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Louisiana Promoting Ignorance in Education Since 1858
Ever since the proposal of Evolution in 1858 creationist groups have been fighting the theory. Now thanks to a proposal by the extremely Evangelical senator from David Vitter creationism has gotten a new toe hold into our school systems. According to an article in the The New Orleans newspaper The Time-Picayune.
Sen. David Vitter, R-La., earmarked $100,000 in a spending bill for a Louisiana Christian group that has challenged the teaching of Darwinian evolution in the public school system and to which he has political ties
Besides this being an obvious political maneuver with no real interest in our kids future, and this possibly being perceived as a type of atonement for past sins, (mainly the visiting of a Washington DC Madame) the teaching of creationism has been shown, in court cases, to be impossible to separate its ties to religion. If Louisiana passes this money it would be the state, our government, sponsoring religion. I believe our constitution has something to say about that. Something about Congress shall pass no law respecting the establishment of religion. See first amendment or the wall above the door to the Al Neuharth Media Center. Now it is not unknown for the religious to receive funding from the government, but they are not allowed to proceed to teach their myths as fact. That is really what this money is for, David Vitter admitted it. According to an article from National Center for Science Education, "In a written statement, Vitter explained, 'This program helps supplement and support educators and school systems that would like to offer all of the explanations in the study of controversial science topics such as global warming and the life sciences.'"
There is no doubt in my mind that this is more than just trying to get a religious view put in our school systems. They seek to undermine our children's education, using misinformation and lies. They make claims which aren't supported by 99% of all scientists, yet say that evolution is a theory under stress. As if there is an actual controversy in the scientific community regarding evolution. Every American who believes in the children's education, every American that believes in the scientific ideal, every American who believes in the constitution that our forefathers setup should find this type of religious sanctioning grievous and offensive. Offering special consideration to a group of this type not only undermines our constitution it also undermines the future of our children and that is inexcusable.
Posted at 10:54PM Oct 01, 2007 by Dan Benjamin Smart in General | Comments[5]
I'm an atheist myself, but I'm not completely opposed the the teaching of creationism. It's an opinion like any other and our children do indeed have a right to know about it.
However, it shouldn't be taught instead of evolution, but rather in addition to. The educator would have to work hard to be impartial and offer the knowledge for what it is. Not preach it, but inform them that this is what this or that group believes.
Having all the facts about the variety of ideas will help them better appreciate a secular life style when they grow up and see what religion for what it truly is.
Posted by Jesse Bethke on October 02, 2007 at 09:43 AM CDT #
Senator Vitter was also busted this summer for going on dates with hookers. Maybe he's trying to keep evangelicals on board for his candidacy?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/09/AR2007070902030.html
Posted by Tetris on October 02, 2007 at 10:43 AM CDT #
Oh yeah you already mentioned that. Nevermind.
Posted by Tetris on October 02, 2007 at 10:43 AM CDT #
I would suggest it's all right to teach Creationism in our public schools - if it's put into an objective perspective and placed within the proper discipline. For instance - Creationism belongs in a class ABOUT Religion and/or Mythology. But because it is NOT a scientific theory and has absolutely no basis in science - Creationism should NEVER be taught in a BIOLOGY or EARTH SCIENCES class. That would be like teaching "The Odyssey" in a Math Class or discussing the paintings of Salvador Dali in a Agricultural Sciences class. Creationism simply has no relevence within a scientific discussion and is completely outside science's pervue. Sure, teach it - but teach it as religious mythology - not as a scientific theory.
Posted by Douglas Bryenldson on October 02, 2007 at 01:51 PM CDT #
Actually evolution is also just a THEORY not a FACT, just like intelligent design is. I don't see how so-called "scientists" like yourselves can keep on ignoring that inconvenient reality. What's wrong with teaching 2 THEORIES alongside each other? Oh yeah, everything, when you are advancing an anti-God agenda. Duh. This isn't about science its about an irrational hate of God.
Posted by Christ's Warrior on October 04, 2007 at 10:24 AM CDT #