News article on a ruling about intelligent design. Unconstitutional for some reason. Students are told evolution is only a theory and other ideas--why, how about intelligent design? -- should be considered. Wasn't the word 'theory' already being taught, maybe other basic terms?
Also, this "war against Christmas" crap... got an e-mail from my mom today (of course a forward), with a picture of a Christmas tree, explaining that it wasn't a Hanukkah bush or, my favorite, "an Allah plant" (wouldn't it be an Eid Evergreen?). Is this really a problem? Jon Stewart said it right. Saying "Happy Holidays" isn't an attack on Christianity. It's a timesaver.
Hey, when God's judgement rains down on us like so much ... rain, do you prefer cataclysm (not evenly distributed) or apocalypse (get it over with)?
The judge's opinion ran to 139 pages. I have no idea what legal theories he presented, but there is no justification for such a lengthy opinion. Ever.
ReplyDeleteConsider especially that we're talking about a district court judge (i.e. the "lower" court) where there is no dissenting or concurring opinion--just one guy discussing something at greater length than need be.
He may or may not be correct, but he certainly is wrong.
He just wanted the publicity, I gather, which is sad.
ReplyDeleteThe culture wars are super fun, huh?
I think just giving kids the information, the four paragraphs saying there are other possible explanations (depending on the phrasing) is fine, but why is it necessary? Unless these groups want schools to push a certain dogma, why not let parents share beliefs with kids, and teach critical thinking.
Here here for critical thinking.
ReplyDeleteI agree, too, that four paragraphs on "there are lots of ideas out theres" won't do any harm. Don't you just wonder how widespread this let's just put it all out there approach is? My hunch is that they're not teaching even four paragraphs about the connectivity of molecules (ala What the @#$@# Do We Know) when they study electrons and particles in chemestry.
Also: It seems like the right commonly criticizes pubilc education for its unwillingness to take a "stand" on issues for which they feel feel there is only one right answer for. (I.e. attacking moral relativism, as with "if you're mind is too open, it might fall out.")
Now, when the conservatives are savvy enough to couch their agenda in terms of diversity of opinion and open-mindedness, they're still shot down.
Sorta funny.
There is a brilliant article on the trial in the New Yorker from last week. Highly recommended read.
ReplyDelete