Posted on 09/30/2005 7:45:00 AM PDT by PatrickHenry
The Campaign to Defend the Constitution, a group organized to promote the teaching of evolution, sent letters Thursday to all 50 governors, urging them to ensure that science classes teach material based on established science.
The letters were signed by more than 100 scientists and clergy of various faiths, the group said.
Although Gov. Ed Rendell had not received the letters as of Thursday afternoon, spokeswoman Kate Philips said he is committed to the idea of teaching evolution in science classes.
Rendell "believes that (intelligent design) is more than appropriate to be taught in religion classes, but has no room in science classes in public schools," Philips said. "But this is in the court's hands now, and other than his opinion, he has no influence."
But a spokeswoman for DefCon, the group's nickname for itself, said the group hopes that after governors receive the letter, they will make a public announcement opposing the teaching of intelligent design.
"It would be nice if (Rendell) took a stance and said, whether it's in the Dover district or any other Pennsylvania district, 'We need to protect the teaching of science in our science classrooms,'" Jessica Smith said.
The group named Dover its top "Island of Ignorance" in the country. It has targeted areas in the country where it says evolution is being challenged at the state level or in public school science classrooms. They include Cobb County, Ga.; Kansas; Blount County, Tenn.; Ohio; Grantsburg, Wisc.; Alabama; Utah; South Carolina; and Florida.
Advocates of intelligent design say life is so complex that it is likely the result of deliberate design by some unidentified creator, not random evolutionary mutation and adaptation.
Critics say it is essentially creationism and violates the separation of church and state when it becomes part of a public school curriculum.
"We can do better when we let science do its job, and ask religion to do its job," former ACLU executive director Ira Glasser said Thursday, "and if there's a need for conversation, please, let's not do it in the classrooms of our children."
Oh please, trotting that out is just silly.
I think you actually do know what that line means, but you disingenuously use it in connection with the KKK for purely emotional reasons. Do you feeeeeeel better now?
And those who believe in evolution want to put out the flame of God, so I suppose it's only fair.
"You can still make me laugh."
It's my goal in life.
How come the Democrats always come up with the good names? THE CAMPAIGN TO DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION, People for the American Way, etc. You can be certain whatever the name is, it has absolutely NOTHING to do with what the group is promoting, but it sure is soothing to the sheeple. Why don't the Republicans have a good PR firm?
"Hmmmm....wonder what his non KKK constituents think of this."
I'm sure you of course realize that favoured races in this context has absolutely nothing to do with races of humans. This means the Dodo bird was not a favored race (species) of bird. Being that all humans no matter their race can interbreed it is not the same thing. Nice try though.
Sorry to tell you, but merely introducing "different ideas" isn't enough in Science. For example, you no longer here about the theory of aether, the "planetary model" of the atom is no longer taught either. Medical students no longer study the "humors", and "bleeding" patients, except rare instances, is no longer practiced. There are a whole host of "different" ideas that are not recognized by science, thats just how it is. It takes more than being different.
"Being that all humans no matter their race can interbreed it is not the same thing."
Ah, but that's a recent evolutionary change. Up until the middle of the last century, it was impossible for members of different races to interbreed in several states in this country.
More proof of evolution...
And soon we won't hear about evolution!
God isn't a flame, it has been used throughout history to keep people in the dark. Better not to look through the telescope at all then to look through it and find religious presuppositions challenged.
At least you're honest about your intentions.
Medical students no longer study the "humors"
I have often looked through telescopes and still believe in God. Amazing, huh?
Good for Governor Rendell!
"And soon we won't hear about evolution!"
Well, based on the posts of some of the creationists and ID proponents here, lots of people haven't really heard about evolution already. More's the pity.
So what if intelligent design isn't science. That doesn't detract from reasoning out where matter and life came from. Science is self-limiting to its own capability. Intelligent design has a much wider reach.
Thanks for the ping!
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