Evolution in Action

Kansas--Only as Ignorant as the President

Great! Now Bush is in on the debate on what Kansas science teachers are supposed to teach (http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/12282026.htm). The conservative members of the Kansas State School Board are trying to persuade the others that teachers should be teaching evolution--but there's a catch. They are also to teach the concept (they call it "theory") of intelligent design right alongside evolution. What the hell does that mean? I have a PROBLEM with them calling it a theory, first of all. A theory is something that not only withstands the test of time, but can also BE tested. It is not a BELIEF, which many people don't seem to understand. It must be able to be tested. Now, if intelligent design can be proven, then we must be able to step back in time, as we do when we look at fossils, and detect the beginning of life. Not based on what was written in the Bible or other religious doctrines, but based on evidence placed on and in the earth. Argue, as you may, that the theory of evolution is based on the same types of detection systems. However, this theory is not based on what I want to believe. It is based on hard, cold evidence that all living things have had to adapt over time to changing conditions--or die out. The continents have moved--a theory. Animals and plants on those continents have had to adapt to adjust to new climates, albeit SLOW-changing climates--another theory. Offspring that were better suited to the changing environment lived to reproduce with the genes they carried. Other offspring not suited, died and did not reproduce. This is the premise of evolution. There is evidence of these things happening in fossils. Do scientists KNOW how life really started? No, that's why it's a theory. Otherwise, it would be considered a law.

You might argue that there is evidence of a God, whatever religion to which you happen to belong. All that is beautiful must surely have been created by God, just look around. What a miracle life is. Yes, it IS pretty darned amazing, isn't it? But whose God do we believe in? Which form of intelligent design am I supposed to teach about. If it is a theory, I must be able to present concrete evidence accumulated over the years. I'm sorry, my friends--there is not concrete evidence. It is a BELIEF, not a theory. A feeling, a need. I believe, but I can not prove anything. Oh, you say, "It's in the Bible. It must be true." I'm sorry, but the Bible was written by human beings based on stories passed down through the generations. Many religions have common stories, but, still, no facts. There are certainly distinct differences in religions, as well. Which one is right? Ah, the question of the day. The question that man has fought over since we've been around. Who is right? Let's kill each other until we all believe the same thing (if you think this is a good solution, I have a number of a great shrink for you).

I am not going to teach the intelligent design "theory" in my classroom. They will have to fire me. I will teach what is scientific. I am a science teacher. Period.

Perhaps schools should offer a separate course called "The Theory of Intelligent Design." My friends, public schools are not for teaching religion (i.e., beliefs). Parents, that's YOUR job. Now do it.