Eleven years into the 21st Century and still seem to be debating that which was settled science in the 19th Century- Evolution.
The Texas State Board of Education will meet this week to debate on the teaching evolution in the public schools. This marks the first time the Texas Board of Ed. will meet since Gov. Rick Perry had appointed Barbara Cargill chairwoman earlier this month. Ms. Cargill is a "Social Conservative" that has repeatedly expressed her displeasure with the theory of Evolution being taught in the classroom.Cargill,is considered to be one of the most conservative board members, and dismisses the theory of evolution and has voted to require that the theory's "Weaknesses" be taught in classrooms. Her reputation of the well establish science explaining the "Origin of Species" is to the very "Extreme Right" of the political spectrum, by going beyond just demanding equal time for "Intelligent Design." No, Ms Cargill actually wants the public schools to work to disprove, or attempt to poke holes in the theory of evolution.
Texas Governor Perry, has reached out to the social conservatives,as he considers a run for president in 2012. He clearly is playing to his base as he is well aware that in 2009 they adopted new standards that encourage public schools to scrutinize "all sides" of scientific theory. At first hearing, to many, the idea of the schools presenting "All Sides" and then let the kids decide, might sound OK, perhaps even progressive; but imagine that same "Logic" being applied to all areas of study. Some people deny that the Holocaust ever occurred. That T-Rex and man lived at the same time, that the Grand Canyon was formed in just a few hundred years or that the Sun revolves around the Earth.
Here is a scary statistic - The US students ranked 29th,in Science behind countries like Croatia, the Czech Republic. Yes the same country that holds the largest number of Nobel Prizes in science, that put men on the moon, now ranks behind Croatia. America can not win the battle of what country can produce "Happy Meal Toys" at the lowest cost.Countries like China, and Vietnam are filled with dirt-poor people willing to work for $3 dollars a day. If America is going to create jobs and maintain our power and standard of living, we are going to need to be the best educated in the world. Texas Governor Perry and Barbara Cargill are taking the nation in the opposite direction.
To those that say "Evolution is JUST a Theory" I have a suggestion. I will draw a big "X" on the sidewalk and have you stand in the center of that "X"; and then I will go up to the top of a 20 story building and wait 5 minutes before I drop a piano off the roof directly above that big "X". During those 5 minutes you can lecture me about how Gravity is "Just a Theory". The simple truth is science better understands Evolution then it does gravity.
When Conservatives talk about fiscal matters, I listen and will often find points of agreement. But groups try to force their ideology off as science, I will voice my concern that they are preventing our children, and nation from reaching it's full potential.
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