Saturday, May 12, 2007
Republicans and Evolution: The Sink of Ignorance
"If you want to believe that your family came from apes, that's fine. I'll accept that," says Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee. "I just don't happen to think that I did."
Huckabee joined Sen. Sam Brownback and Rep. Tom Tancredo in declaring his doubts about Darwin and evolution at the Republican presidential candidate debate at the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley last week.
Here's an excerpt from a transcript of the debate published by the New York Times where the topic of evolution comes up:
The sad picture of McCain's obsequious pandering for the votes of the loony-toons religious right reflects the dilemma now faced by Republican presidential candidates.
McCain, who once called Pat Robertson or Jerry Falwell agents of intolerance, is now learning that Karl Rove's successful electoral strategy in the last two elections has driven moderates out of the party and positions of power inside. The Christian fundamentalist tail now wags the Republican dog and there's nothing McCain -- or any other Republican -- can do but go along.
McCain is on record, by the way, as supporting the teaching of intelligent design in science classes -- and not just when he's hiking in the Grand Canyon, either. You can watch a video of McCain telling the editorial board of The Arizona Daily Star he thinks "all points of view should be presented."
"Should it be taught in science classes?" McCain is asked.
"There's enough scientists that believe that it does," answers McCain, "I think all points of view should be presented."
Huckabee joined Sen. Sam Brownback and Rep. Tom Tancredo in declaring his doubts about Darwin and evolution at the Republican presidential candidate debate at the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley last week.
Here's an excerpt from a transcript of the debate published by the New York Times where the topic of evolution comes up:
MR. VANDEHEI: Senator McCain, this comes from a Politico.com reader and was among the top vote-getters in our early rounds. They want a yes or on. Do you believe in evolution?
SEN. MCCAIN: Yes.
MR. VANDEHEI: I’m curious, is there anybody on the stage that does not agree -- believe in evolution? (Senator Brownback, Mr. Huckabee, Representative Tancredo raise their hands.)
SEN. MCCAIN: May I -- may I just add to that?
MR. VANDEHEI: Sure.
SEN. MCCAIN: I believe in evolution. But I also believe, when I hike the Grand Canyon and see it at sunset, that the hand of God is there also.
The sad picture of McCain's obsequious pandering for the votes of the loony-toons religious right reflects the dilemma now faced by Republican presidential candidates.
McCain, who once called Pat Robertson or Jerry Falwell agents of intolerance, is now learning that Karl Rove's successful electoral strategy in the last two elections has driven moderates out of the party and positions of power inside. The Christian fundamentalist tail now wags the Republican dog and there's nothing McCain -- or any other Republican -- can do but go along.
McCain is on record, by the way, as supporting the teaching of intelligent design in science classes -- and not just when he's hiking in the Grand Canyon, either. You can watch a video of McCain telling the editorial board of The Arizona Daily Star he thinks "all points of view should be presented."
"Should it be taught in science classes?" McCain is asked.
"There's enough scientists that believe that it does," answers McCain, "I think all points of view should be presented."
