I’ve done it and (on my father’s suggestion, actually) put my knowledge of evolution controversies to “use” and written something for a political website about Sarah Palin. It goes a little something like this:
When John McCain announced his intention to make a freshman — and female — Alaska Governor the next vice president on the eve of the Republican convention, the liberal media conspiracy went predictably haywire. The litany of revelations about Sarah Palin only grows as time goes on. And though it has been overshadowed by teenage pregnancies and doctored photographs, one question has got the lattes shaking in a great many progressive hands: is Sarah Palin a creationist?
I’m not sure how much wisdom I’ve added to the political debate, but I certainly have, in my little way, added to the frenzy about this woman. See for yourself over on AlterNet.
Comments
One response to “My Contribution to the Palin Mess”
During a debate in 2006, Sarah Palin said evolution and creationism should BOTH be taught in public schools, but after the debate she said in an interview:
http://dwb.adn.com
(Oct. 27, 2006)
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In an interview Thursday, Palin said she meant only to say that discussion of alternative views should be allowed to arise in Alaska classrooms:
“I don’t think there should be a prohibition against debate if it comes up in class. It doesn’t have to be part of the curriculum.”
She added that, if elected, she would not push the state Board of Education to add such creation-based alternatives to the state’s required curriculum.
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Teaching Evolution – Is There a Better Way?
http://www.creationmoments.net/articles/article.php?a=21
Should Evolution Be Immune From Critical Analysis?
http://www.rae.org/critanl.html
Teaching Origins in Public Schools
by David Menton
http://emporium.turnpike.net/C/cs/teach.htm
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David Menton bio:
* Biomedical research technician at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota in the Department of Dermatology (1960-62)
* Associate Professor of Anatomy at Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri (1966-2000)
* Associate Professor Emeritus of Anatomy at Washington University School of Medicine (July 2000)
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http://www.rae.org/critanl.html
[snip]
Dr. David N. Menton is a former Associate Professor of Anatomy, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, now retired. In his September 1995 address (“Evolution: Is a scientific critique possible?”) at the Abbey Arts Centre in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Menton commented:
“What I’m suggesting in the classroom is: not teaching creation. What I’m suggesting you consider in the classroom is: teach evolution the way your Minister of Education says you ought to–teach the curriculum the way they say you ought to. I believe in obeying the laws. I didn’t come here to tell you to get yourself thrown out of a job or anything like that…Do what you’re asked to do.”
“But there isn’t anyone that’s going to stop you from presenting critical evidence against evolution. No one.”
“I eagerly look forward to the first test case in court, where they drag a teacher kicking and screaming into the courts who has done the job they’re supposed to do. They’ve taught evolution–they’ve covered the curriculum–they’ve covered the points in the book–but they also presented scientific evidence that is critical of these evolutionary views–evidence generated by other evolutionists themselves. I’m waiting for the court case when they take that person in the school and say: ‘You have no right presenting scientific evidence from evolutionists critical of evolution.’”
“I’ll tell you–the approach that is being taken here guarantees one thing…you’re guaranteeing this course is going to be boring–you’re going to teach evolution as a ‘Just So Story’. Anyone with dissenting points of view is going to get crushed. They’re either going to go along with the evolutionary paradigm, or be told that they can’t speak out; they’re not going to win that round, and neither will you. You’re going to bore your kids silly.”
[snip]