]

The TOE does not state that Homo Sapiens evolved from "monkeys". Instead, it DOES state that humans and apes (and ultimately, all life) has a common ancestor. In fact, humans ARE great apes.

[AntiGuv]

Humans are the greatest apes.. ;^)