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While I agree with your post, evolution is under fire not only from creationists, but from fellow scientists as well. It is imploding apart from any biblical interpretations.

Dataman, I'm glad to hear that you agree with my sentiments!

Likewise, I agree that there are both religious and scientific objections to aspects of the theory of evolution.

However, I think it would be a mistake to jump to the conclusion that the theory is therefore "imploding". While imperfect, it is still the best explanation science has to offer, as far as I can see. What are our scientific alternatives?

Again, in order to completely discredit a theory (i.e. throw it out and start from scratch), it is not enough to simply find its flaws. We can do that with Newton's "Laws" of Motion, though I think we can admit that the theory is quite valid under most circumstances. A theory's flaws, therefore, need not detract from its usefulness. In order to completely scrap a theory, we should have a better idea, an alternative theory, as well as supporting evidence.

In addition, I would hold that the majority of biologists accept the theory of evolution - Some with more reservations than others, yes, but it is not nearly this controversial in the community of people most effectively trained to understand it, and we cannot dismiss that either.

If, however, you can show us that there is indeed a significant challenge to the theory of evolution among the people most qualified to understand it, I will happily accept the idea, given a workable alternate theory and the appropriate level of evidence. But, as js1138 implies, here:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/832645/posts?page=308#308

...we need to see the basis on which you make this claim, in order to believe it. Otherwise, as Dark Knight has rightly pointed out (see here), science should remain skeptical.

DFS

Hi folks, so I was just talking to my dad about this, and he had this to say, something I had not considered:

"Why would anyone want an recommendation from a reluctant source?"

He also suggests that, as a compromise, maybe the student could be allowed to write his own recommendation, after which the DoJ could force Dr. Dini to sign it :)

Thoughts? Anyone? Good solution or government interference?

Which brings up another, much more practical question, all intellectual issues aside:

What, if anything, should be done in this situation?

Because...

...while I can understand people not agreeing with Dr. Dini's attitudes, I don't see any justification for punishment, and certainly no justification for any sort of government action or investigation. Remember, your tax dollars are being spent on this! Are you really OK with that?

Let's back up those arguments :) Thanks for reading,

DFS