Wednesday, May 11, 2005
What Matters in Kansas -- A Follow Up
Red State Rabble will have more in a just a bit about where William Saletan goes wrong in his piece in Slate today, "What Matters in Kansas." (see below) Much of it is tongue in cheek, and should be read as an amusing entertainment rather that a serious analysis, but we should all be clear about what's at stake.
First, the definition of science. Should we allow supernatural explanations of the phenomena we observe in the natural world or not? Red State Rabble is of the opinion that redefining science is more dangerous than allowing creationism in.
Second, should we open the door to right-wing zealots to push their anti-science agenda unimpeded at school board meetings, particularly in the rural areas of the state, where they can and do harass and intimidate teachers and administrators?
It is true, that as Saletan's article implies, evolution is winning and will win the long term battle. We've come a long way from Scopes when evolution was banned from the public schools. But, that does not mean that the trend can't be, or won't be reversed at times. The right is raging now. They've become the tail that wags the Republican dog. That makes them a dangerous opponent.
Red State Rabble is convinced that we should concede nothing -- with the right, every time we take a step back in a mistaken attempt to be more accommodating, tolerant, or fair they take a giant step in our direction and then demand we step back again. Tactics change from time to time, creationism may give way in public to intelligent design -- but the ultimate goal remains the same.
If you still doubt the seriousness of what is happening, consider this from a story by Sophia Maines in today's Lawrence Journal World:
And remember, this is Lawrence, Kansas. It isn't some Podunk -- it's the home of the University of Kansas.
First, the definition of science. Should we allow supernatural explanations of the phenomena we observe in the natural world or not? Red State Rabble is of the opinion that redefining science is more dangerous than allowing creationism in.
Second, should we open the door to right-wing zealots to push their anti-science agenda unimpeded at school board meetings, particularly in the rural areas of the state, where they can and do harass and intimidate teachers and administrators?
It is true, that as Saletan's article implies, evolution is winning and will win the long term battle. We've come a long way from Scopes when evolution was banned from the public schools. But, that does not mean that the trend can't be, or won't be reversed at times. The right is raging now. They've become the tail that wags the Republican dog. That makes them a dangerous opponent.
Red State Rabble is convinced that we should concede nothing -- with the right, every time we take a step back in a mistaken attempt to be more accommodating, tolerant, or fair they take a giant step in our direction and then demand we step back again. Tactics change from time to time, creationism may give way in public to intelligent design -- but the ultimate goal remains the same.
If you still doubt the seriousness of what is happening, consider this from a story by Sophia Maines in today's Lawrence Journal World:
"Timmia Hearn Feldman, a Central Junior High School student, said her father had to press school officials to teach evolution in her biology class. When it was covered, Hearn Feldman said much of the unit was passed over. 'I feel like it wasn't covered sufficiently,' she said. 'I think a lot of teachers are afraid to teach evolution.'"
And remember, this is Lawrence, Kansas. It isn't some Podunk -- it's the home of the University of Kansas.
