Those who believe in Evolution have their minds as closed as those who don't.
When you have all parties to the 'debate' with their minds made up....it's just an argument...usually one with name calling and demeaning of the other sides cranium capability.
It would be nice if IT was a debate....but's it's AS BAD as those threads on DU.
It's just a chance for those Evolutionists to show off their 'superior brainpower"....and a chance for the Religionists to let the Evolutionists know that their going to hell.
Sad way to run debate.....
redrock
A debate is a formal, public arguing of issues. It does not require the changing of minds. It does not even require that those who argue the merits of a side believe what they argue for.
The function of these threads is to demonstrate that FReepers are not dimwits.
I have to say that many of the people I argue against are quite knowledgeable and articulate. Not about biology, but nevertheless articulate.
Also, I have to admit that some have a more detailed knowledge of biology than I have, but for some reason are unable to see the picture that evolution paints. It's like the 3-D images that were popular a few years ago. They look like random noise until you see them, but seeing them requires looking.
I've seen several people come to these threads and change their mind. This is not a total waste of time.
More important, it's a demonstration to whatever conservative political lurkers we have that they'd best not climb in bed and promote creationism. Because there are genuine conservatives around here who will not tolerate such foolishness. And conservatives who do such things will be defeated by a combination of outraged political moderates, lefties, and educated conservatives.
Rick Santorum once talked up ID, but he's recoiled from it. Both Bush brothers, same thing. Rush Limbaugh won't touch the subject. Even Fred Barnes on Fox News, who's obviously a Christian and once implied something positive about ID won't touch the subject now.
I think we're succeeding in preventing a real screwup by the Republican party. I hope so anyway.
Evolution is the new "third rail" in American politics.
[that's not a bad tagline]