Another battle in the republican war against science.

[yes_justice]

Please vote against this nutball.

"McCain's VP Wants Creationism Taught in School"

We're at war with religious extremists - and we're trying to elect religious extremists. Whee....

In a 2006 gubernatorial debate, the soon-to-be governor of Alaska said of evolution and creation education, "Teach both. You know, don't be afraid of education. Healthy debate is so important, and it's so valuable in our schools. I am a proponent of teaching both."

Contrast this with Obama's position:

"I think it's a mistake to try to cloud the teachings of science with theories that frankly don't hold up to scientific inquiry," he said in April.

The choice seems clear to me.

Comments

[jvmatucha.livejournal.com]

Did you see my Palin post? I listed some phun phacts about mccain's veep pick:

http://jvmatucha.livejournal.com/277090.html

Selective quoting = disinformation

[(Anonymous)]

Keim did not to quote the rest of Palin’s statements in the article he linked: ‘Creation science’ enters the race (http://dwb.adn.com/news/politics/elections/story/8347904p-8243554c.html).

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.

Members of the state school board, which sets minimum requirements, are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Legislature.

“I won’t have religion as a litmus test, or anybody’s personal opinion on evolution or creationism,” Palin said.


So the honest headline should be "McCain's VP Doesn't Want Creationism Taught in School".

Re: Selective quoting = disinformation

[yes-justice.livejournal.com]

I've seen that retraction, made the next day, undoubtedly (well) advised. I'm pleased to hear it. Could be worse. From your link:

Palin was answering a question from the moderator near the conclusion of Wednesday night's televised debate on KAKM Channel 7 when she said, "Teach both. You know, don't be afraid of information. Healthy debate is so important, and it's so valuable in our schools. I am a proponent of teaching both."

To "debate" creationism in a science class, is akin to debating astrology versus astronomy. Shall we entertain the stork theory of childbirth in biology class, ya know, "if it comes up in class"? Ahem:

The Republican Party of Alaska platform says, in its section on education: "We support giving Creation Science equal representation with other theories of the origin of life. If evolution is taught, it should be presented as only a theory."

Well, I can see why we are falling behind many countries in science education.

Asked for her personal views on evolution, Palin said, "I believe we have a creator.

Whee.

Re: Selective quoting = disinformation

[(Anonymous)]

The fact remains she did not say she wanted creationism taught in the classroom and to infer that she did is dishonest.

The issue isn't about her views so much as how her views are reported.

Palin has not pushed creation science as governor (http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gV5jvU52RD3WBflzbmSu5l6zwOqAD92V3VQG0)

Re: Selective quoting = disinformation

[yes-justice.livejournal.com]

The fact remains she did not say she wanted creationism taught in the classroom

Mrs Palin, as quoted in the article you cited: "Teach both. You know, don't be afraid of information. Healthy debate is so important, and it's so valuable in our schools. I am a proponent of teaching both."

Both. As in, teaching BOTH evolution AND creationism. You teach evolution in science class, to "teach both" strongly implies teaching "both" evolution and creationism in science class. You don't get to choose your facts.

to infer that she did is dishonest

Its not dishonest, in fact, its entirely accurate. Her retraction, the next day, undoubtedly after consulting with folks wiser than her, did suggest otherwise, but when she shot from the hip, she revealed quite a lack of understanding.

And does she inject religion into politics? Well, there's this quote:

"I think God's will has to be done in unifying people and companies to get that gas line built"

You decide.