First Amendment Center senior scholarInside the First Amendment
Just when I thought the fight over evolution couldn't get any more political, the president of the United States weighs in with an apparent endorsement of teaching "intelligent design" in public schools.
"Both sides ought to be properly taught," President Bush told a reporter on Aug. 2, "so people can understand what the debate is all about."
With one offhand remark, the president managed to give intelligent design (the view that the complexity of life can be explained only by the existence of an intelligent designer) a new level of political clout and respectability that no amount of PR can buy.
Politicizing science, of course, is nothing new in America. Beginning with the Scopes trial of 1925, politics and religion -- not science -- have driven the fight over the teaching of evolution in public schools.
That's why some textbooks still skim over evolution -- and teachers in certain parts of the country look over their shoulders whenever they mention the "e" word. And we wonder why American high school students don't fare well in science when compared to their international peers.
The day after Bush's statement, presidential science adviser John Marburger tried to reassure science groups, telling The New York Times that "evolution is the cornerstone of modern biology" and "intelligent design is not a scientific concept."
But conservative Christian groups were already off and running. "Bush Wants Intelligent Design Taught in Public Schools" declares the headline on Focus on the Family's Web site. New Jersey Congressman Scott Garrett urged local schools to act: "I would hope that first and foremost that the school boards would step up to the plate now and say, 'Look, our President has said this... this is what we should be teaching in our local schools.'"
The president's comments come at a heady time for the intelligent-design movement. Some 20 states are now considering changing their science standards to ensure that "alternative theories" be taught in science classes. Just last week, the Kansas Board of Education voted to include greater criticism of evolution in the state's science courses.
But just as the conviction of John Scopes turned out to be a pyrrhic victory for creationists (thanks to the withering wit of attorney Clarence Darrow), so this growing political support for ID may well doom the ID movement. Here's why.
Start with the fact that ID isn't ready for prime time in the science curriculum. To count as "science" in the public school setting, a theory must be adequately supported by scientific research published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. ID has no such support, although ID advocates contend that's because the mainstream scientific community has frozen them out.
Many of the ground troops pushing ID in local communities don't know if ID is good science -- and they don't seem to care. They are part of the anything-but-evolution movement that has jumped on ID as the latest Trojan horse to ride into the science classroom. ID isn't all they want (since it isn't full-blown creationism), but it does point to God. Best of all, to them, ID isn't evolution.
These are the folks who helped persuade the Dover, Pa., school board to mandate that kids hear a statement about ID and learn where to find out more. Since the board members who voted for this policy appear to be largely motivated by religious convictions, it's likely that courts will strike down this practice as a violation of the First Amendment's establishment clause. When that happens, the effort to get ID into the curriculum will suffer a serious setback.
At first blush, Bush's advice to teach "both sides" may strike people as reasonable and fair. But if he's talking about the science curriculum, are there really two scientific sides in this debate? Evolution is the prevailing scientific theory long accepted by the vast majority of scientists. ID, the proposed "scientific alternative," is a concept with no substantial research base and no testable hypotheses. No matter how much religious supporters of ID wish it were so, ID isn't ready to be placed on equal scientific footing with evolutionary theory.
That's why the Kansas strategy is far more worrisome to science groups. Rather than pushing for ID, conservative members of the state board want schools to "teach the controversy" by including more criticism of evolution. This translates into teaching ID, since the ID attack on evolution is the "scientific critique" board members have in mind. But since there is little debate among biologists about core evolutionary principles, any attempt to bring intelligent design into the biology classroom will face strong resistance from the science community.
It may be less heavy-handed, but the actions of the Kansas board are just as political -- and no more based in science -- than the tactics of the Dover school board. With all due respect to our elected officials, including the president, decisions about what counts as good science in public schools must be made by scientists, not politicians.
In science, as in a democracy, conflict and debate are healthy and should be welcome. Intelligent-design advocates, some of whom are scientists, have every right to make the case against evolution and for an alternative theory. But that case should be made in research universities and scientific journals.
Public schools aren't a proving ground for untested theories. And students shouldn't become guinea pigs (or monkeys, for that matter) in the culture-war debate over evolution. That's bad for science education -- and for the nation.
By Charles C. Haynes 21 August 05 posted 3 September 05
Charles C. Haynes is senior scholar at the First Amendment Center, 1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Va. 22209. E-mail: chaynes@freedomforum.org.
Political science: unintelligent debate over intelligent design
Curriculum fights put schoolchildren in culture-war crossfire
Parents, teachers, school boards are squabbling over what kids should learn about sex, evolution and religion's role in U.S. history. 02.04.05
Bush: Schools should teach intelligent design alongside evolution
During roundtable interview with Texas reporters, president says he believes students should learn about both theories. 08.03.05
Kansas board votes to critique evolution in school
But final vote on science standards won't take place until outside academic has reviewed them. 08.11.05
Governor says intelligent design doesn't belong in science classes
But Utah's Jon Huntsman says it would be appropriate to teach theory in sociology, philosophy classes. 08.29.05
In evolution debate, silent treatment won't work
By Charles C. Haynes It's a mistake for scientists to boycott hearings on evolution vs. 'intelligent design,' or for schools to try to avoid the controversy. 05.29.05
Analysis/Commentary summary page
View the latest analysis and commentary throughout the First Amendment Center Online.
'Inteligent' Design
Given the recent media attention to intelligent design, it is important to critically evaluate the merits of this idea from a scientific viewpoint. Intelligent design holds that observable evidence, such as the complexity of organisms, supports the conclusion that the world was created by an intelligent agent. This is based upon the assumption that random mutation cannot account for complex systems like a bird's lung or a flagella of a unicellular organism. Although intelligent design is presented as a scientific theory, it is not one because it cannot be tested.
School to make evolution optional
A SYDNEY Christian school has moved quickly to incorporate the controversial Intelligent Design theory into its science classes as an alternative to the conventional theory of evolution.
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Zarqawi: Everywhere and nowhere
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US confirms civilian deaths in Afghan air strike!
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Labor, 'Showroom Dummies'
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Australia: Lib/Lab Cult Squad
AUSTRALIA: WHEN pastor peter costello delivered a speech in July last year from the pulpit of the hillsong church, an 18,000-strong cult, based in Sydney's northwestern suburbs, most people wrote them off, all accept those neo-liberals who were seeking the gargoyle vote.
Back to kill the innocent
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Crush, Kill, Destroy, Labor Wants War on Afghanistan
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Howard off to US, UK - part 5
PART-5- PRIME minister john hoWARd will meet US president george w buSHIT, British prime minister tony blair and queen 'imperialism' herself during a 10-day visit to the United States and the UK next month.
Searching for resistance in Afghanistan
Tribal leaders listen in a meeting in Miana Shien, Kandahar province, southern Afghanistan, on Saturday in an attempt to end the fighting that has killed more than 175 freedom fighters since Tuesday.
Battlelines drawn on Security Council
THE US has outlined its first detailed position on UN Security Council reform, proposing a limited expansion of the permanent membership by two nations - one of them Japan - and foreshadowing a major statement next week on specific criteria to be met by candidate countries.
Bush's demon-aid tactic strikes again
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Zarqawi tape 'magic': ABRACADABRA
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Lying and bullshitting the same thing
Australia: The Un-Australian Newspaper: "AS well as all the bullshit in politics, there's even more in our metaphoric and colloquial language. Bullshit is the subject of serious philosophical inquiry in a little book called On Bullshit, published by the 'highly respected' Princeton University Press. To the surprise and delight of the author, it's stampeding out of bookshops all over the world."
Is this our most dangerous Newspaper?
The Daily Terrorist should be managed with manacles and flown into Siberia via a jumbo jet tomorrow amid fears government fascists may attempt to use them again on someone else.
IRAQ: Washington gives up on Iraqi security forces?
According to a United Press International report published the next day, General John Abizaid, who directs all US military forces in the Middle East, described the progress in developing Iraqi forces to fight the anti-occupation resistance as "disappointing".
UN Dialogue among Civilizations
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Zarqawi' figment of the US imagination, used time, and time again! US propaganda 'terror monster' the alleged Al Qaeda's leader in Iraq has been used by the US and its Coalition of the Killing as an excuse so many times he has bled to death, surely?
BUSH ON TRIAL
Tuesday May 17, 2005, Brussels - Today, representatives of the World Tribunal on Iraq (WTI) delivered a law summon and invitation letter addressed to President Bush at the US Embassy in Brussels.
Iraqi police vent anger at US after car bombings
Iraqi police hurled insults at US soldiers after two suicide car bomb blasts in Baghdad killed at least seven people and left 19 wounded, including policemen. "It's all because you're here," a policeman shouted in Arabic at a group of US soldiers after the latest in a bloody wave of attacks that have rocked Baghdad this month. "Get out of our country and there will be no more explosions," he told the uncomprehending Americans staring at the smouldering wreck of a car bomb.
UK report shows Iraq war illegal: former defence chief
Ruling Class Lord Goldsmith said a final UN resolution may be needed, that hard evidence of Iraqi non-compliance may have been required, and the UK could face sanction by international courts.
300,000 Iraqis protest occupation and genocide
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Chanting "Death to America" and burning effigies of President Bush and Saddam Hussein, tens of thousands of Iraqis flooded central Baghdad on Saturday in what police called the largest anti-American protest since the fall of Baghdad, the capital, exactly two years ago.
Annan calls for human rights agency revamp!
The commission has been harshly criticised recently by human rights groups claiming it has become less of a body for upholding human rights, and more of a haven for violators.
Attacks kill 21 two years after Iraq invasion
IRAQ: At least 21 people were killed on Sunday in attacks mainly targeting US/Iraqi security forces on the two-year anniversary of the US-led illegal and degrading war on of Iraq.
Wolfowitz's World Bank nomination worries Oxfam
The head of Oxfam in Australia has raised concerns about the nomination of US Deputy Defence Secretary Paul Wolfowitz as the next head of the World Bank.
USA - FEELING THE HEAT FROM INTERNATIONAL FIRE:
It seems the United States of America (The World Watchdog) is dictating and practising double-standards --- a unique law for America and another set of laws for all other countries.
CALL TO ACTION of the ANTI-WAR ASSEMBLY
Two years after the invasion of Iraq, there is more opposition to the war in the US, in the coalition countries, and all over the world than ever before.
Returning veterans of Iraq/Afghanistan
In the last two years, nearly one million U.S. service-members have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Regardless of how you may feel about the war, most of us agree that those service-members deserve the best possible care and treatment our country can provide.
The Veil of Freedom
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Iraqi women eye Islamic law
BAGHDAD - Covered in layers of flowing black fabric that extend to the tips of her gloved hands, Jenan al-Ubaedy knows her first priority as one of some 90 women who will sit in the national assembly: implementing Islamic law.
IRAQ: Shiite and Sunnis to unite against occupation?
Iraq: "I call on all religious and political powers that pushed towards the elections and took part in them to issue an official statement calling for a timetable for the withdrawal of the occupation forces from Iraq", Moqtada al Sadr, the popular young Iraqi Shiite cleric who last year led an armed rebellion against the US-led occupation, declared on February 4.
Democracy, Iraqi style
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Violence continues ahead of Iraq Shoe Sale
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US transport company pulls out of Iraq
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Rumsfeld's war, torture and occupation ideology!
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Annan admits to a tough year
United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan admits he has had his worst year at the United Nations and he is looking forward to it being over.
Iraq sale to be contested by 100 buyers
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Fallujah refugees in desperate need of aid: UN
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UN panel proposes criteria for legitimate military action
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Indonesians rally against Fallujah assault
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UK politicians launch Blair impeachment bid
Parliamentarians and celebrity campaigners have launched a bid to impeach UK Prime Minister Tony Blair for "gross misconduct" over his justification for the Iraq war.
'This One's Faking He's Dead' 'He's Dead Now'
Fallujah: Video shows US soldier killing wounded insurgent in cold blood
by Andrew Buncombe in Washington.
US: Very superstitious? Writing's on the wall!
The US military says it has discovered close to 20 torture sites in the course of its massive attack against the resistance in the Iraqi city of Fallujah?
World Vision Aust pulls out of Iraq
The organisation says the country has simply become too dangerous and its decision to leave was made before the apparent murder of Care Australia's Iraq director Margaret Hassan.
US Senator slams !!! 'dysfunctional, rogue' CIA
Influential US Republican Senator John McCain blasted the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as a "dysfunctional" and "rogue" organisation that needs to be reformed.
Civilian death toll to rise in Fallujah
The attack on the Iraqi city of Fallujah has taken its toll on Iraqi civilians no doubt including children and young babies. Iraqi's have witnessed civilian casualties. Yesterday during the assault on the main hospital nurses and patients were blindfolded after the US/Iraq militia stormed the main hospital and took control.
Illusionary demons blamed for US led Attack Iraq, Fallujah
In the name of an illusionary figure thought up by US militants suggests that Al Qaeda's? ally "Abu Musab al-Zarqawi" has called on Muslims to take up arms against their US enemy as American militia attacked the Iraqi city of Fallujah? Just a coincidence or just good timing?
Full-scale attack on Fallujah begins
Correspondents say radio traffic heard at a US militant's staging post just outside Fallujah indicates US/Iraqi militia have moved at least four blocks into Fallujah, and are still advancing.
US/Iraqi militants storm Fallujah hospital
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US warplanes and artillery attack Fallujah!
Journalists [in-bed] with the US military say warplanes fired at suspected resistance targets around Fallujah as night fell on Sunday, while artillery shells pounded a nearby town.
State of emergency: Allawi 'killer of saints'
The US puppet, Iyad Allawi otherwise known as "Sock" killer of saints has declared a state of emergency for 60 days to quell violent resistance gripping the country ahead of January's shoe sale.
US Empire Votes For Pre-Emptive War!!!
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Saddam's family dismiss lawyer
The family of deposed Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein has dismissed the head of his defence team. Other team members had accused the lawyer, Mohammad Rashdan, of acting without consulting them.
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Iraqi civilian deaths put at 100,000
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Unknown News Update - 2009
More than 103 times as many people have been killed in these wars and occupations than in all terrorist attacks in the world from 1993-2004. About 241 times as many people have been killed in Afghanistan and Iraq than in the ghastly attacks of September 11, 2001.
Bushite group threatens civil liberties in Iraq
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US secretly moved prisoners out of Iraq for questioning: report
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Weapons inspectors missed WMD in Iraq
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US accused of breaching international law
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Allies 'planned' Iraq war despite denials
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Jordan's king doubts Iraqi elections possible
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Annan tells world leaders to respect law
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CO-OFFENDERS DO NOT REBUFF UN ON 'ILLEGAL WAR'
The 'coalition of the killing's' complicities - the US, Britain and Australia - have insisted that their countries' military action in Iraq was legal after they have committed war crimes against humanity.
Iraq war illegal, says Annan
United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan says the United States decision to invade Iraq in March 2003 was "illegal". Australia was a key supporter of the war on Iraq and sent troops to join the United States-led invasion last year.
Bush team 'knew of abuse' at Guantanamo
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Journalists ordered to leave Najaf as fighting continues
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Enemy Mortars attack opening of Iraqi summit
US Enemies have fired mortars at a meeting where Iraqi puppet government leaders met to pick an interim national assembly, killing at least two people.
Iraqi Women in the Occupation Prisons As Material and Means of Violations It is important to say at the beginning that there are many psychological, social and cultural obstacles for Iraqi women to talk openly about what they actually went through inside the occupation prisons.
Ancient Babylon ruined by foreign troops: Iraqi minister
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Whatcha Gonna Do, When They Come For You? Bad boy!
Former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was a threat and sought to possess weapons of mass destruction, United States President George W Bush reaffirmed when asked why no such weapons had been discovered in Iraq.
Saddam trial US propaganda
Saddam Hussein's trial will play an important part in the US election no doubt and for that to work at its potential just put a "women" behind it "She called the trials". Then add some "cleansing" like she's just doing the dishes and then some "reconciliation" by slaying Hussein during a US election. Now you can go and tell everyone you're reversing the trauma but really you're killing two birds with one Saddam.
